Can Laminated Display Improve Digital Drawing Experience?

How Display Technology Has Changed

Display technology has changed a lot over time. Screens have gone from big, bulky tube models to thin, flat panels that we use every day in our phones, tablets, and computers. One of the most critical recent improvements is something called "laminated displays."

The laminated screens bring the display layers closer together, which matters a lot for people who draw digitally. Drawing monitors  (pen displays) like the ugee UE16/UE12/U1600 have laminated screens for a better drawing experience.

This guide explains laminated displays, how they differ from regular screens, and why artists might care about the difference.

What Is a Laminated Display?

A laminated display bonds all its parts together as one piece. The cover glass, touch panel, and display screen are stuck together using clear glue that fills in any gaps between the layers. Making these displays requires careful work to ensure there are no bubbles or uneven spots in the bonding process.

The key feature of laminated displays is that there's no air gap between the layers. This design choice is why these screens perform better in many ways, but it also makes them more expensive to produce.

Drawing on an iPad with a laminated screen offers a more natural feel, as the stylus appears to touch the display directly without any gap, which also reduces noise while writing, making it quieter compared to screens that aren't laminated.

What Is a Non-Laminated Display?

Non-laminated displays have separate layers with air between them. The top glass and touch panel might be connected, but there's still an air gap between this top assembly and the actual display screen. This small air space might seem unimportant at first glance. However, this gap creates several problems that affect how the screen looks and works, including making the image less clear and creating something called "screen parallax."

Comparing Laminated and Non-Laminated Displays

How Laminated Displays Help Digital Artists

1. Minimize Parallax

The most important benefit is the reduction of parallax, which occurs when your pen tip seems to be in a different spot than the line you're drawing on screen. By removing the air gap, laminated displays minimize this problem. Artists can draw more accurately and with better control, which is why professional drawing tablets often use laminated displays.

2. Excellent Visual Quality

Colors look more vibrant, and details appear sharper with less glare. Many artists describe drawing on a laminated display as having a "painted on glass" feel that makes their work more enjoyable. The drawing experience also feels more natural. The screen doesn't make as much hollow tapping noise when you draw, which many artists find less distracting.

3. Enhancing the Tactile Experience and Reducing Noise

The absence of an air gap in laminated displays will give you a more direct and tactile drawing experience, letting you feel more like drawing on paper. The bonding of the layers also significantly diminishes the hollow tapping sound that can be produced when using a stylus on a non-laminated screen. This reduction in noise can lead to a quieter and potentially more enjoyable drawing session, especially for artists who find the tapping sound on non-laminated displays distracting.

Common Questions About Drawing Displays

Q1. What's the difference between a pen tablet and a drawing monitor?

A pen tablet has no screen - you draw on it while looking at your computer monitor. A drawing monitor lets you draw directly on its screen so you can see your work right under your pen.

Q2. Does a laminated screen really matter for drawing?

Yes, especially for detailed work. The reduced gap between pen and image makes drawing more accurate and natural. Most famous digital drawing artists prefer laminated displays for serious work.

Q3. Is parallax a big problem with non-laminated tablets?

It can be, particularly for detailed drawing. The visual offset makes precise line work harder. How noticeable it is depends on the size of the air gap and your viewing angle.

Q4. Are laminated displays more likely to break?

This question is debated. When damaged, the laminated screen often requires replacing the whole display unit instead of just the glass. The bonded structure makes the laminated screen more durable overall.

Q5. Are non-laminated displays less expensive?

Yes, they typically cost less because they're simpler to make, which makes them more affordable for people on tight budgets.

Q6. Can I use a screen protector on a laminated display?

You can, and many people do. A thick screen protector might restore a tiny bit of parallax, but the laminated display's main benefits remain. Some artists prefer screen protectors with a paper-like texture for drawing.

Q7. What else should I consider when buying a drawing monitor?

Besides lamination, think about screen size, resolution, color accuracy, pen pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, refresh rate, and overall build quality. These all affect your drawing experience.

Conclusion: Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks

Laminated display technology offers significant advantages for digital artists. It reduces parallax, improves visual clarity, and creates a more paper-like drawing experience. These benefits make laminated displays very desirable for serious digital art. Laminated screens are also one of the main features of eye-protection drawing tablets.

The main drawbacks are higher cost and more expensive repairs. Non-laminated displays are more affordable and sometimes easier to fix if just the top glass breaks. However, they have noticeable parallax, lower image quality, and more glare.

For people who need accuracy in digital drawing, laminated displays are usually worth the extra cost. The improved precision and visual quality can significantly enhance both workflow and results.