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jimmysofat6864

macrumors member
Original poster
Nov 7, 2018
88
19
I got a MBP here that seems to be affected with the stain gate issue that I've seen around but mine isn't as bad as others I've seen. I'm just wondering if mine is worth removing because on one hand, it's not that bad in dim conditions but really noticeable in daylight. Also, I've seen plenty of horror stories with people ruining their screens with listerine getting underneath the display or breaking the screen with pressure and I'm kinda worried about preforming the AG-coating removal procedure.

Basically, is my Anti-glare coating worth removing and if it is, which method is least likely to cause damage? Also, is image quality affected other than the anti glare properties if I were to remove the coating? Like a loss in color accuracy or something like that.

IMG_8022.jpg
 

Reggaenald

Suspended
Sep 26, 2021
864
798
Uff. Got handed down a 2014 MBP with even worse wear. What worked for me was to “polish” the screen with water, soap and “kitchen paper”, don’t know what it’s called in English.
However, it did scratch the screen slightly, so I’d recommend using polishing cloths with soap and water or toilet paper as that’s usually a lot more soft. You need to be extra patient with the corners and edges. Slow and steady, start where there is already wear and move on from there, only dampen the cloths/paper, don’t put too much pressure on the screen and you should be good.
In my experience it didn’t affect picture quality at all, the screen is just a little more reflective, but actually not too bad, surprisingly. Good luck.
 
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DaKKs

macrumors 6502
Aug 15, 2012
474
43
Stockholm, Sweden
I used the W5 multi layer wipes yiu can find in european Lidl stores. Came off very easily.

I didnt bother with putting a film on it after. Its glossy now, but its not terrible.
 

ian6969

macrumors member
Dec 31, 2019
78
56
I used Lidl W5 wipes after reading up on this - works very well, my screen is now dark and glossy, looks great. It did take quite a long time though - probably about 40 minutes of wiping in total. As first I didn't think it was working, but just keep rubbing and it will come off eventually.
 

Macdctr

macrumors 65816
Nov 25, 2009
1,012
733
Ocean State
I had a similar issue with my otherwise pristine Early 2013 MBP. I used mouthwash and lots of fresh microfiber cloths to remove the faulty anti-glare coating from my display. Key is not to rub with a lot of pressure on the glass. Why I had a lot of microfiber cloths. I allowed the cloths to take off the coating once the mouthwash started affecting them.
 

jjbond

macrumors newbie
May 29, 2021
14
7
VERY much worth taking the time to do. I did it to my early 2013 MBP and it's like new, I used rubbing alcohol but there are lots of options, just don't be this guy, who wasted time cleaning it only to snap it from too much pressure.

Jen
 

Diablo360

macrumors 6502
Jun 8, 2009
250
101
Rubbing alcohol (the higher the alcohol content the better) and a clean microfiber cloth. Don’t press down to hard
 

DouglasCarroll

macrumors 6502
Dec 27, 2016
386
398
You guys are all weirdos with your bizarre chemichal options..mouthwash ( wtf?)…

I’ve done this to quite a few of these machines and here is how you do it…

Make a paste of baking soda and water, the consistancy of tooth paste, and rub with a clean soft cloth this paste in a circular motion slowly on the screen to take off the anti glare. Add small amounts of water if it gets too dry.

Takes about 30 minutes of elbow grease. Costs almost nothing, does not scratch the screen, uses no “weird chemicals”, is a “green option” (no weird chemicals thing), screen looks beautiful when you’re done.

Seriously, don’t be scared, this works great and you have everything you need right now in your kitchen.

👍
 

DouglasCarroll

macrumors 6502
Dec 27, 2016
386
398
Oh yeah, if you still are in doubt about the baking soda method...here you go!


Incidentally I just "LOVE IT" when I find MacBook Pros in the recycle bin at my work because they are "broken" simply because the anti reflective finish is coming off of them....found quite a few great machines that way that look beautiful now after the "old baking soda fix"!

:)
 
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Macdctr

macrumors 65816
Nov 25, 2009
1,012
733
Ocean State
You guys are all weirdos with your bizarre chemichal options..mouthwash ( wtf?)…
There are other effective options Doug . . . not just the baking soda method and yes, using mouthwash is also an effective means to remove the anti-glare coating on these displays. I was skeptical at first until I tried it. It works and is less messy than the baking soda method.
 

Diablo360

macrumors 6502
Jun 8, 2009
250
101
The purpose of using mouthwash is for the alcohol content. Better just to use rubbing alcohol then. 70% is fine, but 91% works better if your drugs store has it in stock
 

MBAir2010

macrumors 604
May 30, 2018
6,975
6,354
there
somewhere down the road, I might purchase a MacBook pro retina display.
if i see one with shmudgie marks (turned off)
i can clean/polish this up with a fiber cloth and solution du jour?
 

Fishrrman

macrumors Penryn
Feb 20, 2009
29,193
13,250
MBAir:
"if i see one with shmudgie marks (turned off)
i can clean/polish this up with a fiber cloth and solution du jour?"


If you "see one with shmudgie marks", your best course of action will be to look somewhere else for a good one...
 
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