Reconformation/reorientation of tethers on particles to minimize the energy of interaction, proposed as the mechanism for their deposition on similarly charged surfaces, has been confirmed using direct force measurements using atomic force microscopy. The force experienced by latex particles of net negative charge on negative glass surfaces, in the presence of the apparent energy barrier based on their zeta potential, is measured to monitor possible rearrangement of surface hairs to enable deposition of zwitterionic latexes while preventing that of the anionic ones.