Cleaning Ground Glass...

Any suggestions on general cleaning for ground glass? I've noticed some spots or 'fogging' on areas of the glass. Before I assume that I can use a general glass cleaner, I wanted to check with you all first.

Input appreciated (as always )

Hi Dorothy,

When I manufacture them, I used diluted Dawn Dishwashing liquid hot water and a scotch brite page, the pad will not scratch the surface, the Dawn will cut any grease and the hot water will also help with any embedded oils and dirt, make sure you screen is at room temp or above and douse with the diluted dishwashing liquid, rub fully with the scotch brite then rinse in water again and dry with a clean lint free towel, let it dry for about 15 minutes and then hold up to light to see if you have removed all of the contaminents, I don't recommend general spray on cleaners as they sometime will have minute amounts of oil in them that can embedd in the glass, the only wipes I recommend is the windex pouch wipes, I use these in the field for finger prints, and then clean when back in the shop to remove any residue.

Dave Parker
Satin Snow Ground Glass

PS. To everybody, I recommend doing this procedure about every six months, not only does it clean the glass, it will infuse a small amount of moisture into the screen, which can help keep it from becomming brittle..

NOW do NOT use this procedure for fresnels or enhanced screens such at Betties, Maxwells, Etc. as you can scratch them.

Wow, Dave! Thanks so much for the detailed information. Really appreciate it!! Off to give it a try.

D~

Dave Parker said:

"... diluted Dawn Dishwashing liquid... don't recommend general spray on cleaners..."

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Good advice, Dave. FWIW, back in the 80's and 90's, I used to own a commercial cleaning company. Most professional window cleaners used either Dawn or Joy in their buckets -- none of the other dishwashing liquids rinsed as well. We also avoided the spray-and-wipe cleaners. Too many streaks.

Dave Parker said:

...douse with the diluted dishwashing liquid, rub fully with the scotch brite then rinse in water again and dry with a clean lint free towel, let it dry for about 15 minutes and then hold up to light to see if you have removed all of the contaminents...

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For some reason I'm visualizing a very soggy camera...

wfwhitaker said:

For some reason I'm visualizing a very soggy camera...

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Oh Ya! I forgot to mention, take the screen out of the camera with this method of cleaning!



Dave

Dave Parker said:

Oh Ya! I forgot to mention, take the screen out of the camera with this method of cleaning!



Dave

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Gee Dave,

LOL I can just see this and while we are at it maybe we can try some underwater photography with our 4 X 5.

Rich

You mean a Deardorff in the dishwasher is a bad idea???

The advice that Bill gave me for my Maxwell screen is to use baby shampoo and room temperature water. Apply a drop of the shampoo directly to the screen. Take a very, very soft sable hair artists brush and use a gentle swabbing motion. Use enough water to get the shampoo wet and rinse of gently at the end. I haven't tried it yet but will need to soon.

Mattg said:

The advice that Bill gave me for my Maxwell screen is to use baby shampoo and room temperature water. Apply a drop of the shampoo directly to the screen. Take a very, very soft sable hair artists brush and use a gentle swabbing motion. Use enough water to get the shampoo wet and rinse of gently at the end. I haven't tried it yet but will need to soon.

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That is very good advise Bill gave you, but ground glass and a Maxwell screen are two entirely different products and have different requirements for cleaning, if you used the same method that I suggested to wash a ground glass on a Maxwell screen you would damage it, which is why I said don't use this method on enhanced viewing screens or Fresnel's.

Dave Parker
Satin Snow Ground Glass