Cleaning/Prepping Lanterns

[gherriott]

Just a quick survey to find out what products you use when cleaning and prepping lanterns? Personally I have always used 'Isoclean' an alcohol based lens cleaner for the lenses, and then 'Mr Sheen' for the outside of the lantern just to make it look a bit better. I am mainly interested in what products you use for the outside as I have had some people say never to use Mr Sheen due to it giving off fumes when the lantern is first used after applying it. What would you suggest?

 

 

Greg

[frazer]

I use Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) on the lenses and Servisol Foam Cleanser for the casing. The foam cleanser has antistatic properties which do reduce the amount of dust the lanterns attract whilst sat on the shelf.

We occasionally use Groom for cleaning, but it can be a bit streaky.

 

However I'm also open to new ideas/products.

 

Frazer

[niclights]

People always say IPA but I've never understood why. In my experience nothing is better than plain old glass cleaner (works well both inside and out).

[b1nuzz]

We use IPA on the really horrible dirt (beer as it gets thrown on to the stage is a good one)

 

In general maintenance we use Optical Lense Cleaner on all the glass parts, and a type of foam cleaner on the case (the name of which escapes me at the minute). We use these on all of our kit and have good results.

 

I think IPA will ive you the same result as a good lense cleaner, it just breaks the dirt down quicker.

[Tomo]

People always say IPA but I've never understood why. In my experience nothing is better than plain old glass cleaner (works well both inside and out).

Because the lenses on most luminaires have very clever coatings (eg anti-reflective)

 

Many glass cleaners will strip the coatings completely off, or (worse) partially damage them.

 

Glass cleaners designed for spectacles and cameras will not damage these coatings, but tend to be rather expensive.

Isopropyl alcohol is much better as it doesn't affect the coatings and is cheap!

 

White vinegar is also usually suitable, but your lanterns will smell like a chip shop for the first few hours and it can be hard to avoid streaks.

[niclights]

I've never had any trouble whatsoever. No damage at all but always a better clean and plenty of experience to base this on. I would like to see real world proof of ordinary glass cleaner damaging optical coatings during the average lifespan/typical maintenance program of a fixture.

[cliveybaby]

50 % Mr muscle glass cleaner

 

50 % Clear vinagar

 

Works for me

 

Not sure about damage to coating but ive never had an issue

 

Clean using lint free cloth

 

I like to use a well washed 't towel'

 

but im a bit weird

 

Cliveybaby

[Sirch Sound]

I generally use that foaming orange smelling cleaner for most most lanterns, including lenses.

 

I use Isoclean for the lenses on more precision optics, such as follow spots and ML's. Then wipe it off with a lint free cloth.

 

Rich

[Ike]

A bucket of soapy water and a couple of rags. Rinse one of them and wring out, clean lantern then repeat as necessary. Use the other one to dry the lenses so they don't go all streaky.

 

No COSHH hazards, no expensive cleaners, quick and easy. :)