A Guide to Selecting Touchscreen Surface Coatings: Balancing Performance, Cost, and Application Requirements
News 2025-08-29
The touchscreen surface coating is a functional film layer applied to the screen surface. It is engineered through specialized materials and processes to enhance the touch experience, improve durability, and extend environmental adaptability.
Choosing an inappropriate touchscreen coating can lead to:
Industrial Settings: Glare under strong light causing operational errors (↑ risk of accidents)
Medical Environments: Chemical corrosion leading to coating peeling (↑ risk of cross-infection)
Outdoor Equipment: Failure of hydrophobic layer resulting in false touches (↑ maintenance costs)
一. Technical Principles: How Do Co atings Work?
In the field of capacitive touchscreens, AG (Anti-Glare), AR (Anti-Reflection), and AF (Anti-Fingerprint) are three core surface treatment technologies. They address critical issues in display interaction through distinct physical and chemical mechanisms. These technologies not only impact the user’s visual experience but also directly determine the reliability and service life of touchscreens in complex environments.
Touchscreen Surface Coating — Principles of the Three Major Coating Technologies
AG coating creates a micron-level rough structure (Ra ≤ 3 μm) on the glass surface through hydrofluoric acid etching or SiO₂ physical spraying. This microscopically irregular surface causes incident light to undergo diffuse reflection rather than specular reflection, fundamentally disrupting the optical conditions that cause glare. This technology is particularly suitable for high-light outdoor environments or strong-light medical settings.
AF (Anti-Fingerprint):
Based on the lotus leaf effect, AF coating applies fluorine-terminated groups (e.g., perfluorocarbons or residues containing perfluorocarbons; refer to （US 2009/0197048 A1） onto the glass cover. This coating imparts certain hydrophobic and oleophobic properties to the glass, minimizing the likelihood of water and oil wetting the surface.
AR (Anti-Reflection):
AR coating involves depositing multiple optical thin films (such as alternating layers of Nb₂O₅ and SiO₂) on the glass surface. Using the principle of thin-film interference, it causes destructive interference in reflected light. According to the Fresnel equation, reflectivity R = ((n₁ – n₂)/(n₁ + n₂))². This technology not only enhances display contrast but also preserves image detail integrity in high-light environments, making it especially suitable for applications requiring high-fidelity color reproduction.
| Coating Type | Molecular Mechanism | Physical Effect |
| AG (Anti-Glare) | Surface-etched micro-pits (Depth: 1–5 μm) | Light scattering → Reflectance reduced to < 2% |
| AF (Anti-Fingerprint) | Low surface energy from fluorosilanes (< 20 mN/m) | Oil contact angle > 110° → Bead-up and roll-off |
| AR (Anti-Reflection) | Optical interference layers (Thickness: λ/4) | Light transmittance increased to > 95% |
二. Core Performance: Touchscreen surface
2.1 Substrate Differences
Different substrates (e.g., glass, plastic, metal) exhibit significant differences in coating compatibility, adhesion, and performance.
| Substrate Type | Recommended Coating | Compatibility Issues |
| Soda-lime glass | AF/AR composite coating | AG coating adhesion < 5B (per ASTM D3359) |
| Chemically strengthened glass | Low-temperature cure AF (< 150°C) | High-temp pretreatment reduces glass strength↓30% |
| PET film | Flexible UV-cured coating | Insufficient hardness leads to scratching |
2.2 Process Differences
| Coating Type | Processing Method | Description / Key Technology |
| Anti-Glare (AG) | -Chemical Etching –AG Film Application | -Acid etching creates micro-surface irregularities -PET film substrate coated with microparticle resin |
| Anti-Fingerprint (AF) | -Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) -Solvent-based Coating -UV-Cured Nano-coating | -Vacuum deposition of fluoride compounds -Application of fluorosilane compound solutions (EP 0 844 265 A1) -UV-polymerized fluoropolymer coatings (DE 198 48 591 A1) |
| Anti-Reflection (AR) | -Vacuum Thin-Film Coating -Sol-Gel Nano-coating -Moth-Eye Nanostructure | -Vacuum deposition of multi-layer optical films (e.g., MgF₂, SiO₂, TiO₂) -Spray or dip coating of nano-materials -Etched nanoscale surface structures |
2.3 Functional Differences
⚠️ Warning: High-haze AG coatings (Haze >20%) are not recommended for medical scenarios, as they can obscure residue from pathogens.
| Coating | AG Coating | AR Coating | AF Coating |
| Core Function | Reduce glare | Enhance light transmittance | Resist oil and stains |
| Haze Value | 20%-50% | ＜3% | ＜5% |
| Suitable Substrates | Glass / Polycarbonate | Optical glass | All smooth surfaces |
| Failure Risk | False touch rate in bright light↑50% | Fails when reflectance >4% | Fails when hydrophobic angle <90° |
2.4 Application Differences
| Coating Type | Best Applications | Key Benefits |
| AG (Anti-Glare) | Indoor/office equipment, reading devices | Enhances visual comfort in bright environments |
| AF (Anti-Fingerprint) | Touch-enabled devices | Reduces maintenance frequency, improves touch experience |
| AR (Anti-Reflection) | Outdoor equipment, high-definition displays | Ensures maximum clarity and contrast in all lighting conditions |
三. Service Life: Touchscreen surface coatings Cost Considerations
Coating costs vary significantly, primarily due to raw material processing (substrates/coating solvents/equipment investment and energy consumption), durability, and maintenance requirements over the product lifecycle.
