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Help! A Mystery: What is this blue discolorization on the back of my iPad 2?

T

timidhermit

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jul 6, 2011
372
3
I have an iPad 2 which I use a clear TPU case to protect its back. I have been putting this iPad 2 (with the TPU case) into my original Apple iPad sleeve/folio case, which fits perfectly.

When I took out my iPad 2 today, I was shocked to this that the back of my iPad 2 (with the TPU case) has many blue discolored markings, part of which appeared to be traced from the outline of my original folio case (including the part that holds the iPad up).

I am attaching a photo here for your viewing. I have been unable to find any other similar reports. Some reports say that that may be slight yellowish discoloring of a TPU case over prolonged sun exposure (I have been keeping my iPad 2 indoor), but no reports of a blue discoloring.

ipad2tpucasediscolor.png


Can someone explain what is happening? Can this be fixed? :mad:
 
What's with wat looks like trapped moisture under that case. It's obviously been in contact with something, discoloration like that does not just appear magically.
 
Those are not moisture marks. If I lift up the case and examine those areas, they are entirely dry.
 
Then I certainly wouldn't be using that TPU case. It may have caused some chemical bonding / staining issues with the outside of your iPad.

Do the stains lessen if you use a small bit of dampish soap cloth (almost dry) and gently rub the blue stain.
 
Ah, I had a similar issue when I took my Speck case off of my MacBook Pro. For me, a little bit of carefully placed water took it right off. Buy yourself some Goo Gone, it'll do ya good :). I've used it safely on my MPB a couple of times It's safe to use, just be careful and read the instructions.

Also, if it still doesn't come off, and as vastly strange as it sounds, I bet the people at Home Depot could point you in the right direction. Those guys are masters at problem solving, and know how to work with a number of different kinds of surfaces.
 
If it is on the outside of the speck case, then it seems like this is dye from the original iPad case rubbing off on the speck material. That spot looks exactly like the area of the original case where the front cover slides in for the stand position.

Just my two cents.
 
Tried the following: alcohol wipe (no help), goo gone (no help), water (no help).

I wasn't aware the original Apple folio case is dyed.

Any other suggestions? Could this be a fixed chemical reaction due to heat from the iPad 2?
 
Is the discoloration on the TPU case ? You might try a very fine polishing powder. Something like what comes in the car headlight restoration kits. A very fine abrasive that rubs off a very thin layer of plastic to remove the discoloration.

I think an organic chemist might be able to explain. There could be a very small amount of solvent type vapor still being released from the TPU. It could react with the cover to cause the discoloration.
 
timidhermit said:
You mentioned about dyes? Can you elaborate? I thought the Apple folio case is Mircofiber? What dye?
Click to expand...


Apple folio case? You mean the original iPad 1 case or the Smart Cover? The leather smart covers use dye to achieve their color and I believe even Apple warns that it may bleed off onto other things. If you're wrapping it your smart cover around the back of the iPad when using it then the dyed leather part of the cover will touch your back case, not the microfiber part.
 
Not the smart case. I have been use the original Apple iPad 1 folio case to fit the iPad 2 (which itself is protected by the TPU case). The iPad 2 with the TPU case together make for a near perfect fit for the original iPad 1 folio case.

Stetrain said:
Apple folio case? You mean the original iPad 1 case or the Smart Cover? The leather smart covers use dye to achieve their color and I believe even Apple warns that it may bleed off onto other things. If you're wrapping it your smart cover around the back of the iPad when using it then the dyed leather part of the cover will touch your back case, not the microfiber part.
Click to expand...
 
this same issue was seen on back "shields" on the original iPad. I believe there were a few threads about this in the Accessories sub-forum. if memory serves correctly it has to do with the material of the shields and the dyes that were used on the original iPad case. I do not believe there was ever a resolution to this problem.
 
I can't find the posts you were referring to? Can you post the links?

I paid nearly $30 (with shipping) for that TPU case too. Unlike most cases, this one is truly crystal clear with no logo or design pattern whatsoever. It was a good case while it lasted.

HengenJL said:
this same issue was seen on back "shields" on the original iPad. I believe there were a few threads about this in the Accessories sub-forum. if memory serves correctly it has to do with the material of the shields and the dyes that were used on the original iPad case. I do not believe there was ever a resolution to this problem.
Click to expand...
 
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