I get it. Figuring out which side of the anti-glare (AG) glass is the AG side can be confusing, especially if you’re new to this. I’ve had customers ask me this plenty of times, and honestly, I’ve been there too. So today, I’m sharing three quick tricks that will help you nail it without any guesswork.
1. The Touch Test – My Favorite Go-To
Here’s a super easy trick you can try right away. Run your finger across the glass. If it feels a bit sticky or rough, and your finger kind of gets “stuck,” plus you see some fingerprints, that’s the plain glass side.
But if the glass feels smooth, almost like paper, that’s your AG side. Why? Well, the AG side has tiny little bumps from the etching process that make it smoother and help cut down the glare.
Why this works: This is something you can do anytime, anywhere—no tools needed. Just your hands.
2. The Reflection Test – Quick and Handy
Hold the glass up to some light or a window. If the reflection looks blurry, kind of like a foggy mirror, congrats! You’re looking at the AG side. The AG surface scatters light, so the reflections aren’t sharp.
Now, if the reflection is clear as day, that’s the plain glass side. It reflects like a mirror because it hasn’t been treated.
Why you’ll love this: Sometimes you can’t physically touch the glass, maybe it’s already installed, so this test gives you an easy way to figure it out.
3. The Water Drop Test – A Little Science-y but Fun
Okay, this one’s a bit more precise. Put a small drop of water on the glass. On the AG side, the water spreads out more—it just likes to run across the tiny bumps. But on the plain side, the water drop stays pretty round.
If you’re in a lab or want to get fancy, you can use a contact angle meter. The AG side usually has an angle of about 40°, while the plain side will be around 90°.
Why this rocks: This is a great method if you need to be 100% sure, especially when quality matters.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it—three easy tricks to figure out which side of the glass is AG. Use your fingers, your eyes, or even a little water, and you’ll never be stuck wondering again.
Need More Help?
If you’ve got more questions or want to dive deeper into AG glass, feel free to reach out to us at SZ Claritech. We’re happy to help with any glass-related questions you’ve got!
