I have read many mixed reviews of this glass screen protector here, on other forums, and on Amazon.
Amazon's the best, IMO, because you're reading product reviews from real everyday normal folks from all different walks, so the compilation of reviews includes the whole range of skill level.
Inarguably, the Whitestone Dome Glass protector is probably THE MOST difficult to install, save the fact that the kit includes an allignment jig that helps installation inmeasurably. I recently did this (this evening) and can't imagine attempting this without such a jig, though I understand similar UV activated glue is available to use with separately sold glass protectors.
So I'll start with some background info to set the scene for accuracy...
I'm a landscaper by day, but a jeweler part time. That means I chunk heavy crap around all day long like a farmer, but on the weekends I show off my dexterity like a watchmaker.
That's important, because this installation requires steady, confident hands, much forethought, patience, and it ain't cheap!
Sooooo...
Let me say that I was really nervous. I already accepted the idea that I might have to decide whether to purchase another one or go a different route and just choke on losing 45 dollars.
I watched 8 YouTube videos on installation, including one completely failed installation, and a demonstration on the removal of one.
The package arrived today but was outside the house in the cold. Of course I wanted to pop it on immediately, but figured that it should warm up to temperature first.
During that time I prepped my table. I used a marble to see if it was level. During preparation, i also prepared myself for the possibility of failure. LOL!
I layed out all of the items like I was about to perform surgery.
CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN!
Use those dust removal stickers! Even after you let the glue fall and remove the "bridge", check again for dust.
Don't flail about to much. That simply stirs up dust.
"Relax", is the best advice I can give. Peeling the backing off the glass from underneath it so dust that's in the air doesn't land on the inside surface sounds like a logical idea, and you should, but static from peeling it can become a pain.
If you're calm enough, you can do this just like the videos.
I wiped the edges after the first and second curing with the UV light. I did end up with excess flow out one side, and on the other side during the second wipe down, I had an ever so tiny bubble (if you'd even call it that) on the edge. The bubble was from wiping away the partially curred glue, which pulled a tiny, TINY bit out. (Literally one third the size of the exposed part of the SPen tip.)
I remedied this OCD-killer by using a toothpick dabbed in what remained at the top of the glue tube and simply touched it to the edge, which sucked it right in to fill the tiny void.
I used the UV light several times with the idea that it simply couldn't hurt to do it as often as I could.
My screen literally looks like a perfect install. Absolutely fantastic, as Sakitech would say!
I would say the skill level required for this is about average, but you really have only one chance to get it right, and there are a few steps that need to be followed perfectly or else they can trip you up.
Watch those videos. Many show people doing an imperfect installation with decent or good results, but after watching several you'll see just how to avoid mishaps.
On a different note, I did notice something very strange while utilizing the UV light; there is a weird shape in the center of the screen that shows up under the light. I have no idea what it is, but it shows as a slightly different color in the center third of the screen, nearly full length with rounded corners and perfectly symmetrical. I'm assuming it's an adhesive beneath the screen for the interactive SPen screen? I dunno. Kinda neat.
Anyway, after reading reviews stating problems with lifting of the edges of the Whitestone Dome, I figured I would contribute here by checking in and giving updates as to the longevity of this very beautiful, but slightly expensive and fiddly (to say the least) installing screen protector.
Feel free to ask any questions.
Amazon's the best, IMO, because you're reading product reviews from real everyday normal folks from all different walks, so the compilation of reviews includes the whole range of skill level.
Inarguably, the Whitestone Dome Glass protector is probably THE MOST difficult to install, save the fact that the kit includes an allignment jig that helps installation inmeasurably. I recently did this (this evening) and can't imagine attempting this without such a jig, though I understand similar UV activated glue is available to use with separately sold glass protectors.
So I'll start with some background info to set the scene for accuracy...
I'm a landscaper by day, but a jeweler part time. That means I chunk heavy crap around all day long like a farmer, but on the weekends I show off my dexterity like a watchmaker.
That's important, because this installation requires steady, confident hands, much forethought, patience, and it ain't cheap!
Sooooo...
Let me say that I was really nervous. I already accepted the idea that I might have to decide whether to purchase another one or go a different route and just choke on losing 45 dollars.
I watched 8 YouTube videos on installation, including one completely failed installation, and a demonstration on the removal of one.
The package arrived today but was outside the house in the cold. Of course I wanted to pop it on immediately, but figured that it should warm up to temperature first.
During that time I prepped my table. I used a marble to see if it was level. During preparation, i also prepared myself for the possibility of failure. LOL!
I layed out all of the items like I was about to perform surgery.
CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN!
Use those dust removal stickers! Even after you let the glue fall and remove the "bridge", check again for dust.
Don't flail about to much. That simply stirs up dust.
"Relax", is the best advice I can give. Peeling the backing off the glass from underneath it so dust that's in the air doesn't land on the inside surface sounds like a logical idea, and you should, but static from peeling it can become a pain.
If you're calm enough, you can do this just like the videos.
I wiped the edges after the first and second curing with the UV light. I did end up with excess flow out one side, and on the other side during the second wipe down, I had an ever so tiny bubble (if you'd even call it that) on the edge. The bubble was from wiping away the partially curred glue, which pulled a tiny, TINY bit out. (Literally one third the size of the exposed part of the SPen tip.)
I remedied this OCD-killer by using a toothpick dabbed in what remained at the top of the glue tube and simply touched it to the edge, which sucked it right in to fill the tiny void.
I used the UV light several times with the idea that it simply couldn't hurt to do it as often as I could.
My screen literally looks like a perfect install. Absolutely fantastic, as Sakitech would say!
I would say the skill level required for this is about average, but you really have only one chance to get it right, and there are a few steps that need to be followed perfectly or else they can trip you up.
Watch those videos. Many show people doing an imperfect installation with decent or good results, but after watching several you'll see just how to avoid mishaps.
On a different note, I did notice something very strange while utilizing the UV light; there is a weird shape in the center of the screen that shows up under the light. I have no idea what it is, but it shows as a slightly different color in the center third of the screen, nearly full length with rounded corners and perfectly symmetrical. I'm assuming it's an adhesive beneath the screen for the interactive SPen screen? I dunno. Kinda neat.
Anyway, after reading reviews stating problems with lifting of the edges of the Whitestone Dome, I figured I would contribute here by checking in and giving updates as to the longevity of this very beautiful, but slightly expensive and fiddly (to say the least) installing screen protector.
Feel free to ask any questions.
