Lena Rivera
Painting the inside of a telescope tube is important to ensure that stray light does not degrade the images in your eyepiece. The easiest way to do this is to paint the inside of the tube flat black, which will also seal the painted surfaces against moisture. However, flat black paint will still reflect light, so it is important to consider other options such as flocking paper, which will scatter the light and greatly reduce the chances of it going into your focuser. If you are painting your tube a light colour, it is recommended to use a good primer to cover any dark printing on the tube.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To minimise stray light and reduce its degradation effects on images |
| Paint Colour | Flat black |
| Paint Type | Latex house paint, Black 2.0 acrylic paint, Krylon Ultra-Flat Black, Vanta-Black, Ultra Flat Paint |
| Painting Technique | Attach a paintbrush to a stick and paint halfway down the tube from each end |
| Other Options | Matt black velvet, sandpaper sprayed with matt black paint, flocking paper, velvet material, baffles |
| Additional Considerations | Avoid painting the ends of the tube black, ensure spiral grooves on the inside are well-painted |
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What You'll Learn
Paint colour options
Painting the inside of a telescope tube is important to ensure that stray light does not degrade the images in your eyepiece. The paint colour you choose should be non-reflective to minimise scattered light.
The most common colour choice for painting the inside of a telescope tube is flat black paint. Flat black paint is preferred over darker grey shades as it is more effective at reducing reflections. However, it is important to note that even flat black paint can still reflect light, especially if a ray of light is positioned directly into the focuser. To address this issue, some people opt for flocking paper, which can be adhered to the inside of the tube and is very effective at scattering light, reducing the chances of it entering the focuser.
If you are considering a lighter paint colour, it is recommended to use a good primer to cover any dark printing on the tube. It may take several coats to completely cover the printing, so this should be considered when choosing a paint colour.
Some people have experimented with using ultra-black coatings, such as Vanta-Black, which is made of carbon nanotubes and can completely absorb light. However, these coatings are typically not durable enough for regular use and can be costly to apply.
Ultimately, the choice of paint colour for the inside of your telescope tube depends on your specific needs and preferences. While flat black paint is the most common choice, flocking paper or even ultra-black coatings can be considered for their light-scattering properties.
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Painting techniques
Preparation
Before painting, it is important to ensure that the telescope tube is clean and free of any dirt or debris. It is also crucial to protect any parts of the telescope that should not be painted with tape or another suitable covering. Additionally, if the tube has spiral grooves on the inside, be prepared to put in some extra work to ensure these are adequately coated.
Painting Tools
One recommended method is to attach a paintbrush to a stick to reach the inside of the tube. A sponge brush held perpendicular to the stick with a strong spring clamp can be useful. For longer tubes, painting horizontally may be necessary, while shorter tubes can be painted in the vertical position.
Paint Type
Using flat black paint is a popular choice for the inside of telescope tubes as it helps to minimise stray light and improve image quality. It is important to use a high-quality flat black paint to ensure the best results and minimise reflection. Some recommended paint types include Krylon Ultra-Flat Black and Black 2.0 Acrylic paint. However, be aware that some paints may not be suitable for outdoor conditions and may require an overcoat.
Alternative Techniques
Aside from paint, there are other ways to achieve a non-reflective interior in a telescope tube. One method is to use flocking paper, which can be adhered to the inside of the tube to scatter light and reduce reflections. Another option is to use matt black velvet or sandpaper sprayed with matt black paint. These alternatives can provide similar benefits to using super-absorbing black paint.
Priming
If you are painting your tube a light colour, consider using a primer to cover any dark printing on the tube. This may require multiple coats to ensure the printing does not show through.
Moisture Proofing
To ensure the longevity of your telescope tube, it is important to moisture-proof it. Painting the inside of the tube can help seal it against moisture, especially when using flat black paint.
Creative Options
While functionality is essential, you can also get creative with the inside of your telescope tube. Consider adding a 'mural' or using fabric coverings, Monokote (plastic adhesive shrink wrap), or a plastic veneer for a unique look.
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Reducing light reflection
Painting the inside of a telescope tube is important to reduce light reflection, which can degrade the images in your eyepiece. The easiest way to do this is to paint the inside of the tube flat black. This will also seal the painted surfaces against moisture.
To get a smooth finish, you should lightly roughen the inside of the tube with fine sandpaper and vacuum thoroughly to remove dust. This provides a "tooth" for better adhesion of the applied paint. You can then apply two coats of textured spray paint, waiting 24 hours between coats. After waiting another 24 hours, you can apply a final coat of flat black spray paint.
