In the era of ubiquitous screens, solutions that not only protect displays but also significantly enhance the comfort of everyday use are becoming increasingly important. The basic form of protection is the so-called cover – most often in the form of protective glass – which acts as an effective barrier against accidental and intentional damage. To increase the durability and functionality of the device, the cover can be additionally equipped with coatings that give it specific properties. Coatings can be divided into two types: protective – such as Anti-UV or Anti-Shatter – which secure the screen against external factors, and functional – such as Anti-Glare, Anti-Reflective, Anti-Fingerprint, or Anti-Microbial – which improve user comfort.
Table of Contents
This article presents solutions used in various projects – from consumer and commercial devices to the most demanding industrial applications.
Multilayer Display Protection
Modern display protection technologies allow combining protective glass with different types of coatings into one integrated structure. Such solutions work well in demanding conditions without affecting image quality or touch sensitivity. Although invisible to the user, they significantly increase comfort of use, reduce the risk of screen damage, and improve the safety of working with the device. For electronics designers, it is a way to increase the durability and functionality of the display without changing the housing structure.
Protective Glass
The use of protective glass is one of the basic solutions to improve screen durability. A properly selected glass pane effectively protects the display against mechanical damage, external factors, and wear and tear – without affecting the operation of the touch layer.
Tempered Glass
One of the most commonly used protective materials is tempered glass. Thanks to the thermal treatment process, it gains increased strength, and in the event of breakage, it shatters into small, blunt fragments, minimizing the risk of injury. This type of glass is widely used in devices designed for operation in public spaces.
Chemically Strengthened Glass
Chemically strengthened glass is a popular alternative to tempered glass, especially where slim design and lightweight material matter. To increase its strength, it undergoes a bath in a potassium salt solution, which causes ion exchange that reinforces the surface layer. The resulting stresses significantly increase the glass’s resistance to scratches and point pressure. This makes it possible to use thinner layers without compromising strength – an ideal solution for projects requiring compact and aesthetically pleasing display modules.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is a reinforced structure consisting of several layers of glass bonded with film (e.g., PVB or EVA), which increases its strength. In the event of breakage, the film keeps the fragments together, preventing them from scattering. Thanks to increased impact resistance, such laminates are widely used in devices intended for public spaces.
Protective glass, regardless of the chosen variant, represents the optimal form of display protection. When properly selected, it not only increases resistance to mechanical and environmental factors but also influences the long-term durability of the module.
It is worth noting that the level of mechanical protection provided by the glass can be precisely determined – the IK rating scale is used for this purpose, as described in our article: IK Rating – How to Protect Displays Against Mechanical Damage?
Anti-Glare (AG)
The Anti-Glare (AG) coating is one of the basic solutions used to improve screen readability in conditions of intense lighting, both artificial and natural. It works by scattering incoming light through microscopic irregularities on the coating’s surface. As a result, the mirror-like reflection effect is reduced, and the displayed content is legible from all angles. However, the Anti-Glare coating may slightly affect image contrast.
Anti-Reflective (AR)
The Anti-Reflective (AR) coating is one of the most effective solutions used to improve display readability in demanding lighting conditions. Its main purpose is to reduce external light reflections that could hinder reading the displayed content. Unlike the Anti-Glare (AG) layer, the AR coating works on the principle of optical interference – it reduces light reflections by applying thin, transparent layers of precisely chosen thickness and refractive indices. This makes it possible to lower the reflection level to around 2%, significantly improving image readability regardless of surrounding conditions. Additionally, the AR layer also enhances the aesthetics of the screen – it eliminates the “mirror” effect and improves overall visual impressions.
Below are the most popular structural schemes for AR coatings:
| Glass sensor types | Structure of glass sensor |
|---|---|
| Polarizer, 6% light reflection |  |
| Polarizer + front AR film; 4,5% light reflection |  |
| front and rear AR film, 2% light reflection |  |
Anti-Shatter (AS)
The Anti-Shatter (AS) coating plays a key role in protecting screens – in the event of glass breakage, it holds the fragments together, preventing them from scattering. This effectively protects both the user and the device’s interior from further damage.
AS coatings are available in different hardness levels (most commonly 3H or 7H), allowing the level of protection to be adjusted to the project’s requirements. An additional advantage is their high transparency – typical light transmittance reaches around 89% (±3%), so they do not significantly affect image quality.
