What are the Benefits of Oleophobic Coatings on Touchscreens?

From smartphones and tablets to computer monitors and automotive dashboard control panels, touchscreen technology is found just about everywhere you look. While the exact design and mechanics behind touchscreen devices varies, most of them are manufactured with a protective outer layer covering the display. Known as an oleophobic coating, it offers several key benefits worth noting. To learn more about oleophobic coatings and their use in touchscreen devices, keep reading.

One of the primary uses of oleophobic coatings is to protect against fingerprints. Being that the fundamental purpose of a touchscreen device is to support input via touch, they naturally attract fingerprint smudges. The good news is that fingerprints rarely cause any major issues. Over time, however, the accumulation of fingerprint smudges can affect the device’s accuracy. You may tap one app icon, only for the device to register touch on a different app icon. Oleophobic coatings are designed to reduce fingerprint smudges and other debris, creating a barrier of protection between the interface and out user’s fingers.

Oleophobic coatings offer another benefit when used on touchscreen devices: reduce screen glare. When the light hits a touchscreen device at just the right angle, it can create a blinding glare that reduces visibility of the display. An oleophobic coating, however, protects against this phenomenon, improving visibility and overall utility. Oleophobic coatings are designed to last for years. If it ever wears away or is otherwise removed, however, it can be replaced.

So, what exactly is an oleophobic coating made of? According to Wikipedia, most oleophobic coatings used on touchscreen devices consist of fluoropolymer-based solids (much like Teflon). Manufacturers must choose the appropriate compounds when creating oleophobic coatings, as it must exhibit lubricity to allow for a smoother feel.

To recap, oleophobic coatings are used to protect touchscreen devices from fingerprint smudges and reduce screen glare. It consists of special chemicals and compounds that repels water, including the water produced by your hands and fingers.

Even if your touchscreen device has an oleophobic coating, though, you should still get into the habit of cleaning it on a regular basis. An oleophobic coating will prove invaluable in preventing the accumulation of fingerprint smudges, but some smudges are bound to develop over timer. Cleaning the display with a rubbing alcohol works well for most devices, although there are also cleaning products available which are designed specifically for touchscreen devices.