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astro_nutt: the oxidation I mentioned was the conversion of the overcoat from its raw form SiO into SiO2 (quartz) over a period of a few months from when the mirror overcoat was applied.
Both of these forms are transparent glass, you won't see any difference between them. The oxidised form SiO2 is much harder than SiO and also more water resistant, so I just wanted to let everyone know that they should wait a couple of months after getting a brand new mirror that's just been coated before cleaning it.
If you have an overcoated mirror then you shouldn't see any oxidation of the aluminium surface at all. I have a 10" mirror here that I was made in early 2004 and it's still just as shiny now as it was when I bought it.
cheers, Bird
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