FAQ
TL;DR: Streaks after IPA indicate polarizer/backlight contamination; the reliable fix is replacement—"heat to 65°C" to remove and refit the backlight. This FAQ helps DIY phone fixers tackle white spots and streaks on ZTE V987‑class LCDs. [Elektroda, rabus40, post #17088154]
Why it matters: It helps you decide between drying, layer cleaning/swaps, or full module replacement so you don’t waste money.
Quick Facts
- Root cause: liquid reaches the display’s polarizing/backlight film; cleaning reduces stains, but perfect results need replacement. [Elektroda, E8600, post #17086542]
- Angle tell: streaks shrink or change with viewing angle when the polarizer is contaminated. [Elektroda, E8600, post #17086594]
- Cost guide (PL): touch glass ≈ PLN 30; LCD+glass assembly ≈ PLN 150. [Elektroda, 8850, post #17086577]
- Service temp: warm the LCD to about 65°C before lifting the backlight stack. [Elektroda, rabus40, post #17088154]
- DIY option: disassemble layers and wash the polarizer with extraction gasoline; hardest step is removing the LCD. [Elektroda, sagem90, post #17087274]
What causes white spots and streaks after cleaning my ZTE V987 screen with IPA?
IPA reached the display’s polarizing/backlight film. That changes light diffusion and creates white spots and streaks. Cleaning reduces some staining. A perfect result requires replacing the contaminated film or the module. [Elektroda, E8600, post #17086542]
Will the stains fade on their own?
Once trapped liquid settles, it stops evaporating. "So it will not evaporate anymore." A useful tell is stains changing with viewing angle. That points to polarizer contamination, not surface dirt. [Elektroda, E8600, post #17086594]
Can replacing only the glass/digitizer fix this?
No. The damage is beneath the glass. As one reply states: "Only LCD and touch replacement." Replacing glass alone leaves the polarizer unchanged. [Elektroda, gruktel, post #17086527]
Is cleaning between LCD and touch a reliable fix?
Technicians can unstick the screen stack and clean layers. It does not restore perfection. "For it to be perfect, only an exchange comes into play." If you need pristine visuals, plan a replacement. [Elektroda, E8600, post #17086542]
What’s the lowest-cost path if the phone’s value is low?
Touch glass is approx. PLN 30. An LCD plus glass assembly is approx. PLN 150. Compare these figures with your device’s value before deciding. If costs approach value, replacement may not be economical. [Elektroda, 8850, post #17086577]
How can I attempt a no-parts drying method first?
Disassemble the phone and remove the display module. Dry the disassembled display with rice or another desiccant. If that fails, try replacing the polarizing foil. Avoid touching optical surfaces with fingers. [Elektroda, E8600, post #17089135]
How do I replace the backlight/polarizer layers?
Use gentle heat and swap the backlight stack. 1. Remove the LCD module from the phone. 2. Warm it to about 65°C to soften adhesive. 3. Lift the backlight and install a new one, then reassemble. You can search videos for this process. [Elektroda, rabus40, post #17088154]
Can I wash the polarizing foil instead of replacing it?
Yes. Disassemble the LCD layers and wash the polarizer with extraction gasoline. The hardest step is removing the LCD from the frame. Alternatively, transplant layers from a cracked donor LCD. [Elektroda, sagem90, post #17087274]
I have a donor phone with cracked glass. Can I swap layers?
Yes. You can transplant the optical layers from a damaged, cracked LCD to your unit. Ensure donor layers are intact and clean. [Elektroda, sagem90, post #17087274]
What phrase should I search to find tutorials for this repair?
Use the term "backlight repair" when looking for display layer removal and replacement videos. It matches the procedure you need. [Elektroda, zolwik1985, post #17089067]
How can I confirm the polarizer is the issue before opening the phone?
Change your viewing angle and watch the streaks. If they shrink or change, the polarizer or backlight is affected. Surface cleaning will not fix that behavior. [Elektroda, E8600, post #17086594]
Any handling tips when replacing a polarizer?
Avoid greasy fingers on optical films. "When replacing the foil, I advise you to be careful with greasy fingers." Work clean and handle edges only. [Elektroda, E8600, post #17089135]
