How to restore an oleophobic coating? Oleophobic screen coating: what it is and why you need it.

In the description of almost every top smartphone, you can find the phrase "oleophobic coating" of the display / screen. Most people seem to understand what this is for - to repel dirt and grease from the surface of the display, but few people know what this coating is. Welcome to a small educational program.

Let's start by saying that the word oleophobic consists of two Greek words: oleo- oil, fat, and phobos- fear. A patent for this useful invention was obtained in 2005. The inventors are three Germans: Melanie Hoffmann, Dr. Gerhard Jonschker and Michael Overs.

After some time, the invention received practical use in Apple products, namely in the 3rd generation iPhone - 3GS. After that, the idea was picked up by other manufacturers. mobile phones, and today the displays of almost all smartphones in the middle and high price ranges have an oleophobic coating.

What is an oleophobic coating? This is a thin film of a mixture applied to the screen, consisting of: 0.1% - 10% alkylsilane, 0.01% to 10% silicone and solvent. Oleophobic coating is applied by vapor deposition method. Obviously, the coating will wear off over time. For example, on my iPhone 4, the first signs of wear on the oleophobic coating appeared after a month and a half - a “track” appeared at the bottom, as I guessed later, because of a seam in a jeans pocket. The layer completely disappeared after a few months. Below is a photo taken from the internet. The guy's coating was worn out primarily in the place where he touched the finger most of all. As I understand it, he was playing a fishing game.

In addition to the displays of smartphones and tablets themselves, the coating can be applied to protective films for the same displays.

How to prolong the life of an oleophobic coating? Manufacturers advise not to wipe the display surface with alcohol-based liquids or any other cleaning agent. On my own I will add: the coating wears out very much in the pocket of jeans when walking. But getting rid of dirt on a display with a wiped oleophobic coating is often difficult without some kind of Mr.Muscle (smiley).

About six months ago, in one of the local mobile electronics stores, they sold me liquid nano-protection for the display. It seemed to be supposed to protect it from scratches, but in practice it became an excellent tool for restoring the oleophobic coating.

I found this tool on AliExpress and now I use it regularly to reduce the number of fingerprints on my iPhones and Apple Watch, on which the native coating has long been erased.

I want to return the oleophobic coating to my iPhone! The main thing is inexpensive

Passed the oleophobic coating test on my Apple Watch after using the miracle liquid.

There is nothing complicated. One such tube is enough for me to apply the miracle liquid on two screens at once: iPhone and Apple Watch. Approximately 2/3 goes to the first device and 1/3 to the second.

How do I use it?

Step 1. Get rid of dust, dirt and fingerprints from the screen.

Step 2. Squeeze out the required amount of the contents of the tube in the middle of the device screen (I recommend 1/3 for a watch, 2/3 for a small smartphone and a whole for a large one).

Step 3. Take a microfiber cloth and gently rub the liquid over the display in an even layer.

Step 4. Wait about 5-10 minutes for the liquid to solidify.

Step 5. Buff the screen with another microfiber cloth until it is perfectly smooth.

Step 6. Wait another 30-40 minutes, and then start using the device fully.

That's all.

Since I actively use my devices, there is no native oleophobic coating on them for a long time. This is evident both by the sensations and by the test for a drop of water, which should not spread, as shown in the photo above.

This miracle liquid from AliExpress does not restore anti-fingerprint protection. However, she mimics it believably enough. In my opinion, the effect lasts from 2 to 4 months, which is very good.

You won't be able to replace the oleophobic coating, but apparently this gel has a similar composition, so it is excellent as a temporary solution.

By the way, on the iPhone 8 (Plus) or iPhone X, the liquid can be used not only from the front, but also from the back of the device. This will reduce the number of fingerprints, including on the back.

What is an oleophobic coating? Which side is it on the iPhone?

The presence of an oleophobic coating can be found in the description of almost every modern smartphone in the middle and high price range. Despite this, not everyone understands what it is and why it is needed.

Let's start with the word "Oleophobic"... It consists of two simple parts of Latin and Greek origin, respectively: oleo and phobos. The first defines the oily or greasy texture, and the second defines fear and horror.

Word "coating" there is no need to explain, and in total we get a surface that is not just not afraid of fat, but, on the contrary, repels and makes him afraid.

