Clear film: what it is and how to choose one you won’t regret
Clear film is a screen protector that doesn’t change what you see. Colors and sharpness stay as close as possible to the bare screen. It has always been the most popular type, but not every “clear” film on the market is the same. This page sums up what to check before you decide.
- Cut to your real screen size
- Minimum order: 1 piece
- We make it ourselves. We’re not a reseller.
- Works with any device that has a screen
How clear film works
The structure itself is simple, but the details of each layer are what make one maker’s clear film different from another’s.
PET base layer
The core layer that takes scratches instead of your screen. Good-grade PET is evenly clear across the whole roll, with no waves or haze when viewed at an angle.
Silicone adhesion layer
A good screen protector doesn’t use glue. It holds by static cling, so it peels off without residue and can be reapplied.
Top surface coating
Decides how smooth it feels, how well it resists oil, and whether you see a rainbow effect on high-resolution screens.
5 values to check before choosing clear film
When comparing two clear films, compare these 5 points, not the advertising.
MAXIMUM clear film today
We no longer split clear film into confusing grades. There’s just one: the best we can source.
クリア保護フィルム
Material imported from Japan. MAXIMUM Ultra Clear film uses Japanese-grade material known for its clarity and consistency, with up to 98% light transmission, 4H surface hardness and an oleophobic coating against oil and fingerprints.
日本製
Clear film compared with other film types
Choose by the problem you want to solve, not by the name
| If you… | Use | Because |
|---|---|---|
| Want the most accurate image and colors for movies, editing or graphic work | Clear film | Highest light transmission, image closest to the bare screen |
| Can’t see the screen because of lights or sunlight reflecting off it | Matte film | Diffusing surface cuts reflections and hides fingerprints |
| Get stinging, tired eyes after a full day at the screen | Blue light filter film | Cuts the blue light wavelengths that strain your eyes |
| Don’t want people beside you seeing your screen | Privacy film | Narrows the viewing angle so only the person directly in front can see |
Choose the right film type
MAXIMUM cuts every film type, for every screen size
Matte Anti-Glare FilmWhen lights or sunlight make the screen hard to see
Blue Light Filter FilmWhen your eyes sting and tire after a full day at the screen
Privacy FilmWhen you don’t want the person next to you reading your screen
Corporate, project and OEM orders
MAXIMUM is the manufacturer, not a reseller, so we take on jobs ordinary shops can’t.
- Real film samples to test on the screens you actually use before you decide
- An in-depth spec summary and film-type recommendation for jobs that need several types compared, prepared by our team
- A project quotation for volume or ongoing orders
- OEM cut to your design. No minimum order for PET film, and it can carry your own branding
Clear film FAQ
What’s the difference between clear film and tempered glass?
Clear PET film is thin, doesn’t raise the screen edges, can be peeled off and reapplied, and can be cut to any unusual screen size. Tempered glass is thicker and focused on impact protection, but is only made for models that already have a mold.
Will clear film make my screen look cloudy?
With high light transmission and low haze, you can barely tell it’s there. When people find a screen looks cloudy, it’s usually low-grade film with high haze, not clear film in general.
Does clear film affect touch sensitivity?
No, as long as the thickness is in the right range. PET passes the touch signal well, so touchscreens work normally. Touch problems usually come from film that’s too thick.
Will I see a rainbow effect with clear film on an OLED or 4K screen?
That depends on the film’s surface coating. Poorly controlled film shows rainbow ripples when viewed at an angle or under light. The clear film we use is designed specifically for high-resolution screens.
Can you cut clear film for unusual screen sizes?
Yes. We cut to the actual size, from smartwatches to large displays, and have made film up to 160 inches. Minimum order: 1 piece.
How long does clear film last?
With normal use it lasts a year or more. Lifespan depends more on how you use it than on the film itself. Carrying the device in a bag with your keys, for example, will scratch it sooner. When scratches start to bother you, just replace the sheet.
Not sure which film type suits your screen?
Message us with your device model or screen size and we’ll help you pick the right one for how you use it.
MAXIMUM (InnovaplusMaximum Co., Ltd.), manufacturer of custom-size screen protectors
