Matte to Glossy?

So call me crazy, but I'm curious. Is there anywhere I can buy a screen protector to "glossify" my matte screen? Also, since glossy screens are basically just a coating on top of matte, I should expect all the trade-offs of going glossy with a film right? (More glare, better color contrast, etc).

 

Wrong way. You can make a glossy screen matte, but not the other way around.

 

Hi there crazy, er, I mean, minimo!

You're not really crazy, honestly. I've seen exactly that kind of product on sale here in the UK - a glossy film that you apply to the screen. It claims that it will protect the screen, in addition to giving matte screens a glossy finish (it also claims that it will give you the added benifits of glossy screens - better colour contrast, sharper images, etc).

So, I would imagine that you could get hold of a similar film in the USA. (I'll have a quick Google and see what I can find.)

 

how can u make a glossy screen matte?

 

Products are made for security purposes. The user can only view the screen from certain angles. It is a bit extreme, but it produces a similar effect.

 

eh? what does that mean

 

Here are a couple of links that I've found ...

http://www.tapeplus.com/computer-screen-protectors.html
http://www.overstock.com/?page=proframe&prod_id=2332811
http://shinza.com/product_info.php?products_id=50

Basically, the products are films that you apply to your notebook screen to protect it against scratches, fingerprints and damage from rubbing against the keyboard when closed.

However, they also come in either glossy or matte finishes, which when applied can give a glossy look to matte screens (for richer colours and improved contrast) or can convert glossy screens into matte ones (to reduce the highly-reflective quality of glossy screens that some people dislike).

Hope this helps.

 

Just had another Google, and found a security filter of the type that Homer_Jay_Thompson mentioned: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824996702

It reduces the viewing angles so that only someone sat directly in front of the screen can see what's being displayed. I would think though that unless you had a specific need for this, then an ordinary screen protector would be more suitable (whether glossy or anti-glare).

Oh and here's another glossifying film, minimo : 15.4" Widescreen Screen Protector from frys.com

... just because I think glossify is such a fabulous word.

 

oooo thx
so its just cheaper to get a laptop with gloss then change it with those screen protectors to matte right?

 

I'm not sure ... you'd have to research the options for the notebook that you're interested in, then find a protector to fit, and compare prices from there. Usually though it's the glossy screens that are more expensive.

Also bear in mind that buying the kind of screen that you want from the start is probably going to give you a better quality display. I've never seen one of these screen protectors in use myself, so can't comment on their effectiveness, sorry.

If you're interested in a screen protector, the best advice I can offer is to try to see a demonstration of the product 'in the flesh' before you buy. Good luck!

 

Thanks a bunch for the options! I will investigate them and see if I can find one that matches my needs.

 

Hmm.... I wonder if you could sand blast your glossy screen and turn it into a matte screen.. Although I wouldn't suggest trying this unless you absolutly don't care about the laptop your doing it to.

 

Glossy screens aren't just a shiny surface. Usually, the screens themselves are brighter and more vivid, and the glossy screen enhances that.

From what I've heard of course