The exact composition of the oleophobic coating is not disclosed, but it is known that it contains 3 components: alkylsilane, silicone and solvent. It is they who create the very film that protects the screen of your device from sebum from fingers and other dirt.

The thing is cool! it nanometer film that covers the touch screens of iPhones and other devices. It is needed so that they do not collect fingerprints and other dirt, or at least do it noticeably less. However, it was not always used.

The patent for the invention of an oleophobic coating was obtained on July 20, 2005 by German scientists Melanie Hoffmann, Dr. Gerhard Jonschker and Dr. Michael Overs.

The components included in the composition of the coating are applied to the screen by spraying using 2 methods: vapor deposition or using silicon dioxide.

It is impossible to see the oleophobic coating with the naked eye. However, it can be felt. A finger glides on a touch screen with such a film much better than on ordinary glass, and this is another advantage of it.

Despite the patent of German scientists, thanks for the appearance of such a coating on screens modern smartphones need Apple. It was her engineers who at one time created an improved oleophobic composition and first used it on the iPhone 3Gs screen.

In the future, other manufacturers began to make displays with an oleophobic coating. But to reduce the cost of the device, many of them (especially the Chinese) began to apply it not to the screen itself, but to an additional film glued to it from the box. By getting rid of it, you usually lose protection from dirt.

Wow! And how to check if there is such coverage on the iPhone or not?

In addition to the obvious benefits of an oleophobic coating, which reduces the amount of dirt on the screen and improves the tactile sensation of using a smartphone, it also has big disadvantage- fragility.

The more you use your smartphone, the faster it will lose the oleophobic coating that covers its screen.

You cannot contradict the laws of nature, therefore the coating is slowly and surely erased. This is usually especially noticeable at the bottom of the display, where you will find switching between application sections and most other controls.

On older devices, the problem was critical. For example, on iPhone 3Gs in the Slide to unlock location, the coverage wore off in a couple of months. Today, things are not so sad, but the problem still remains.

To check for oleophobic coating, you need to draw some water into a pipette and drop it onto the screen of your device. If the water spreads and leaves a trace, the film has long been worn out. If it collects into a drop, which moves on the display as a whole, until it has time.

Uneven coating erasure will be noticeable by the droplet behavior on the screen. In some places it will roll freely, and in others it will simply spread.

Be extremely careful during this experiment. Do not allow water to enter the earpiece or under iPhone buttons and other smartphones. In principle, one can not be afraid of the consequences only on new devices protected from moisture according to IP67, IP68 and similar standards.

The oleophobic coating is gradually erased, but that's not all ...

Manufacturers as one strive to ensure that the image on the smartphone screen is as close to its surface as possible. They want you to literally feel the touch of the device's interface, so they reduce the thickness of the layers that cover the display.

Of course, the oleophobic coating does not get thicker either, and the nanoscale protective layer is fairly easy to damage.

Driving your finger across the screen. Again, the more often you use your smartphone, the faster you erase the protective layer of its screen.

You move your fingers back and forth across the display and gradually reduce the thickness of this film, which eventually disappears.

Any fabric with a coarse pile. It does not better affect the screen and contact with various fabrics. Even if you don't rub it with something rough, you are sure to put your iPhone in your jeans pocket, which inevitably erases that very coating.

Likewise, it is affected by ordinary paper and even some overly abrasive napkins.

Solvents and derivatives. If they hit the iPhone screen, it is fraught with the oleophobic coating. Some can even eat away safety glass display to the matrix.

Wet and car wipes. Almost all hygiene antiseptics and degreasing cosmetics contain alcohol, which will wear off the finish.

Anything that contains alcohol. There are enough alcohol-containing substances around us, except for napkins. Even your eau de toilette probably contains it, so make sure it does not get on your iPhone screen.

Moreover, it is alcohol that workers of mobile electronics stores most often use to degrease the screen of smartphones during glass or film stickers.

Cheap protective films and glasses. Some of them may contain low-quality glue, which will literally eat up the oleophobic coating.

Direct sunlight. They also negatively affect coverage. iPhone screen.

How to keep an oleophobic coating on iPhone longer

At first, wipe the display only with a soft cloth - preferably microfiber, which is also used to keep glasses and other accessories clean.

