How can I remove fingerprints from a reflector?

AlexGT · Jan 22, 2004

Hello guys!

I need your input before I do anything stupid and regret it.

I have a PR-T that has a fingerprint in the reflector, is there a way to remove it without scratching or affecting the reflectivity?

Any ideas? Or leave it as it is?

Thanks!

Alex

AlexGT · Jan 23, 2004

BTT

Would running alcohol thru the reflector afect the reflectiveness? Guess I am the only one that made this mistake.

Alex

Mark_Larson · Jan 23, 2004

Re: How can I remove fingerprints from a reflecto

I doubt the reflector would be affected by a fingerprint. You could try buffing it out with a flannel cloth like the one used to clean eyeglasses. Failing that, a very soft cotton cloth would work well. (Very old boxer briefs work well)

unnerv · Jan 23, 2004

Re: How can I remove fingerprints from a reflecto

I have used a microfiber cloth on the pelican reflector before and it worked out fine.

K-T · Jan 23, 2004

Re: How can I remove fingerprints from a reflecto

I would try the alcohol rinsing first - you have to make sure to take 100% pure alcohol, otherwise it will leave some stuff "behind" after drying. It should not affect the reflectiveness if taking pure alcohol. I don't have any experience with fingerprints on reflectors but know that they get scratched pretty quick - thus start with the least invasive method (rubbing the fingerprint away is the last thing I would try).

Klaus.

roguesw · Jan 23, 2004

Re: How can I remove fingerprints from a reflecto

like k-t said, they get scracthed pretty easily,
i have one that has swirl marks from trying to remove a fingerprint out, just rinse with alcohol and dont touch the reflector.
actually, try immersing in 100% alcohol for a few minutes, this can hopefully lift the grease residue off the surface.
hope your work goes well
cheers
des

Ginseng · Jan 23, 2004

Re: How can I remove fingerprints from a reflecto

Someone else suggested spritzing with Simple Green, rinsing with water then buffing lightly with optical cloth. I plug the bulb hole with my finger, drop in some Dawn dishwashing liquid then fill with water and swish. Rinse under a stream of water. Blow dry with canned air.

Wilkey

AlexGT · Jan 23, 2004

Re: How can I remove fingerprints from a reflecto

I used to wear contacts until I had Lasik, and there is an enzimatic cleaner used for removing protein deposits. do you think it can dissolve the fingerprint?

Maybe I'll try that on a cheap reflector and see what happens.

Any more suggestions?

AlexGT

qarawol · Jan 24, 2004

Re: How can I remove fingerprints from a reflecto

What is the reflector made of? If it is alum like the Streamlight SL Lamp Assemblies or the MagLite type chrome reflectors, then glass cleaner with a very soft cloth or cotton should do it. If it is like the Surefire Metalized Vapor Coated Reflectors... DON"T TOUCH IT!

Enjoy...

DrJ · Jan 24, 2004

Re: How can I remove fingerprints from a reflecto

.

darkzero · Jan 24, 2004

Re: How can I remove fingerprints from a reflecto

I agree, I wouldn't use any method where you would wipe it with something. Most reflectors are very delicate and chances are you get tiny scratches. I too use alcohol (denatured) to rinse with compressed air to dry.

roguesw · Jan 24, 2004

Re: How can I remove fingerprints from a reflecto

the pr reflectors are
quote "If it is like the Surefire Metalized Vapor Coated Reflectors... DON"T TOUCH IT!"
des

LightScene · Jan 24, 2004

Re: How can I remove fingerprints from a reflecto

One way to clean eye glasses is to run them under hot water and then pat them dry with a soft cloth, without rubbing. That might work on a reflector too. But don't do use this method if your glasses have an anti-reflective coating. They make special cleaners for anti-reflective coatings.

Another method is to put a drop or 2 of dishwashing detergent on the reflector and then rub it around gently with a wet finger. Then rinse it off and pat it dry.

How can I remove fingerprints from a reflector?

AlexGT

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