Newtonian Mirror. To wash or not to wash - that is the question

[Sabalias]

I'm going to flock my newtonian reflector and wondered if it would be sensible to wash the primary mirror while the scope is dismantled. It's not particularly dirty and most of the dust specks have come off using a camera lens puffer. Any advice please?

Thanks,

Stu

[vlaiv]

If you are sort of person that enjoys extreme sports / horror movies - then yes

Otherwise - no as it won't make much difference.

I did that with my first newtonian when I flocked it and at the time I was so worried that I'll damage the mirror in one way or another - that it caused adrenaline rush . Now looking back at it after some time - I really do think that it was unnecessary as far as views go - but interesting exercise and possibly good way to get more comfortable around optical equipment.

[Starwatcher2001]

I'd leave it alone. Each time you wash it is an opportunity to scratch it.

[tripleped]

I second that motion- leave it be.  IMHO if one needs to think alot about whether or not it needs washing  it probably doesn't need washing.

[iapa]

Unless it has bee sitting out side for a couple of years without a lens cover, I’d be tempted to leave it.

[Alien 13]

I used to wash mine every couple of weeks, never a problem if you follow the guides available, dont try and polish the mirror with a rag though..

Alan

[Skyline]

Brillo Pad usually does wonders, really brings out the shine 🤣

[Sabalias]

Thanks all. I've flocked and rebuilt the scope. Not the best job if I'm honest but it's a real faff getting it all smooth and the sheets butting up against eachother properly for the full circumference of the tube. I didn't thoroughly wash the mirror but I did rinse it off under running water, then distilled water, and then let it air dry.

Stu

[kev100]

Hiya,

I’ve washed mine a couple of times, and it definitely improved the view, but then the mirror was pretty dirty (one of the problems of living in a rural location with lots of log fires around). Can you upload a pic?

kev