Microfiber, also called microfiber, is made up of nylon fibers, polyester, and other molecular compounds. It was invented in 1976 precisely to remove dirt from sensitive surfaces, so this solution will suit you.

Secondly Do not use chemicals or other harsh substances even to clean stubborn iPhone dirt.

Even the dirtiest smartphone can be completely cleaned with a slightly damp microfiber. Just wet it with plain water, try to squeeze out as much as possible and wipe your favorite smartphone.

Thirdly, avoid carrying your iPhone in your pocket, or use cases that cover your device's screen.

The less friction the smartphone screen gets, the better. The easiest way is to put it in a backpack or bag, then it will not rub against the fabric when you are just moving.

Fourth, try not to leave your iPhone on a windowsill, on a holder in a car, on the beach, or in other places with easy access to sunlight.

It is best to hide it in a place inaccessible to them, and the battery and other components of the device will also thank you for this.

Fifth, try to glue on the screen expensive smartphone only branded protective films and glasses. They should not contain components harmful to the oleophobic coating.

As practice shows, these 5 simple tips together they will help you to extend the life of the oleophobic layer from 6 to 12 months and even 2 years.

And if you don't want to go to AliExpress? Need to change the whole screen?

If you are confused by all these Aliexpress invisible film repair miracle liquids, you can also use one of the others. safe ways to restore the oleophobic coating of the iPhone screen.

The cheapest in this case will be protective glass or film for a smartphone screen with an oleophobic coating. Usually it is not applied only to frankly cheap solutions, but now you have an understanding of how to check the surface for the presence of a special layer.

The most expensive option would be iPhone screen replacement on new. It sounds crazy, but this is a good solution if yours already has cracks or other factors that motivate you to replace.

However, I still think that using an inexpensive liquid is much easier in most cases. It will not give a permanent effect, but even a couple of months for only 122 rubles. worth it.

If you are tired of permanent fingerprints on your smartphone screen, then we recommend that you figure out what an oleophobic coating is. Find out why it wears out, and new smartphone over time, it turns into a soiled and dirty creature that can get dirty after the first long conversation on the phone.

What is oleophobic coating

A thin film of nanometer thickness capable of repelling grease from any surface, mainly from touch screen... The coating was patented on July 20, 2005 by three German scientists, and later launched into the mass market by Apple and other smartphone manufacturers. Unfortunately, with active use, it lives no more than six months.

How to check for an oleophobic coating

It is quite easy to check for its presence, just drop a drop of water on the screen, if the liquid spreads across the display unevenly - there is no coating or it is worn out. A completely new coating easily repels water, and a drop, sliding across the screen, does not lose its shape and does not leave a trace.

Not to mention the banal fingerprints, which touching the screen are quite difficult to leave or notice. Note that the oleophobic coating covers mainly touch-sensitive smartphones of the middle and high price ranges.

How does an oleophobic coating wear out?

With active use of a smartphone, the coverage lasts no more than six months. Wear resistance is hampered not only by constant contact with the fingers of the owner of the device, but also by the banal friction of the smartphone screen against various clothing materials.

In other words, the more often you wipe the screen, the thinner the coating becomes, the more it wears off before it completely disappears - inevitability.

How to restore an oleophobic coating

The first way is cheap

Just buy a protective glass or film with an oleophobic coating. Keep in mind, if you stick such a protective material on a new smartphone that has not yet worn out its oleophobic coating, later you risk peeling off the protective material and the coating.

The second way is dubious

Take advantage of " folk remedies», Which have spread over the Internet in a wide variety. Their essence is to buy any water / dirt-repellent nano-liquid created to protect car windows and apply it to the smartphone screen.

You can experiment at your own peril and risk, since it is not clear how non-toxic and safe the materials of such a product are with daily contact with the skin.

The third way is adequate

Order on eBay a special liquid Fusso SmartPhone from the Land of the Rising Sun (Japan) or its equivalent. The tool has been known on the market since the iPhone 3GS and has proven itself quite well. The cost of such a pleasure is about 1000 rubles for 3 ml.

The liquid applies a new layer of oleophobic coating to the smartphone screen, which will last you up to six months of active use. After the next wear - repeat! Works on all types of screens. :)

The fourth way is expensive

To come in service center and ask to replace the smartphone screen with a new one. There is only one drawback - it is expensive and unreasonable.

