Cintiq 12WX Scratches

**mckadesinsanity** · August 4th, 2010, 05:02 PM

Hi all,

I'm having an issue regarding scratching with my Wacom Cintiq 12WX- I purchased it a couple months ago; it had absolutely no scratches on it when I took it out of the box and began using it. However, despite my efforts to paint lightly, (I use soft pen pressure, and I'm gentle with my strokes) after about a week of usage, I noticed four small scratches toward the center of the display.
I'm not sure what I did to cause them, as I change nibs regularly, paint lightly, and keep the cintiq free of dust. Whatever the cause, they are there.

So, I read around and a lot of people recommended NuSheild screen protectors, so in an effort to keep from scratching the surface further, I bought one. A week later, it arrived. I installed with no problems and I thought that would be the end of my scratching problem.

The NuShield screen protector has done its job of keeping the Cintiq surface free of scratches. However, the Nushield itself scratches (quite easily, I had scratches after just a few minutes of use) and is beginning to cause some distortion. (i.e. rainbow pixely lines where the scratches are on the Nusheild surface)

Has anyone else had a problem with the Cintiq scratching (or NuShield protectors) and are there any recommendations for a screen protector that will not scratch and cause distortion to the screen?

Thanks so much!
Sara

**chillyhead** · August 10th, 2010, 05:27 AM

Hi there, I'm one of the guys that recommended the Nu-Shield. Wow, I don't understand whats going on there, I've used about 3 shields now and each one has lasted me almost a year or so and I'm a freelancer, so they really do see some action.

I'm presuming you're using the standard plastic nibs? Maybe you are very heavy handed or something even though you try not to be.

My apologies for the lack of help.

Onwards and upwards!

**mckadesinsanity** · August 10th, 2010, 11:26 AM

@chillyhead: Thanks! Which NuShield type do you use? (NuShield AG or DayVue?) I am using the DayVue. I've had it around two to three months now and the scratches on it are really starting to show pretty badly. I do use it everyday- but you said you are also a freelancer, so it should be lasting me longer I would think. Perhaps I should switch to the AG? I'm using the grey stroke nibs. Do you recommend a nib in particular for use with the Cintiq? Thank you so much for your help!

**Pavel Sokov** · August 12th, 2010, 02:09 PM

I bought my cintiq tablet over 2 years ago and it got scratched up immediatly. It eventualy broke completely and I got a refurbishment. The new one that arrived got all scratched up immediatly despite my efforts with a microfiber cloth.

It's pretty lame, but I give up, its just how it is it seems.
It frustrates me a lot though that they would make a scratchable surface.

**runtosaurus** · August 15th, 2010, 01:23 AM

I had the same problem with my Cintiq 12WX despite of how well I took care of it, and instead of the hassle and cost of sending it back to Wacom I decided to give the NuShield a try. So far I've had the NuShield on it for about 2 months and I haven't had any problems at all. You should probably try the AG one next time, it supposedly has slightly better scratch resistance than the Dayvue one. I also use the standard pen nibs.

**mckadesinsanity** · August 18th, 2010, 10:01 AM

@Pavel Sokov: No kidding! When I bought it, I thought if I took good care of it, I would not scratch it, no worries. But it seems even with good care its possible to scratch. And yours broke completely, wow!

@runtosaurus: Thank you! I have just ordered the NuShield AG, hoping that it will arrive in a few days. I'll be posting an update on how it works for me. I'll also be switching to a standard nib and see how it goes. Thanks for the advice!

**rlederer** · August 20th, 2010, 12:55 PM

I'm using the 21UX and the same thing happened to me after almost a year of use. The Cinitiq surface started scratching so I sent it back to have it resurfaced. I got the shield and it was like drawing on a condom so I peeled it off and I'm riding bareback again until it inevitably fails within another year.. After that, I'm going back to Intuos and buying 2 huge monitors instead of one Cintiq. Not impressed.

**chillyhead** · August 24th, 2010, 04:58 AM

Hi there, sorry it's been so long, works been mad and then my fabulous holiday arrived.

I'm using the ag version with the standard nib. Works for me, I hope it works out for you.

I've just upgraded to the new 21ux and wow!!!!! Sooooo much space to work in....

Getting on to nu-shield right now.

All the best to you guys.

Onwards and upwards.

**fdcarter** · August 30th, 2010, 03:28 PM

@mckadesinsanity,

Sorry to hear about the scratching problem you've been having with your 12WX. I'm usually the "scratch king" when it comes to 90% of the electronic items I have, (monitors, ipod, tv's, you name it) no matter how good I try to keep whatever it is. Surprisingly though ("very" surprisingly), I've not had any scratching issues with my 12WX since I got it last year.

I use two things to help prevent against scratches. One is a partial glove called "SMUDGEGUARD", I bought it online shortly after I got the Cintiq (the one that covers only one finger, they have one that covers 2 fingers now). Its made of some kind of rayon/spandex, and works surprisingly well at preventing scratches and smudges, and its ultra-cheap.

I also use IKLEAR products regularly, the spray and the micro-fiber cloths. (regularly meaning about once a week).

I tried the NUSHIELD cover (bought it the same time I bought the 12WX), but like rlederer mentioned, it feels like I'm drawing five surfaces up from my screen, so I just couldn't get used to using the tablet with that on.

Hope you might have some success with that combo.