The Ford Barn

Paul Bennett · 01-23-2017, 12:07 AM

What is the best way to clean a front surface light reflector? I know that most every normal technique will cause scratches and welcome your advice to avoid that.

Second thought - 'cleaning' isn't the right word - 'restore' is better. Except for where I stupidly touched leaving body oil, there is no dirt. It's that the surface had discolored. I have some "Cool-Amp" silver powder which I used to coat printed circuit boards I etched ... wonder if that could restore the surface? Guess I should try that in a tiny area with a microcloth.

The picture is my spotlight and the picture looks much better than the real article. Spotlight didn't work so took it apart expecting a bad bulb but it was actually ok.

J Franklin · 01-23-2017, 12:53 AM

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The silver plating on most reflectors is very thin and must be cleaned very gently. the old method was with lampblack but I don't know the procedure. I would use clear water and a very soft cloth. If used, use polishes in an inconspicuous area to see no damage occurs.

01-23-2017, 12:07 AM	#1
Paul Bennett Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 628	Cleaning a reflector What is the best way to clean a front surface light reflector? I know that most every normal technique will cause scratches and welcome your advice to avoid that. Second thought - 'cleaning' isn't the right word - 'restore' is better. Except for where I stupidly touched leaving body oil, there is no dirt. It's that the surface had discolored. I have some "Cool-Amp" silver powder which I used to coat printed circuit boards I etched ... wonder if that could restore the surface? Guess I should try that in a tiny area with a microcloth. The picture is my spotlight and the picture looks much better than the real article. Spotlight didn't work so took it apart expecting a bad bulb but it was actually ok. Last edited by Paul Bennett; 01-23-2017 at 05:35 AM.

01-23-2017, 12:53 AM	#2
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 6,370	Re: Cleaning a reflector Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The silver plating on most reflectors is very thin and must be cleaned very gently. the old method was with lampblack but I don't know the procedure. I would use clear water and a very soft cloth. If used, use polishes in an inconspicuous area to see no damage occurs.