Strange One

[mark993]

Right this is a bit of a weird question does anyone know if it is ok to spray paint a telescope and would it effect performance?

[brianb]

ok to spray paint a telescope and would it effect performance?

Keep the paint off the glass

Performance effects should be small. Light coloured tubes better than dark colours.

[andrew s]

Yes but not with the optics in place - spray paint gets everywhere - also watch the focuser etc. Andrew

[Doc]

I would remove focuser and lens then paint.

[SiriusB]

Shouldn't be a problem - I've done one.

Don't put it back together till the paint's cured PROPERLY though,

I've heard paint fumes eat optical coatings like the hunny monster eats sugar puffs Don't say i didn't warn you!

[A McEwan]

Yep, strip it all down completely if I were you. I've done it with a Dob. Spray paint is ice and easy to use. Nitromors to strip old paint. Kurust to treat any rust spots on tube. Multiple thin coats rather than one or two thick ones. Use good primer. Several thin coats of lacquer too. Leave to cure completely before reassembly.

has | Dob Repaint