How Do You Prepare A New Dive Mask For Use?
Brand new dive masks often have an oily film on the inside of the lens(es). Usually silicone-based, the oils are used during the manufacturing process as a mold release agent and to make the masks appear bright and shiny in the store. However, after the mask is molded (and sold), the oils attract dirt and lead to mask fog. And nobody likes mask fog. So what's the best way to prevent it? Well, here are two suggestions:
Wikihow has a nice tutorial describing mask prep. Basically, the process involves washing the mask thoroughly with soapy water, and then scrubbing the inside of the glass with toothpaste. This cheap, relatively natural solution comes to us via Dive Happy. According to the folks at Salclear, however, the soapy-water-and-toothpaste combo can abrade the glass. Instead, they recommend using Salclear NMP, a fluid designed specifically for removing the oily film.My mask is so old that I can't recall how I removed oily residue. Considering I've had the same mask since I was about 16, I imagine I did very little...and just wondered how come I couldn't clearly see the girls swimming past me. What have you done to remove any new-mask-oils?
Dish-soap-and-tooth-soap? Manufactured formula? Other?Recent News:
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