If you want to further reduce light reflection, you can consider using a product like ProtoStar Black Velvet Flocking Material. This is a light-absorbing surface that is specifically engineered to reduce internal reflections and improve image contrast. It is also effective at reducing glare from nearby bright objects like streetlights.
Another option is to use a coating like Vanta-Black, which is made up of carbon nanotubes. When light hits it, the photons get “lost” inside the tubes, resulting in absolutely no reflections. However, this coating is not durable and can be affected by dust and dirt.
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Moisture-proofing
Painting the inside of a telescope tube is important for sealing the tube against moisture and preventing internal light reflection. Here are some tips for moisture-proofing your telescope tube:
Choose the Right Paint
Select a paint that will create a moisture-resistant barrier. Flat black paint is commonly used for this purpose. You can opt for a high-heat barbecue spray paint, a flat black latex house paint, or a commercial-grade flat black paint. Avoid paints that are not robust enough for outdoor conditions, as they may require an overcoat.
Prepare the Surface
Before painting, ensure the surface is clean and free of any dirt or debris. If the telescope tube has existing paint, you may need to strip it or sand it down to create a smooth base for the new paint to adhere properly.
Painting Technique
The easiest way to paint the inside of the telescope tube is to attach a paintbrush to a stick. Use a sponge brush or a rectangular scrap of wood with a strong spring clamp to hold the brush perpendicular to the stick. Paint halfway down the tube from each end. For longer tubes, you may need to work in a horizontal position, while shorter tubes can be painted in a vertical position.
Cure the Paint
Allow the paint to cure completely for at least a week before assembly. You can speed up the curing process by placing the tube in a warm, enclosed space, such as inside a car on a sunny day. The heat will help bake the paint onto the surface.
Alternative Methods
If painting is not feasible, there are other ways to moisture-proof your telescope tube. You can use flocking material, which is a black, fuzzy material that can be applied to the inside of the tube. Another alternative is to line the tube with black construction paper, cutting it to fit the circumference of the tube and sliding it inside.
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Creative designs
While painting the inside of a telescope tube, you can get creative with the design. Here are some ideas for unique and aesthetically pleasing finishes:
- Flat Black Paint: Using a flat black paint is a popular choice for the inside of telescope tubes. It helps to minimise scattered light from reaching the eyepiece, which can reduce the ability to see faint objects or low-contrast details. While regular flat black paint can still reflect light, there are specialty paints available, such as high-heat barbecue spray paint, that can provide an even darker finish.
- Flocking Material: Flocking material or flocking paper is an alternative to paint. It can be attached to the inside of the tube and provides a very dark and non-reflective surface. This method scatters light, making it diffuse and reducing the chances of it reaching the focuser. One creative way to use flocking is to fill the tube with sawdust, spray it with flat black paint, and then shake and discard the excess. This creates a unique, textured finish that resembles the inside of a chimney.
- Fabric or Veneer Covering: Instead of painting, you can cover the inside of the tube with fabric or a plastic veneer. This can be an aesthetically pleasing choice and allows for a variety of patterns and textures.
- Mural: If you're feeling artistic, you can paint a mural on the inside of the tube. This can be a fun way to personalise your telescope and make it truly unique.
- Metallic Finishes: For a sleek and modern look, consider using metallic paint or finishes. You can choose colours like beaten-metal gold, bronze, or copper to give your telescope a stylish update.
- Wood Staining: If you want to showcase the natural beauty of wood, consider staining the inside of the tube. This can be followed by varnishing to protect and enhance the finish.
Remember, when choosing a creative design, it's important to consider the functionality of your telescope. Some finishes may affect the light reflection and absorption, so balance your aesthetic choices with the practical requirements of astronomy.
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Frequently asked questions
Painting the inside of your telescope tube black helps to minimise scattered light, which can reduce your ability to see faint objects or low-contrast details.
Flat black paint is recommended to reduce light reflection. However, some light may still reflect, so you could also try flocking paper, which will scatter the light and reduce the chances of it going into your focuser.
First, ensure that the inside of your tube is moisture-proofed. Then, attach a paintbrush to a stick and paint halfway down the tube from each end. You will need to do long tubes horizontally, but shorter tubes can be painted vertically.
Krylon Ultra-Flat Black paint is a good choice, but there are other brands that may work just as well or better. You can also use flat latex house paint, but be aware that you will likely need to apply two coats.
Make sure to get the spiral grooves on the inside of the tube painted well, as this will take a little extra work but will be worth it. Also, do not paint the ends of the tube black—they will look better if they are painted the same colour as the outside of the tube.