3.1 Cost Breakdown of Single-Layer Coating Processing
(Substrates / Coating Solvents / Equipment Investment and Energy Consumption)
| Coating Type | Surface Treatment Process | Materials / Cost Drivers | Cost Range | Durability | Application Scenarios |
| AG (Anti-Glare) | Chemical Etching(High-Precision) | High-purity glass + etching agents (e.g., fluorides) | Medium | ▲▲ | High-durability applications, Harsh environments, laser microscopy |
| AG (Anti Glare) | Physical Spray (Standard) | PET film + acrylic resin coatings | Low to Medium | ▲ | Cost-effective applications, easy installation |
| AF (Anti-Fingerprint) | Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) | Equipment depreciation (40%) + target materials (30%) + energy consumption (20%) | High | ▲▲▲ | High-durability, frequently touched applications |
| AF (Anti-Fingerprint) | UV-Cured Nano-Coating | Photocurable resin (50%) + equipment maintenance (30%) | Medium | ▲▲ | Standard consumer applications |
| AF (Anti-Fingerprint) | Solvent-Based Coating | Fluoropolymer resin (60%) + VOC treatment (25%) | Low to Medium | ▲ | Automotive windshields and headlights, eyewear |
| AR (Anti-Reflection) | Vacuum Evaporation Deposition | Equipment (40%) + target materials (30%) + energy consumption (20%) | High | ▲▲▲ | Solar cells |
| AR (Anti-Reflection) | Sol-Gel Nano-Coating | Raw material purity (40%) + curing process (30%) | Medium | ▲▲ | Cost-effective AR solutions |
| AR (Anti-Reflection) | Moth-Eye Nanostructure | Mold wear (60%) + nanoimprint precision (40%) | Very High | ▲▲▲▲ | Ultra-premium applications, wide-view portable devices |
Note:
▲ = Standard durability
▲▲ = Moderate durability
▲▲▲ = High durability
▲▲▲▲ = Exceptional durability
3.2 Coating Durability and Cost Comparison: Single-Layer vs. Composite Structures
| Coating Combination | Cost Range | Performance Benefits | Best Use Cases | Key Considerations / Trade-offs |
| AG | Low | Improved viewing angles, reduces disruptive reflections | High-glare environments (e.g., outdoor equipment, workshop lighting) | Slightly lower light transmittance than AR glass; requires regular cleaning to remove surface dust. |
| AF | Medium | Reduces fingerprint marks, simplifies maintenance | Frequently touched equipment (e.g., production line control panels) | Limited coating lifespan; may require reapplication after prolonged use (can be combined with tempered glass for abrasion resistance). |
| AR | High | Enhanced image clarity, reduces visual fatigue | Scenarios demanding high display clarity (e.g., precision control interfaces) | Surface is relatively fragile and prone to scratching; requires a protective layer (can be combined with tempered glass for impact resistance). |
| AG+AR | Medium | Reduces visual fatigue while enhancing image sharpness | Automotive displays, industrial HMIs | Slight reduction in clarity due to AG’s matte effect. |
| AG + AF | Medium-High | Balances anti-glare with easy cleaning; improves visual comfort | Office equipment, indoor self-service kiosks | The AF layer must be compatible with the AG surface texture. |
| AR + AF | High | Optimal balance of light transmission, anti-fingerprint, and durability | Premium smartphones, tablets, high-end monitors | Higher cost, but provides a superior user experience. |
| AG + AR + AF | Very High | Comprehensive protection and performance | Medical devices, luxury automobiles, outdoor industrial displays | Highest cost and processing complexity. |
四. Application Scenarios:
Given the safety risks and demanding operating conditions in industrial environments, touchscreen displays must meet the most rigorous performance standards. Based on our partnerships within the industrial control sector, we have developed the following effective measures:
4.1 Evaluate the Working Environment
Outdoor Applications:
AG Coating (Chemical Etching Process)
AR Coating (Vacuum Evaporation Deposition Process)
The combined application of AG and AR technologies enables industrial HMI touchscreens to achieve comprehensive performance in high-light, dusty, and extreme temperature/humidity environments—characterized by low reflection, high light transmittance, and wear resistance. This makes it a key technology for enhancing outdoor operational efficiency and equipment reliability.
