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Best way to clean filters

crazyjedi

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crazyjedi

crazyjedi

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Whilst sitting here looking over my lenses and filters (rather than through them) due to the constant cloud cover, I noticed that my UHC-S filter has a few tiny specks on it and smears too. What is the safest, easiest way to clean it??

Cheers

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Qualia

Qualia

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I use a Baader Optical cloth and the Baader Optical Wonder Cleaning Fluid and before and after applying them I use a rubber air-bulb to blow off any dust specks. Have used this method on all my filters, EPs and OTA to no ill effect.

You might find this useful:

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JamesM

JamesM

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Another vote for the Baader Wonder Fluid which you can view here. Reasonably priced and although the bottle may seem small, it does seems to last for quite a long time.

Certainly forms part of an astronomers essential kit bag.

Clear skies

James

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Kuff dam

Kuff dam

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A few years ago i used to work with CNC Laser cutters. We cleaned all the optics on them (Mirrors, Output Windows etc) using Lens Tissue and a couple of drops of Acetone. This method cleaned them up well and i can't see why it wouldn't work with telescope optics and filters. As mentioned above though, it may be worth checking with the manufacturer first.

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LukeSkywatcher

LukeSkywatcher

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"Mammals in general are greasy creatures"

Only the Human kind.

Dogs also (around the eyes), but i dont know many dogs that use telescopes.

Any large particles i blow off of the EP etc with a rocket blower. Then i simply rub the lens in a circular motion with a very soft cotton t-shirt.

Works for me but i am not suggesting it to anyone as a proper method of cleaning.

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umadog

umadog

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A few years ago i used to work with CNC Laser cutters. We cleaned all the optics on them (Mirrors, Output Windows etc) using Lens Tissue and a couple of drops of Acetone. This method cleaned them up well and i can't see why it wouldn't work with telescope optics and filters. As mentioned above though, it may be worth checking with the manufacturer first.

Acetone is fine for mirrors because you can easily remove the mirror from the scope. Acetone may be fine for coated lenses also (I'm not certain). But the lenses and filters we're talking about are mounted and if there's any plastic around the acetone will dissolve it. Worst case scenario it will get onto the glass. Acetone should be a last resort cleaning agent for eyepieces.

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LukeSkywatcher

LukeSkywatcher

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Acetone (A.K.A~~nail varnish remover). I would have thought that was too strong to use on ANY kind of optics.

I dont think i would ever even consider it.............unless as an experiment on a cheap Kellner EP. I really would not be happy cleaning a mirror with it.

I may be wrong.

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umadog

umadog

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Paul, yes acetone is a powerful organic solvent but it won't affect your mirror because it just doesn't dissolve or react with aluminium or the over-coat. As far as your mirror is concerned it's as safe as water. I've used it several times for grease marks. Here's a video from Spectrum Coatings showing it in action:

Galaxy also mention acetone as being a suitable cleaning product for mirrors: http://www.galaxyoptics.com/images/TelescopeMirrorCleaningProcedure.pdf

You want pure acetone, though. Nail varnish remover may be impure, containing scents and so forth. Also, you need to be very careful with the stuff: do it outdoors or in a well ventilated space. I'm not saying acetone should be the first port of call, but if there's a stubborn grease mark (e.g. resin) it would be better to wash it away with acetone than risk even gentle scrubbing with ethanol or detergent.

It's often said that the less you clean the mirror the better. This is only true if you're cleaning it badly. In fact, cleaning regularly (using a safe method of your choice) is worthwhile since it will prolong the reflectivity of the coating: http://articles.adsabs.harvard.edu/full/seri/PASP./0109//0000303.000.html

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LukeSkywatcher

LukeSkywatcher

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On S@N recently i saw the condition of the mirror on the scope at Keilder. The scope is still in operation.

NONE of my scopes will EVER get that manky dirty. so i am not bothered about cleaning them.

I just thought acetone would be a bit strong.

P,S,~~~how the hell do you get finger prints on your primary mirror?

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umadog

umadog

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On S@N recently i saw the condition of the mirror on the scope at Keilder. The scope is still in operation.

Oh yes, it'll be quite functional, but that doesn't mean the contrast would be better if the mirror was cleaner. I've heard a lot of people comment that they see better contrast on a mirror that's just be re-surfaced, for example.

P,S,~~~how the hell do you get finger prints on your primary mirror?

Finger prints area a possibility with certain truss tubes. Particularly the ultra-portable ones like the Obsession UC. Other gunk seems to get on mirrors too, though. Tree resin being a particularly annoying one.

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glowjet

glowjet

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A quick look at Baader`s web site gives a lot of info on their filters www.alpineastro.com and they have also produced a PDF on cleaning optics with the Baader Wonder fluid. It would seem all filters are coated in a special "ionbeam" film which protects them to allow them to be cleaned. Info on cleaning optics http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=pdf%20baader%20wonder%20fluid&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CFMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baader-planetarium.com%2Fpdf%2FopticalWonder-engl.pdf&ei=gL8DUJiPDKnG0QXK1PyyBw&usg=AFQjCNHhTwUE4hSX8EKnr7b-RCu7Tl2ung can be found here :)

John.

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Photosbykev

Photosbykev

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I clean my camera sensors with Eclipse fluid which is 100% methanol I also use it on my Canon lenses. It sounds similar to the Baader cleaning solution

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Blame Apple for the typos and me for the content

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jason.p

jason.p

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What is the "Wonder fluid" based on, alcohol, detergent etc? I sometimes wonder if some of these "specialist" products are a bit of a con. I would imagine the material used to apply and the method of application is more important.

(I've always been a bit of a cynic :grin: )

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Astrosurf

Astrosurf

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What is the "Wonder fluid" based on, alcohol, detergent etc? I sometimes wonder if some of these "specialist" products are a bit of a con. I would imagine the material used to apply and the method of application is more important.

(I've always been a bit of a cynic :grin: )

I too am a cynic. At the bottom of this ad is a link to the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) I haven't looked at it yet.http://www.alpineastro.com/optics_care/optics_care.htm

Alexxx

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Astrosurf

Astrosurf

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I too am a cynic. At the bottom of this ad is a link to the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) I haven't looked at it yet.http://www.alpineastro.com/optics_care/optics_care.htm

Alexxx

EDIT - ethanol and propan-1-ol. I guess in distilled water?

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