Hello fellow Digital Artists!
Choosing the Right Screen Protector for Drawing on Your iPad Pro can be tricky and there are a few things to consider. The main things are protection from damage, a better surface to draw or paint on, and protection for your eyes. We will primarily focus on the drawing aspect today.
So you have an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil and you’re not digging the slick screen right? Been there and done that and I want to share what I have learned with you.
Now before we get started, please keep in mind that we all have different needs so this will not apply to everyone the same. Hopefully my experience will save a few of you from timely and frustrating mistakes. Ultimately it may take some trial and error to find what works for your specific needs.
First let me explain what I have used in the past and what the Pros and Cons have been. I purchased the first Genenteration iPad Pro and Apple Pencil 2015 version. ( Look for the big home button on your device before making your purchase! ) It still works great by the way. I started drawing on the screen and although it didn’t feel natural it was still amazing to work on. I knew from working on the Intuos tablets that digital art just isn’t exactly the same and it takes time to adjust to any new device.
After a while I started to look for the screen protectors that would also give me a more natural drawing experience and save it from any accidental damage of course. I did a ton of research online and landed on the Tech Armor Antiglare protector. You can view it here on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3kGpwI3
Tech Armor Antiglare is my 2nd Favorite Choice!
The Tech Armor Antiglare Protector is still my number 2 on the list. It slows down the Apple Pencil slide and softens up the feeling of the hard glass screen. For me that was a big game changer. I was finally able to draw on the iPad Pro more naturally and stay in the moment of creating the art that I love to create. Comics baby! 🙂
Over time, many new screen protentors hit the market and a lot of them boast things like – Paper Like, the feeling of Paper, etc. I didn’t worry too much about it but as mine started to age I began to look around. I wanted to try one of the Paper Like products and here is the one that caught my eye based upon the reviews – https://amzn.to/2IIBWSA
Paper-Like…More like Sand Paper-Like!
I actually enjoyed this for all of about 2 days. It started to get very annoying very quickly. Not only does your 2 finger pinch and zoom not work as well, you can start to see an effect on the Apple Pencil nib. ( Not cheap to replace those little guys! ). So I started to think the Paper-Like feeling just wasn’t worth it. Besides it really is too coarse in my opinion. More like a fine grit sand paper. So I ripped it off and went back to my Tech Armor.
I still felt like I needed try something else. Don’t get me wrong the Tech Armor antiglare is nice but it stills has a bit too much slide for me. So I decided to keep trying. I then tried the iCarez Antiglare protector. You can view it here on Amazon – https://amzn.to/38PEZTE
Not only did I like this one more but it was also cheaper. It slows down the Apple Pencil a bit more but without the sand paper like feeling. I have been using this one for weeks now and it doesn’t negatively impact the nibs either. I am back to drawing on my device and not getting distracted about sliding around on the slick screen and that keeps me creating, which I love!
Keep in mind that all of these protectors will knock back the clarity of the screen. That isn’t as big of a deal for me since I typically only draw comic art but your needs may vary. To me its minimal on the Tech-Armor and the iCarez but be sure to read the reviews about what applies to your type of work. Another tip is to find someone who creates a similar style to yours and find what works for them.
Keeping the Surface Clean is a Must!
You also want to be aware of your own skin oils. Sounds gross right? Your hand is going to leave oils on the screen protector so clean it with a microfiber and sometimes with a small amount of water and or light cleaner. Nothing too aggressive so it doesn’t destroy the finish. By keeping the oils off the screen protector you will retain the optimal feeling for drawing. Just my two cents of course, you may prefer an oily screen…I don’t know you very well. lol
Remember, we all have different levels of sensitivity and needs when drawing and painting. So do your research and you may need to try one or two options before landing on your preferred choice. It is worth it when you find what you looking for since eliminating those irritations will keep you in the creative moment.
Good luck to you and thank you for stopping by! 😉
Robert A. Marzullo
Ram Studios Comics
For more art tips check out my Youtube channel here – http://www.youtube.com/c/robertmarzullo
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