How to remove faulty antireflective coating on Macbook Pro Retina

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Level 1

27 points

How to remove faulty antireflective coating on Macbook Pro Retina

As you can see in the photo below, the antireflective coating on my late 2013 Macbook Pro Retina is starting to peel off. Apple is refusing to replace the screen on my machine for reasons that I will not go into in order to avoid this post getting removed for being a rant.

Since I am unwilling to shell out 600+ EUR to replace a part that is working fine except for this defect, how do I go about removing the faulty antireflective coating? I would like to have a spot-free screen again.

Thanks in advance!

Posted on Mar 3, 2018 1:40 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

6Mmagic

Level 1

9 points

Mar 14, 2018 3:35 AM in response to komue

I have used watch polish and alcohol and this does remove the coating after a lot of rubbing, but it was difficult to remove the coating at the edges of the screen. So, having cleaned my woodturner stove with 'Clark - Stove Glass Cleaner' I tried at on the edge of my MacBook Pro screen using just a plain tissue containing a very small amount of the cleaner. It worked like a charm - so as confidence grew I cleaned all around the edge of the screen with just a light rub. Perfect!

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Answer 2

komue Author

Level 1

27 points

Mar 3, 2018 2:40 AM in response to seventy one

Apple addressed this issue by introducing a free replacement program covering machines up to 3 years after purchase, which was later extended to 4 years. I.e. while Apple acknowledges that MacBook Pros produced in 2013 are affected by this manufacturing issue, they will only take on responsibility for cases where this (non-user induced!) issue surfaces within 4 years after purchase.

It took slightly more than 4 years to appear on my particular machine (it doesn't leave the desk a lot), so all I can do now is to make sure that this issue remains visible and hope that Apple will soon extend the above period to 5 years.

This is not my own idea - it's the "solution" I was encouraged to pursue during both a Genius Bar appointment and a phone call to Customer Support.

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Answer 3

Mar 16, 2018 3:22 PM in response to komue

Yeah, I just got the problem too. And without luck for late 2013... Please extend support Apple!

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Answer 4

seventy one

Level 7

27,460 points

Mar 3, 2018 2:21 AM in response to komue

I do know there was a problem with anti reflective coating on 2013 MacBooks. I know Apple addressed the complaints but what happened I do not know. You may have to do some digging by inserting into Google ... "Problems with anti reflective coating on 2013 MB Pro screen". Then review what comes up.

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Answer 5

seventy one

Level 7

27,460 points

Mar 3, 2018 1:50 AM in response to komue

If it is out of warranty or Apple care +, you have two options, Replace the screen at Apple or clear it yourself. You know of both of these and I can only say, to do it yourself is very risky and may require you to buy a new screen anyway. There is a U Tube article but I am very doubtful about the source. This is it, in case you want to look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJwBJKLkrD4 To be frank, I don't think anyone here would want to recommend a process. I don't recommend the U Tube suggestions.

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