Is the AR Coating coming off due to heat, or contact, or?

[Sharky II]

Hi,

I've just inherited a top spec 2012 MBP Retina that's hardly been used. It's still a lovely machine and a good upgrade from my old 2010 MBP. The screen seems to have zero delamination.

Am I correct in thinking that the delimitation is caused by the heat of the machine (i.e. closing the lid while it's very hot or using it in clamshell mode) - or is it the contact with the keyboard? OR both? Or was it only on some particular machines and if it hasn't happened by now, it won't ever happen?

I have googled around it a lot, but everybody's story seems to be a bit different. Is there a clear reason for this - so I can avoid it?

I know that some people say that screen protector cloths exacerbate the issue, for example...

Thanks!

Ed

 

[matram]

For me it has been grease from the fingers on the keyboard. On my old MBP you can see the keys imprint on the screen. Today I use a piece of paper between and that seems to work.

The surface treatment is also super sensitive so only use a microfibre cloth and a light touch. It is easy to rub off the surface treatment by aggressive rubbing.

 

[Sharky II]

Thanks so much for replying! That would explain why some of the patterns I've seen are around the edges. However doesn't explain why people think that a thin microfibre cloth would make the issue worse, as I've read?

 

[chrfr]

Thanks so much for replying! That would explain why some of the patterns I've seen are around the edges. However doesn't explain why people think that a thin microfibre cloth would make the issue worse, as I've read?

The ones I've seen at work have often had coating issues around the edges of the screen at the bottom, not where it'd be commonly touched. I don't think skin oils are necessarily the cause of the problem.

 

[kohlson]

I have a 15-in 2013 MBP, and it shows no signs of this. I don't use it in clamshell mode, and on the few times the fans are running full I wait until they stop before closing the lid. I do clean my screens about every 4-6 weeks. Sometimes a handkerchief, sometimes microfiber. No idea if this helps or not wrt delamination.

For a corporate job I had a 2014 15-MBP that was exhibiting this defect on the bezel, sides and bottom Same treatment as above.

My guess is if you haven't seen it by now, you won't.

 

[nothingtoseehere]

My own experience does not suggest clamshell mode has anything to do with it. rMBP since 5 years nearly always in clamshell mode, partially with fans on (VM). Everything is fine.

FWIW, I have always been very careful with cleaning. No detergents etc., only microfiber cloth.

I think kohlson has a point here. If the screen has been fine for 8 years, chances are good that it stays fine.

 

[leman]

It is unknown. But since only few particular models were prone to it (and even then it appeared to be batch-based), I’d blame a manufacturing defect.

 

[Sharky II]

Thanks all for your feedback. The battery on this machine has only done less than 300 cycles so I'm guessing it wasn't used much, and perhaps even 'left open'.

I did wonder if people had cracked the exact reason(s) for the issue, but yes, I hope I have a 'good one'!

Thanks, appreciate any more info or feedback

 

[Fishrrman]

The retina screen has a VERY thin sprayed-on (as in, "particles") anti-glare coating.
This coating -- particularly on early retina MBP's -- is quite fragile and easily damaged.

It will start wearing off, and thus the streaks and stains that have come to be known as "StainGate".

If you want to minimize this damage, a few pointers:
- DO NOT use ANYTHING to "routinely" clean the surface of display
- The idea here is "don't get it dirty in the first place"
- Refrain from touching the surface when you open/close the lid
- If there's dust on the surface, just "dust it away" (no "pressure") with a soft cloth.
- If something gets on the surface that won't dust away, use a soft cloth moistened with water. Use AS LITTLE PRESSURE AS POSSIBLE to remove it. Then, dust dry.

Granted, you have to be careful with the display, probably moreso than with other laptops. But... "that's the way it is".

 

[Sharky II]

Well, yes. However, this is my problem - some people claim it happens to all MBPs, some people claim that they have been rough with their laptops and never had an issue, etc...

I started the thread as I thought in 2020 the matter would be well understood - but it appears not 😭

 

[nothingtoseehere]

some people claim it happens to all MBPs,

ok this has been definitively falsified, it doesn't happen to all MBP. Not to mine - already falsified but there are more than me

some people claim that they have been rough with their laptops and never had an issue,

This can be true, of course. No reason not to believe these people.

The gist of it is, IMHO, that all experiences can occur. Some rMBPs get the de-lamination even with the most sensitive handling, so production seemed to be a sensible issue. Rather slight differences in the production process made the displays more apt to problems. The most solid ones don't get problems even with rough use. And there is all in between. Every machine is individual.

The screen seems to have zero delamination.

This is the main point, I would say. No guarantee that there will never be any problems, but after eight years, it seems to be a rather resilient display in this machine. Enjoy it, be careful with the display, and the odds are good that all will work well (and that the display is the last component to crash ;-)