Retina display problem: Staingate or improperly cleaned?

[Berniep]

Macbook pro 15,4" Retina Mid 2014
I bought this Macbook really cheap because of this annoying display issue.
Looks like former owner spoiled it with a kitchen sponge.
But surface is smooth, no scratches.
Do you think anti glare coating still exists on this display?

 

[Donnation]

That's an improperly cleaned display. Whomever owned it was cleaning it with something other than a soft cloth and water and they removed the coating off of the display.

 

[adrianlondon]

I've had staingate twice. Screen was replaced the first time, not the second (as after the 4-year cut-off point). MBP late 2013.

That photo isn't staingate. it's been badly cleaned. If it were mine, and the issue wasn't visible when in use (i.e. it only shows when the screen is off) then I'd do nothing and be happy with my cheap laptop. However if it looks a mess in use, I'd probably try and give it a good clean to see if the marks come off. Assuming not, I'd then try and remove the anti-glare coating. Google for tips. Some people have said a good rubbing with Listerine mouthwash (really) has removed it.

 

[randomgeeza]

Macbook pro 15,4" Retina Mid 2014
I bought this Macbook really cheap because of this annoying display issue.
Looks like former owner spoiled it with a kitchen sponge.
But surface is smooth, no scratches.
Do you think anti glare coating still exists on this display?

Ouch, that looks like it has been cleaned with a scourer...

 

[Fishrrman]

I hope you bought that really, REALLY cheap.
Because it's too late to be repaired through Apple's "StainGate" program.

And a new display is gonna set you back around $500 (or more).

I have heard that a few owners have "gone the other way", and COMPLETELY REMOVED the anti-glare coating (it's just sprayed on). They said it looked better afterwards, even with no "anti-glare" feature at all. I'm not sure how they got the coating off, or what they used.