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mikebjammin

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 23, 2020
29
5
I bought a LG UltraFine 4k monitor used on eBay and it came in this past Friday. The seller packaged the monitor very well, however, there seems to be a mark/tape residue on the screen from the packaging. I have been trying to remove it with a microfiber cloth damp with distilled water with no luck. Is there anything else I can try to remove it or am I likely SOL? It is a very small spot and is only noticeable with a white background, so it isn't a big deal if I can get it off, I would just like to try.

I appreciate any replies!
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Maybe try some ipa? It might damage the screen though Otherwise I would maybe try some warmer water and keep with the gentle scrubbing.
 
Maybe try some ipa? It might damage the screen though Otherwise I would maybe try some warmer water and keep with the gentle scrubbing.

I'm afraid to try rubbing alcohol as I heard that is bad for screens. I just tried a distilled water and vinegar solution with no luck.

Based off the picture does that look like maybe a dent in the screen or is it likely just tape residue?
 
Tbh its really hard to tell from the picture. The pic looks like the screen is damaged but it’s hard to know for sure. Do you have a magnifying glass you can look through?
 
Tbh its really hard to tell from the picture. The pic looks like the screen is damaged but it’s hard to know for sure. Do you have a magnifying glass you can look through?

I do not unfortunately, is there something I should look for to see if it is damaged?

Here are some pictures that show how small the spot really is.
 

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The only thing I could think of would be to rub your finger over it. If it’s raised, something is on it, If it feels more concave then it would seem like it could be damage. Personally, I would try the warm water for longer just in case it is tape residue.
if it is damaged, You should perhaps look and see if you can return it.
I hope you get it sorted :)
 
The only thing I could think of would be to rub your finger over it. If it’s raised, something is on it, If it feels more concave then it would seem like it could be damage. Personally, I would try the warm water for longer just in case it is tape residue.
if it is damaged, You should perhaps look and see if you can return it.
I hope you get it sorted :)

Thank you for your reply!

Yes it definitely feels "raised" so I assume it just is tape residue. I will give warm water a shot with a microfibre cloth in a bit.
 
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Try something like Goo-Gone™ - or some other product that claims to remove labels/adhesive (read the product label carefully)
Dampen the corner of a soft cloth (or your microfiber cloth) with a few drops, just to try. You don't need much liquid, just dampen that area of the screen surface, and a little bit of pressure. If it is adhesive, it should come right off.
 
You could try another piece of tape. I've used tape to lift off residue of old tape many times by repeatedly sticking it to the residue and lifting it off. I do not believe diluted rubbing alcohol would damage the screen. I would never use anything with ammonia in it. You can try screen cleaning cloths, hold it on the spot rubbing lightly in a small circle..
 
I'd suggest a kitchen "glass cleaner" (like "Glass Plus") -- but MAKE SURE that it DOES NOT have ammonia in it (such as some Windex does).

Use a piece of tissue or a micro-fiber cloth.

If it absolutely won't come off...
... then you have to decide whether you can live with it, or return it.
Did you get it for a really good price?
In that case, I'd just keep it.
 
A 1:3 dilution of IPA to distilled water is considered safe for AR coatings on optics. Be gentle when removing the residue in case there are any particles embedded in the residue as these can scratch the coating, and allow the alcohol to do the work (i.e., don't scrub it or use tons of pressure).

Alternatively, if you really want to avoid using IPA, you can lay the monitor down, put a paper towel over it and lightly moisten it with either water or screen cleaner, allow the residue to hopefully soften a bit, and then gently begin removing the residue with a NEW plastic razor blade where you make sure both sides of the blade are always firmly on the flat to evenly distribute pressure...and I emphasize using a NEW blade.

That said, I would personally just use the IPA method because it is safe and effective at removing adhesive residue. If you are extremely concerned, test on an extreme corner of the display outside of the viewing area.
 
I bought a LG UltraFine 4k monitor used on eBay and it came in this past Friday. The seller packaged the monitor very well, however, there seems to be a mark/tape residue on the screen from the packaging. I have been trying to remove it with a microfiber cloth damp with distilled water with no luck. Is there anything else I can try to remove it or am I likely SOL? It is a very small spot and is only noticeable with a white background, so it isn't a big deal if I can get it off, I would just like to try.

I appreciate any replies!
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Use a few drops of cooking oil - olive oil or canola oil on a microfiber cloth... then wash the oil off with a mild and diluted soap solution...
 
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