Indoor Applications:
AG Coating (Physical Spray Process, Lower Cost)
4.2 Evaluate Touch Frequency
High-Frequency Touch:
AF Coating (Physical Vapor Deposition – PVD Process)
Low-Frequency Touch:
AF Coating (UV-Cured Nano-Coating Process)
In industrial settings, touchscreens are susceptible to scratches from hard objects. The PVD process deposits a nanoscale functional film on the touchscreen surface, significantly enhancing anti-fingerprint performance while balancing durability and environmental sustainability. This has become a critical technical solution in industrial displays.
4.3 Evaluate Performance Requirements
Outdoor industrial HMI (Human-Machine Interface) touchscreens must simultaneously address glare reflection, frequent operation contaminants, and harsh environmental conditions. A composite AR+AF+AG coating structure integrates the advantages of all three processes to deliver:
High visibility in strong light
Resistance to stains and scratches
Long-term stability
This provides reliable assurance for human-machine interaction in extreme operating conditions.
五. Selection Guide: Touchscreen surface 4 Key Decision Points
Identify Coating Needs Glare/Eye Strain: → AG Fingerprints/Cleaning: → AF Reflections/Outdoor Visibility: → AR
Consider the Environment
Indoor/Controlled Lighting: → AG / AF Outdoor/Variable Lighting: → AR High-Touch Applications: → AF
Evaluate Performance Requirements Consumer Products: → Balance cost and performance Professional/Industrial: → Prioritize durability and reliability Safety-Critical: → Choose high-performance solutions
Evaluate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Initial Investment: → Compare coating process costs Maintenance: → Factor in cleaning and replacement costs User Experience: → Consider impact on productivity and satisfaction
六. Supplier Screening: Audit Checklist
When evaluating coating suppliers, the following questions can reveal their technical capabilities and experience:
Supplier Qualifications & Industry Experience：
Years in operation: Long-established companies are more likely to have stable supply chains and mature processes.
Business scope: Determine whether they specialize in industrial or consumer touchscreens and if they have experience providing coating solutions for similar products.
On-site audit: Conduct facility inspections to assess equipment advancedness and production environments, evaluating their capability for scaled, automated production.
Production Process & Technical Capabilities
Process advancedness: Verify whether they use advanced coating, curing, and spraying technologies (e.g., plasma thermal spray capabilities).
Heating and curing control: For thermosetting coatings (e.g., amino baking varnish, epoxy coatings), ensure precise temperature control to prevent premature curing or gelatinization during spraying.
Technical support: Leading suppliers should offer engineering solutions, including UI design, electronic control integration, and coating treatment for complex components.
Quality & Certification Systems
Quality certifications: Prioritize suppliers certified under ISO 9001 or other international quality standards.
Material performance testing: Request test reports for high-temperature resistance, scratch resistance, anti-fingerprint performance, and light transmittance.
Impurity control: Especially in powder spraying, ensure effective prevention of issues like uneven pigment dispersion or powder spots, with regular maintenance of air supply filtration systems.
Production Capacity & Delivery Assurance
Equipment status: Check for high-efficiency electrostatic spraying equipment with backup systems for emergencies.
Volume supply capability: Confirm their ability to meet order demands, especially during peak seasons or for urgent orders.
On-time delivery: Treat “on-time delivery” as a key performance indicator to avoid disruptions to production schedules.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
While price isn’t the sole criterion, performance and cost must be balanced within budget constraints.
| Budget Level | Recommended Strategy |
| High budget | Opt for top-tier international brands, prioritizing stability and brand assurance. |
| Medium budget | Consider mid-to-high-end Taiwanese or domestic brands balancing performance and cost. |
| Low budget | For display-only applications with minimal touch interaction, cost-effective domestic brands may be suitable. |
Note: Low cost should not come at the expense of quality. Employ value engineering methods for cost analysis, aiming for long-term cost optimization rather than short-term savings.
After-Sales Service & Technical Support：
Confirm whether the supplier provides:
Technical guidance (e.g., spraying parameter adjustment)
Rapid response to issues (e.g., coating adhesion failure analysis)
Long-term supply assurance (e.g., spare parts inventory, formula upgrades)
Commitments such as on-site support within 24 hours for production anomalies.
Whether you face challenges like outdoor readability, fingerprint accumulation, or glare issues, the right coating solution can enhance your display’s performance. Our engineering team has successfully addressed these challenges across thousands of applications.
Technical Consultation: Share your application requirements with our engineers.
Performance Testing: We’ll recommend the optimal coating solution and provide test samples.
Cost Analysis: Receive detailed pricing and total cost of ownership (TCO) breakdowns.
Production Planning: Integrate coating solutions into your manufacturing timeline.
Contact Our Engineering Team: lisa@leehon.cm
Request a Consultation: Share your display specifications, operating environment, and performance requirements for tailored coating recommendations.
LEEHON provides one-stop solutions for display and touch accessories, with expertise spanning industrial, medical, transportation, and other applications.