Anti-UV
Long-term exposure of displays to sunlight, not only in outdoor devices but also those placed in sunlit interiors, can lead to gradual degradation of optical components. Liquid crystals, polarizers, or optical adhesives are particularly sensitive to ultraviolet radiation – its excess causes irreversible changes such as discoloration, deterioration of contrast and brightness, and, in extreme cases, even permanent matrix damage.
The solution to this problem is the use of an Anti-UV coating. Its main task is to reduce UV radiation penetration, thereby protecting sensitive device components. Applying this layer makes it possible to maintain optimal image quality for a long time, even in unfavorable environmental conditions.
Anti-Fingerprint (AF)
The cleanliness and aesthetics of the display play an important role both in visual perception and in user comfort. The Anti-Fingerprint (AF) coating, also known as oleophobic, was developed to reduce the adhesion of grease and other contaminants to the screen surface, making fingerprints less visible and making it much easier to keep the display clean. The AF layer creates a smooth, hydrophobic surface that also improves interaction quality – the finger glides across it more smoothly.
Anti-Microbial (AM) Coatings
Touch panels placed in public spaces are used daily by hundreds or even thousands of people. Each of them leaves “traces” in the form of microorganisms on their surfaces, which can pose a biological hazard. To ensure user safety, manufacturers increasingly choose to use antimicrobial coatings designed to reduce microorganism proliferation and effectively lower their numbers.
The most popular solutions are based on silver nanoparticles. Although their effects have been studied for decades, the biocidal mechanism of this element is still not fully understood. An alternative is coatings developed, among others, by Kastus, based on a different chemical formula. Their advantage is exceptional durability – they provide protection for the entire lifetime of the panel without the need for reapplication.
The effectiveness of reducing microorganisms for both types of coatings is estimated at no less than 99.9%.
Examples of Selected Coating Applications
The choice of appropriate coatings – both protective and functional – depends on the specifics of the application, working environment, and user expectations. Below are several examples of applications where specific combinations work best – in terms of both durability and user experience.
In the case of self-checkout machines in stores, which are designed to operate in intensely lit environments and are heavily used, a combination of protective glass with Anti-Shatter, Anti-Glare or Anti-Reflective, and Anti-Fingerprint coatings works well. An Anti-Microbial layer can be added as an optional hygiene-enhancing layer – although in this type of application it is not always necessary.
In patient service management systems – located in clinics and hospitals – not only readability but also hygiene are of particular importance. Depending on the type of device, different sets of coatings are used:
- number ticket terminals are equipped with protective glass and coatings such as Anti-Shatter, Anti-Glare or Anti-Reflective, Anti-Fingerprint, and – crucial in medical environments – the Anti-Microbial coating, which reduces the risk of pathogen transmission;
- information displays mounted on walls, which do not require interaction, are often equipped only with an Anti-Glare or Anti-Reflective coating to improve content visibility regardless of lighting conditions.
For devices designed for outdoor use – such as ticket machines, parking meters, information kiosks, vending machines, or fuel dispensers – it is crucial to ensure resistance to weather conditions, UV radiation, and mechanical damage. The key element is properly selected protective glass, integrated with coatings such as Anti-UV or Anti-Shatter. To minimize light reflections caused by sunlight, Anti-Glare or Anti-Reflective coatings are applied. However, it should be emphasized that in outdoor applications, effective protection means not only selecting the right components but also designing a properly sealed housing to protect the device from contaminants – including dust and water (more on this topic in the article: IP Rating – What Does IP65 Code Really Mean?).
In industrial environments – e.g., operator panels on production lines – protective glass combined with an Anti-Glare or Anti-Reflective coating is most commonly used. Depending on the intensity of use, it is also worth considering an Anti-Fingerprint coating.
We approach each project individually – selecting the right type and thickness of glass and the protective and functional coatings applied to it. It is not always necessary to use all available layers. A properly chosen configuration provides effective protection against damage, resistance to external factors, and improved usability.
Remember the Basics – First Choose the Right Display
Coatings are just one element of a comprehensive approach to designing devices with screens. The key stage is the selection of the right components – primarily the display itself. Check what to pay attention to by using our guides:
🔗 Part 1: Technological Basics and Types of Displays
🔗 Part 2: Dimensions, Formats, and Device Integration
🔗 Part 3: Operation, Durability, Additional Functions