If you are tired of permanent fingerprints on your smartphone screen, then we recommend that you figure out what an oleophobic coating is. Find out why it wears out, and a new smartphone eventually turns into a soiled and dirty creature that can get dirty after the first long conversation on the phone.

What is oleophobic coating

A thin, nanometer-thick film capable of repelling grease from any surface, primarily a touch screen. The coating was patented on July 20, 2005 by three German scientists, and later launched into the mass market by Apple and other smartphone manufacturers. Unfortunately, it lives with active use for no more than six months.

How to check for an oleophobic coating

It is quite easy to check for its presence, just drop a drop of water on the screen, if the liquid spreads across the display unevenly - there is no coating or it is worn out. A completely new coating easily repels water, and a drop, sliding across the screen, does not lose its shape and does not leave a trace.

Not to mention the banal fingerprints, which touching the screen are quite difficult to leave or notice. Note that the oleophobic coating covers mainly touch-sensitive smartphones of the middle and high price ranges.

How does an oleophobic coating wear out?

With active use of a smartphone, the coverage lasts no more than six months. Wear resistance is hampered not only by constant contact with the fingers of the owner of the device, but also by the banal friction of the smartphone screen against various clothing materials.

In other words, the more often you wipe the screen, the thinner the coating becomes, the more it wears off before it completely disappears - inevitability.

"Tip: Don't use alcohol-based cleaners to wipe the screen. This know-how will immediately remove the oleophobic coating."

How to restore an oleophobic coating

The first way is cheap

Just buy a protective glass or film with an oleophobic coating. Keep in mind, if you stick such a protective material on a new smartphone that has not yet worn out its oleophobic coating, later you run the risk of peeling off the protective material and the coating.

The second way is dubious

Use "folk remedies", which have spread across the Internet in a wide variety. Their essence is to buy any water / dirt-repellent nano-liquid created to protect car windows and apply it to the smartphone screen.

You can experiment at your own peril and risk, since it is not clear how non-toxic and safe the materials of such a product are with daily contact with the skin.

The third way is adequate

Order on eBay a special liquid Fusso SmartPhone from the Land of the Rising Sun (Japan) or its equivalent. The tool has been known on the market since the iPhone 3GS and has proven itself quite well. The cost of such a pleasure is about 1000 rubles for 3 ml.

The liquid applies a new layer of oleophobic coating to the smartphone screen, which will last you up to six months of active use. After the next wear - repeat! Works on all types of screens. :)

The fourth way is expensive

Come to the service center and ask to replace the smartphone screen with a new one. There is only one drawback - it is expensive and unreasonable.

An oleophobic coating is a very thin, nanometer-thick film that, due to its composition, repels grease and grease contaminants from the touch screen. In other words, it is a coating on the surface of the screen that prevents it from getting dirty. It is completely imperceptible with your fingers, but it noticeably cleans the glossy surfaces of the displays. The name of this protective layer is derived from the Greek word "oleo", which means "oil". The oleophobic coating contains 0.1-10% alkylsilane, 0.01-10% silicone and some solvent.

Until a few years ago, the coating was applied using heat. Now there are two technologies that allow you to save normal temperature... When using the former, the oleophobic coating is applied by vapor deposition. The second method is based on the use of silicon dioxide. In both cases, the composition of the coating is applied by spray, which has a positive effect on the quality of the coating.

History of oleophobic coating

This type of protective coating was invented by German scientists Melanie Hoffmann, Jonker and Overs. On July 25, 2005, they patented their coating, and a little later Apple applied for a patent for an improved coating.

Since 2012, it has been used in smartphones. The very first phone to receive an oleophobic coating was the Iphone 3GS. After that, it began to be used by other manufacturers. Today, this coating is applied not only to device displays, but also to protective films for the same displays.

Preservation of the oleophobic coating

At its nanometer thickness, the coating is subject to abrasion. This can happen for various reasons. Firstly, the protective layer is erased when using the phone in games, which are controlled by frequent touches to the display of the device.

Secondly, the device does not have a case, and the display is constantly in contact with clothes, the lining of a bag, and so on.

In order to prolong the use of the oleophobic coating, do not expose the device to direct sunlight, allowing it to heat up. It is also not recommended to wipe the display with various cleaning agents that include alcohol-based liquids or any abrasives.