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Docd62

macrumors regular
Original poster
Sep 20, 2012
173
34
My wife Milanese loop has two discoloration streaks that occurred after it got wet from a shower. The two streaks are faint and are where the two sides meet not the whole band. Anyone else experiencing this? Is there a solution for this?

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How long has it been this way? You probably just have to let it dry.
 
I see a faint black line on my Milanese. I think it's coming from the o-Ring on the clasp.
 
In the words of Ian Malcolm...

Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.

Just because you can shower with it, doesn't mean you should shower with it. :cool:

That's the stance I've taken with my watch so far.

If I get stuck in the rain, no biggie.

Water splashes on it while I'm washing my hands, no biggie.

But right now I'm not going to actively try to get it wet or soak it in water. I truly do think that they are more water resistant than Apple has advertised (a few videos fully reinforce that idea) but I'm already used to removing my Nike Fuelband before showers/swimming, just sticking with that habit for now.
 
My wife Milanese loop has two discoloration streaks that occurred after it got wet from a shower. The two streaks are faint and are where the two sides meet not the whole band. Anyone else experiencing this? Is there a solution for this?

Did washing it with soap help?
 
Mine is doing this also— one streak of discoloration. It's never been wet. I washed it with 409 and a soft bristle toothbrush. The discoloration remains the same. A friend is seeing her Milanese Loop band streak as well.
 
Mine as a streak across the length of the band. I washed it with soap and an old toothbrush. Still streaked. The streak can only be seen when held a certain angle. I think I will try metal polish next.
 
Wifes band has two streaks on it now also. Never has been wet. Tried cleaning it but does not help.
 
Mine as a streak across the length of the band. I washed it with soap and an old toothbrush. Still streaked. The streak can only be seen when held a certain angle. I think I will try metal polish next.

That's what I was thinking— Simichrome. However— Simichrome will also brighten it. The band currently has a soft brushed look and I'm not sure I want to mess with that. Also, the clasp is brushed. Simichrome will remove the brushing and make it polished if it gets on the clasp.....
 
Is it only on the inside of the band as shown in the picture, or is the outside (exposed surface) of the band discolored too?

I ordered my Apple Watch with the black sports band (which I received last week) and ordered the Milanese as an extra band. Just got charged for it and it is preparing for shipment. Will have to keep an eye on this thread...
 
I just returned my ML in favour for the Space Black. Basically wanted to try them both together but nine in stores and my SB order is now overdue so didn't get the opportunity.

I did however notice this discolouration after wearing it for around 20 days. It appeared to be a normal stainless steel reaction to being moved against itself, and I did not think it would get better.

For cleaning, I have been using metal Polish and a toothbrush which did seem to bring it back to the original look, although it deteriated again pretty quickly afterwards.

Not a great fan of ML because of this, but maybe it will develop "character" over time.
 
Is it only on the inside of the band as shown in the picture, or is the outside (exposed surface) of the band discolored too?

I ordered my Apple Watch with the black sports band (which I received last week) and ordered the Milanese as an extra band. Just got charged for it and it is preparing for shipment. Will have to keep an eye on this thread...

The streaking on my band has occurred where the band overlaps— so it's "inside" and "outside," but it doesn't show when I wear the watch. My band overlaps nearly the entire length of the band, with the magnetized clasp resting about a quarter inch from the end of the band.

So, I'm thinking it could be rub marks where the band comes into contact with itself. If that's the case very fine grit sand paper or a fine (jewelry grade) steel brush applied gently might remove the discoloration.

Or— it could just be considered a "dignified, vintage-type wear pattern naturally expected of gently-worn steel Milanese Loop bands." #
 
I would contact Apple if possible. Genius bar appointment.

They would probably be better to advise, who knows maybe replace?

-CM
 
I've had mesh bands before, and they tend to discolor from moisture, dirt, etc. It's normal.
 
Try this: Cape Cod Metal Polishing Cloths Foil Pouch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017H3PIO/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_bcMwvb0316VRM

Have always worked for me with jewelry, prefer over using straight polish paste specially the milanese loop will be a pain to clean with paste.

FWIW— polish cloths will mess with the satin/brushed finish and turn it into a polished finish. It will be difficult to achieve uniform results on a Milanese band.

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I've had mesh bands before, and they tend to discolor from moisture, dirt, etc. It's normal.

I have several mesh band items; I've never seen it occur this rapidly. Also, cleaning with 409, a soft bristle brush, and rinsing with very warm water has always handled any dirt issues with mesh.

These rub lines aren't being caused by dirt and moisture. They're being caused by metal against metal friction. The issue isn't next to the skin or in the outer part of the band that shows; it's between the overlapped areas. At least— mine is.
 
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