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Surface Treatment Comparison — AG vs AR vs AF Glass Coatings
Surface Treatment Comparison
Compare AG, AR, and AF coatings side by side. Click a treatment to see details.
| Property | AG (Anti-Glare) | AR (Anti-Reflective) | AF (Anti-Fingerprint) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Chemical Etching | Vacuum Coating | Nano Coating |
| Gloss | 50±10 or 70±10 | N/A | N/A |
| Haze | 4.7 – 11% | < 0.5% | < 0.5% |
| Transmittance | > 89% | > 94% (SS) / > 98% (DS) | > 89% |
| Water Contact Angle | N/A | N/A | 105° ± 5° |
| Scratch Resistance | Improved | Standard | Improved |
| Fingerprint Resistance | Moderate | Low | Excellent |
| Best For | Outdoor / Industrial | Medical / Display | Consumer / Touch |
| Stackable With | AR, AF | AG, AF | AG, AR |
AG (Anti-Glare) — Chemical Etching
Anti-glare treatment uses a controlled chemical etching process to create a microscopically textured surface that scatters reflected light. This eliminates specular reflections in high-ambient-light environments such as outdoor kiosks, industrial HMIs, and sunlit workspaces. AG glass is available in two standard gloss levels: 50 GU (strong diffusion, best for direct sunlight) and 70 GU (moderate diffusion, balanced clarity). AG treatment is permanent — it alters the glass surface structure rather than adding a removable coating — and can be stacked with AR and AF coatings for multi-property performance.
AR (Anti-Reflective) — Vacuum Coating
Anti-reflective coating is applied through a vacuum deposition process that layers thin dielectric films onto the glass surface. These layers create destructive interference that suppresses reflections and maximizes light transmission. Single-side (SS) AR achieves >94% transmittance; double-side (DS) AR pushes this above 98%. AR coating is the standard choice for medical displays, precision instruments, and any application where visual clarity and color accuracy are critical. It pairs well with AG for outdoor readability or with AF for consumer touch devices.
AF (Anti-Fingerprint) — Nano Coating
Anti-fingerprint coating applies a fluorine-based nano-layer that dramatically increases the surface hydrophobicity (water contact angle 105 degrees) and oleophobicity. Fingerprints, oils, and smudges are repelled on contact and wipe away easily without cleaning agents. AF coating is essential for consumer-facing touchscreens, smart home panels, and any glass surface subject to frequent human contact. The coating maintains its performance through thousands of abrasion cycles and can be combined with AG or AR treatments for comprehensive surface protection.
