About this product
Model: protostar_flock_sa_10cm
Part Number: FPR01
Protostar Self-Adhesive Hi-Tack Flocking (10cm Increments Custom Cut)
The blackest flocking material we've ever found!
"Hi-tack" light trap is ultra-black flocked knap on one side, and a peel-n-stick self-adhesive backing lets you apply an ultra-black light absorbing surface wherever it's needed. The Hi-Tack flocking is useful for specialty coverage areas, but also consider using FlockBoard if you plan to line your telescope tube but don't like the idea of sticking something on!
Typically used to line the interior of a Newtonian telescope's tube for enhanced contrast.
Made in the USA with excellent adhesive qualities and fibre retention.
Please get in touch if you are unsure how much flocking material is required for your telescope.
Dimensions
This is for a 10cm / 3.93" long piece with a 61cm / 24" width.
To order a custom length simply round the length you require up to the nearest 10cm and then divide by ten to find out how many 10cm pieces to order.
Custom lengths work out a little more expensive than a ready made 1m roll available here because of the extra time / labour involved in custom cuts. We make batches of rolls at a time for efficiency.
Spectral Reflectivity Graph
FAQ
1) Is the improvement really that noticeable after applying flocked light trap material?
On bright planets like Jupiter and Venus, you should be able to easily see an improvement in field glare surrounding the planet (assuming your original condition was a simple painted tube wall). Contrast on the moon is also noticeably improved. The improvement is more subtle on deep space objects, though the flocked paper does a good job at reducing glare from nearby bright objects like streetlights, house lights, etc.
2) How hard is it to install flocking?
For most tubes or structural parts it is not difficult to install. Small diameter (under 8" ID), and long tubes are the most difficult to install the flocked paper in. It is recommended to install the material in manageable sections, starting from the middle of the tube and working out to the ends. Don't worry too much about small imperfections in your installation job, as they will be invisible when the job is done.
3) Does dew or moisture damage the flocked paper?
Protostar flocked paper is a completely synthetic-based material, so moisture won't deteriorate it.
4) Does the flocked material have good thermal insulation properties?
The Hi-tack self-adhesive flocked material is a poor insulator by itself. If you are trying to insulate your metal telescope tube, you should line it with an insulating material (e.g., cork) before applying the flocked light trap. The FlockBoard has a better insulating property, so it is recommended for metal tube applications.
5) What are the light absorbing properties of Protostar light trap material?
Protostar light trap products are designed for the visible spectrum (~400-700 nm) where it absorbs over 99% of incident light. It also attenuates in the near-IR and near-UV by over 80%. (See spectral reflectivity graph above.)
6) How well does Protostar Hi-tack flocked material stick surfaces?
The Hi-tack self-adhesive formula sticks aggressively to most surfaces, though carbon fibre and fibreglass surfaces frequently require a separate adhesive to hold the edges in place. Flat black painted surfaces that have "chalked up" might also require an extra adhesive. If you have doubts about your surface, do a test application using a small sample to see how well it sticks to your particular surface.
7) Should I clean or prepare my tube's inside wall before applying Hi-tack light trap material?
No, special preparation of the tube wall is not necessary. In fact, if your tube wall is already painted, cleaning with alcohol or other solvents can soften the paint. This reduces the self-adhesive's tackiness. It's generally best to just apply the material directly even if you suspect it's a little dusty.
What's in the box
The following manuals and downloads are available for this product:
Manuals
Protostar Flocking Installation Manual (PDF)
Customer reviews
| Average Rating (1 Review): | |
15 March 2023 | Neal
I noticed even on my small 5" Dob the inner tube wasn't very black /dark , more of a heavy dark drey shade and light reflection appeared evdent. So with my recent order of bits and bobs I added some of this Flocking material, I ordered 6 muliples of the 10cm cut flocking which came as one large cut piece so ideal for one to cut up as required. I didn't pfaff with trying to remove the backing as I went along but simply cut the flocking in to the strips I wanted and pulled the backing off in one go. I was able to position it in place and then press it down on the the inner tube . The tack isn't instant so one can easily peel it off to reposition and to peel back to remove any wrinkles, My finshed job was a perfect smooth lining. Prior to install I removed the primary heavy fixed parabolic mirror , R&P focuser and synta shoe, making /cutting the holes in the flock was easy to allow the fixing to e put back on.
I had some spare left over as I had planned when ordering and also flocked the inner dew shield of my f12.5 SB80a Frac.
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