How can I remove this mould from painted surface?

...he best product I have used for the removal of black mould and the staining it produces is 'Kilrock BLAST AWAY Mould Remover'. While I don't know what the effect might be of applying it on the painted surface of your telescope I have used on a variety of surfaces including emulsion paints, oil based paints, various plastic surfaces, silicon sealant, acrylic sealants, bare plaster and have not noticed any detrimental effects to any of these surfaces. That said one of its constituents is clearly a bleaching agent similar to normal household bleach probably sodium hypochlorite. Not only does it remove all traces of the mould, including any staining, it also seems to actively inhibit regrowth especially on the more porous surfaces.

+1... best stuff I've used for bathroom & kitchen mould along with all the above.

George.

Umm yes afraid so. The GTF 81 (5 element to be precise). Takes great widefield shots!

----------------

Thanks for the help all. Scrubbed on branded mould cleaner with a tooth brush, took it off within about 5 secs. Then I liberally wiped with a damp cloth afterwards to remove the residue bleach.

---> now good as new!

Glad to hear it's OK. Any photos to share?

Neil

An effective, safe fungicide is benzalkonium chloride. This is used for everything from eye drops to patio cleaner. Dettol dishwasher cleaner is a good low volume source. It works well on sensitive surfaces. Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorate solution) most certainly DOES kill fungal growth and inactivates spores. It also bleaches any colour deposits. The disadvantage is that it causes corrosion.
Killling and removing the fungus may not restore the surface finish. Chemicals secreted by the fungus can etch or corrode the surface causing damage that has to be repaired by re-finishing or polishing. Fungus won't grow on aluminium but it will grow on contamination on surface, even finger prints. Th secretions can still etch the aluminum giving the impression that the fungus "eat" it.

Robert G8RPI.

BTW for other noobs leave their expensive telescope out to get superficial mould (!), "Dettol bathroom mould cleaner" in a green spray bottle, was the cure.

Yes Neil. I had noticed you're active on another form (astronomy). I was going to upload some photos of my rig on this forum... the mechanically minded gents on here would find it interesting me thinks.

With the virus induced home working, I'm getting ready to set up a new mount that has been tucked up for a few years...watch this space

Edited By choochoo_baloo on 06/04/2020 23:11:25