another mirror cleaning problem

I accidentally got a little silicone adhesive on the front surface of my 11 inch flat (part of a diagonal for a large scope).

Then I compounded it by attempting to gently wipe it off with some cotton gauze, which of course smeared it badly.

I have tried lacquer thinner and isopropyl alchohol, flushing and wiping with the gauze, with no success. Am I totally up the creek?

From my cleaning attempts so far, there have been no visible scratches, so I think the aluminum got some Silicon Monoxide coating.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks,

Gary Klein

Hi Gary,

Look at the thread below. I had a problem as well with spring water leaving mineral deposits. The latest person suggested Kimwipes and an optical cleaner.

Personally I went for the immersion cleaning myself and it worked well.

Not sure whether Ammonia is safe for coatings, but it is said to remove RTV. Other wise, Acetone is also mentioned and I have used it before, but not to remove RTV.

Basically you need to remove a cured Rubber film. I'm not sure acetone or other solvents will have any effect. 'Twere me (& I've worked in a plant that originally distriburted & used G.E. Silicone adhesive since it 1st hit the industrial market) I'd simply rub the rubber film off via a thumb or finger & finally clean the surface area with WD-40 followed by a soapy water cleaning. If you are gentle & patient (don't rush the process) you may get away without a recoat. A hard silicon monoxide overcoat can also sleek, so do not bear down too hard with the finger rubbing trying to achieve quick results. But once an edge starts to lift, it should go easier as it rolls off. As previously advised, repeat your problem on a piece of window glass & trial/practice the removal technique.

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Gary Klein said:

I accidentally got a little silicone adhesive on the front surface of my 11 inch flat (part of a diagonal for a large scope).
Thanks,

Gary Klein

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Hi Gary,

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of a scope needs an 11" diagonal ?

: )

try some acetone