UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA OBSERVATORIES / LICK OBSERVATORY

ALUMINIZING THE 3-METER MIRROR: FEBRUARY 2000

Stripping and Cleaning	BACK NEXT
The painstaking job of cleaning and stripping the mirror is begun by removing any spots of oil or grease.	Next, dust and dirt are removed with a gentle spray of water.
Stripping begins. The old aluminum coating is dissolved with hydrochloric acid.	As the aluminum dissolves the glass begins to appear and the mirror's honycomb underside is revealed.
The stripping is nearly complete as the last of the old aluminum is dissolved and washed away.
A series of washes with a base solution, mild detergent, and distilled water complete the stripping and cleaning.