3 Common Surface Treatments of the LCD: Anti-Glare, Anti-Reflection, and Anti-Fingerprint

Anti-glare, anti-reflection, and anti-fingerprint are three common surface treatments of the LCD to reduce visual interference and achieve better visual effects.

I. Understanding the glass surface treatments: AG, AR, AF

● AG (Anti-Glare) coating

AG coating makes the reflective surface of the LCD become a matte surface and changes the surface roughness by the method of chemical etching or spraying coat, to achieve a matte effect.

When the external light reflects onto the surface, diffuse reflection occurs, as to reduce the reflection of light. We can experience better vision and avoid glare.

Anti-glare glasses are commonly used for outdoor LCD display or display under strong light. Such as advertising screens, ATMs, POS cash registers, medical B-ultrasound displays, e-book readers, subway ticket checkers, etc.

● AF (Anti-Fingerprint) coating

AF coating is a layer of nano-materials on the surface of the glass by imitation of the lotus leaf effect. The surface has strong hydrophobicity, and can resist oil stains and fingerprint residuals.

It is smooth and comfortable to touch.

Anti-fingerprint coating can apply to all touch screens and only need to be on the front side of the glass (non-tin side).

II. How to quickly identify AG/AR/AF glass?

Here are some ways to quickly identify them through small experiments:

● AG glass

Put a piece of glass under a daylight lamp, then view the lamp from the glass.

If the light is dispersed, it’s an AG surface; and if that is clearly visible, it’s not.

● AR glass

Put a piece of ordinary glass and AR glass in front of the computer respectively.

The image through AR glass shows more clear than through ordinary glass.

● AF glass

Drops of water on the glass surface, if the water can roll freely, this is the AF surface.

Use a grease pen drawing lines on the surface of the glass, it is hard to mark on the surface with anti-finger coating.

III. Application Tips

To reduce visual interference and achieve better visual effects in different scenarios. The terminal design usually chooses a combination of multi-coating surface treatments of the LCD.

On the surface of AG, we can also add on an AR coating or apply other combinations, like AG + AF, AR + AF, and AG + AR + AF.

TPS has been committed to the display industry for more than ten years, and the product covers many fields.

Any questions or requirements on the cover glass and display module, contact us to get a connection with our technology team for further discussion.