Oleophobic screen coating

Question

Oleophobic screen coating

Is there any truth to the discussion regarding Apple's "oleophobic coating" potentially wearing-away? I have not used ANY type of chemical cleaners or wipes on my iPad screen - EVER! I use microfiber cloths and the occasional "breath" to provide minimal moisture.

Yet, the ability to remove smudges and fingerprints HAS been degrading over time for me. I used to be able to give one-swipe across a pant-leg or shirt-front and the screen would be crystal clear. The microfiber cloths that I purchased (JUST for cleaning my iPad) used to do a GREAT job with one or two passes... NOW, it just seems that all the cloth does is move the smudges around, but doesn't clean the screen any more. It takes a REAL EFFORT to get all the fingerprints and skin oils off. My assumption is that this condition is irreversible, correct?

iPad, iOS 4

Posted on Feb 17, 2011 7:59 AM

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Answer 1

Sam M.

Level 3

604 points

Feb 17, 2011 8:09 AM in response to Scott Finlayson

Hi Scott,

It sure sounds like you take great care of your iPad. Consider [reading this|http://gizmodo.com/#!5302097/giz-bill-nye-explains-the-iphone-3gss-oleopho bic-screen] to learn a little bit more about this special coating (the article is about the iPhone 3GS but it is the same thing). Even with perfect care, the chemical coating will eventually wear away and not perform the same that it did on the day you bought it. As you had mentioned, this is unfortunately irreversible.

You should consider getting a screen protector (the anti glare ones are my favorite) so it will continue to avoid fingerprints. If that wears down (and they usually last much longer!) you can just peel it right off and put a new one on!

-SM

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Answer 2

Feb 17, 2011 10:15 AM in response to Scott Finlayson

yes it will fade over time. It's just the nature of the coating, it's not a permanent thing. I don't know of any product that would reapply it.

But the good news is it does not affect the general resistance of the screen surface. It might take more effort to clean it over time when the coating fades, but it doesn't mean it will scratch easier now. So there is nothing to really worry about.

Another thing. The microfiber cloths work great but they do pick up the dirt and oil with more use.

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Answer 3

Demo

Level 10

166,747 points

Feb 17, 2011 12:46 PM in response to Scott Finlayson

I too care for my iPad in the same way as you. I do not have a screen protector. I had one initially - it was a cheapie - and didn't care for it. I recently bought a stylus which I use constantly with iPad. Yes the screen still gets dirty a bit, but NOTHING like using your finger on it. So it is much easier to clean.

I love this stylus and it helps to keep the iPad much cleaner that I used to be able to keep it, so I am wiping far less than I used to ... oops ...I hope that sounds OK!

🙂

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Answer 4

Philly_Phan

Level 7

20,737 points

Feb 17, 2011 1:01 PM in response to Scott Finlayson

Oleophobic - afraid of oleos?

Seriously, I think that it's too soon for the coating to have worn away. I also use a microfiber cloth but I find it necessary to moisten it slightly (with plain water) occasionally. Also, my microfiber cloths periodically find themselves in the washing machine.

If the coating DID wear away, yes it's irreversible.

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Answer 5

Feb 17, 2011 8:00 AM in response to Scott Finlayson

and yes... I HAVE cleaned the microfiber cloths AND switched to new ones. It's not due to a dirty cleaning cloth. (FYI)

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