Would you accept this paint finish?

[Iainstanton]

Hi all,

Long time reader, first time poster.

I’ve just picked up my beautiful MacBook Air M2 in midnight but noticed the top of the computer seems to have a poor paint finish when it catches the light. The bottom of the laptop is flawless.

Does anyone else have this shading/inconsistent finish? Would you accept it or demand a new one?

Guidance/advice appreciated.

 

[DHagan4755]

It looks like it needs to be cleaned with a damp cloth. But if it's not up to snuff, exchange it. Don't overthink it.

 

[Iainstanton]

Thanks for the advise. For info its clean.

 

[FattKingHugeman]

If you are not happy, please return the MBA.
You paid good money so you should be receiving a good product.

 

[DD88]

Looks dirty to me , I’d take it back

 

[Apple_Robert]

Thanks for the advise. For info its clean.

If the Mac is clean and you are sure of that, I would say return because the paint job looks defective.

 

[Sterkenburg]

If you are 100% sure it is clean and that those stains cannot be removed, then I would exchange it.

 

[atownguy]

Mine had the exact same issue out of the box! The paper they wrapped it in seemingly left the marks and it was extremely frustrating, especially the "circle" around the Apple Logo. I was nervous that it was permanent because I couldn't wipe it off using a microfiber cloth in my first few tries. Eventually I wiped it down with a pretty wet paper towel, and used a brand new microfiber cloth to clean/dry it from there and it got rid of all the marks and now looks fine. All the other fingerprints/smudges I've gotten since have been much easier to clean off. Based on my experience, I don't think those marks are permanent and they should be able to be wiped clean.

 

[happyslayer]

It almost looks like something was spilled on it at the factory maybe. I just checked mine and other than my own fingerprints and smears, there are no other marks on it. I'd probably return it. Maybe they would let you keep it until a new one arrives. Though they would probably put a hold for the additional amount on your credit card. Good luck.

 

[teknikal90]

id keep it. not enough to bother me.

 

[trek360]

If not wipeable, I'd return it.

 

[Pug72]

Definitely looks like residue left by the protective packaging.

 

[sjperformance]

I would've returned that immediately.

 

[ericwn]

I’m not sure why you would need someone else’s opinion when you’re not happy with that purchase. Return it while there is time. Life is short. I would too.

 

[DD88]

You can see the marks on it even in your photo but you can really see them when you edit the lighting and properties of the photo to show them better. If the marks can’t be removed with a cloth then I’d definitely take it back, even so it’s still not very good. I dread to think what it might look like under UV lighting. It’s either the paper that’s been wrapped around it that’s been pressed against the machine which could be oily or not clean or it’s come directly out of the factory dirty but I imagine Apples standards to be better than that …..

 

[tomtad]

This is why you don't get Midnight

 

[BanditoB]

Your pictures don't look like Midnight to me. They look like Space Gray, but that being said the upper case has been splashed with something that has messed up the anodization. I have occasionally seen anodized aluminum parts come back this way and have also seen this as the result of a spill from something acidic.

Whatever the cause, it should never have been shipped. It is a defective upper case and should be replaced.

 

[Mrbobb]

With my old Air, I cleaned it with aluminum cleanser (a liquid) from the auto part store.

 

[1rottenapple]

Your pictures don't look like Midnight to me. They look like Space Gray, but that being said the upper case has been splashed with something that has messed up the anodization. I have occasionally seen anodized aluminum parts come back this way and have also seen this as the result of a spill from something acidic.

Whatever the cause, it should never have been shipped. It is a defective upper case and should be replaced.

Right I was going say it looks grey I say return your phone

 

[Iainstanton]

Hi all,

Just to update this thread, I have now solved the problem by cleaning the computer with a 70% isopryl alcohol solution and a lint free cloth. All attempts to clean the computer and remove the marks with a moistened lint free cloth as recommended by Apple failed to remove the marks. A Techlink cleaner also failed. The isopryl alcohol solution is reccomended by Apple for more persistent marks. The marks do appear to of been caused by the wrapper the laptop came in.

Midnight is a gorgeous colour but it does appear not only to show fingerprints more vividly but also any other mark, be it adhesive or splashes. It also does not respond well to cleaning with a damp cloth or other generic cleaner. I will be purchasing a clear hard shell case for it as a result.

I’m disappointed to of received the laptop looking like it did in the light but I’m pleased the problem is now solved and it looks fantastic.

Thank you all for your suggestions that said the marks were caused by the wrapper as that made me persist with obtaining the isopryl alcohol rather than returning the computer straight away.

 

[Iainstanton]

Mine had the exact same issue out of the box! The paper they wrapped it in seemingly left the marks and it was extremely frustrating, especially the "circle" around the Apple Logo. I was nervous that it was permanent because I couldn't wipe it off using a microfiber cloth in my first few tries. Eventually I wiped it down with a pretty wet paper towel, and used a brand new microfiber cloth to clean/dry it from there and it got rid of all the marks and now looks fine. All the other fingerprints/smudges I've gotten since have been much easier to clean off. Based on my experience, I don't think those marks are permanent and they should be able to be wiped clean.

Thank you for your help. I persisted as suggested with isopropyl alcohol 70% and it solved the problem.