Spray Painting Telescope Tube. Standard matt black paint is hardly suited to this task: At shallow angles of light incidence, as they are typical of the telescope tube, a standard "matt" finish is in fact still far too. Painting inside of a tube – posted in Classic Telescopes: HI All, Im in the the process of doing a combination restoration/new build of a Carton 60mm x 1000mm.
Spray painting a telescope tube is a project that anyone with some basic knowledge of metallurgy and metalworking can tackle. Spray painting a telescope tube requires preparation of the surface to be painted, application of the paint, and the curing process. The following steps will provide an overview of the steps needed to complete the project.
Preparation
The first step in any spray painting project is preparation of the surface to be painted. Before any painting can begin, the surface must be free of dirt and debris. A wire brush or other abrasive material can be used to remove any rust or oxidation from the surface. Any grease or oil must also be removed from the surface, as this can prevent the paint from adhering properly. Once the surface is clean and dry, it should be wiped down with a lint-free cloth to remove any remaining dust or debris.
The next step is to mask off any areas that should not be painted. This can include any areas where optics are mounted, as well as any areas that have already been painted and should not be covered. Masking tape and paper can be used to cover these areas.
Application of Paint
Once the surface is prepared, the actual painting process can begin. The type of paint to be used will depend on the desired finish, as well as the environment in which the telescope is to be used. For most applications, a spray paint designed for metal surfaces will work best. The spray should be applied evenly and in thin layers, allowing the paint to cure between each coat. The number of coats will depend on the desired finish. Too many coats can lead to an uneven finish, so it is important to plan and measure the amount of paint to be used.
It is also important to keep the spray can moving while spraying the surface. This will help to prevent the paint from pooling in one area and creating an uneven finish. The paint should be applied at a distance of approximately 12 inches from the surface, and should be sprayed in short, light bursts.
Curing Process
Once the desired number of coats has been applied, the paint must be allowed to cure. The amount of time needed for curing will depend on the type of paint used and the environment in which the telescope is located. In general, it is best to allow the paint to cure for at least 24 hours before use. During this time, the telescope should be kept away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat.
Spray painting a telescope tube is a relatively simple project that anyone with some basic knowledge of metallurgy and metalworking can complete. By following the steps outlined above, it is possible to achieve a professional-looking finish that will last for many years.
A spray-painted nightsky for my telescope – pt. 2
Part 2 of my spray-paint experimentation
Painting the Outside of the Tube. We will take the simple route and paint our tube. The yellow cardboard of the concrete tube grew on us during this project, so we decided to. , Spray Painting Telescope Tube.
