Anti-Fogging Treatments for New Masks. (a comparison of techniques)

[SleepySlipper]

Trial mask is on the way!

 

[Johnoly]

Trial mask is on the way!

Ditto
10 kids masks are mailed this monday morning and should arrive to @lowviz 's home by the end of this week by USPS ground.

 

[lowviz]

Thanks all for those loaners! Be sure to include return-ship instructions.

I've just found out how industry removes cured silicone elastomer. DOWSIL DS-2025 Silicone Cleaning Solvent. It contains petroleum distillates and a very strong organic acid. I won't be using it though. It is very corrosive to metals and severely irritating to the eyes.

However, it would help to determine if uncured resin somehow migrated from the skirt and formed a film on the glass. I'll suggest a treatment somewhat along the same line but using available cleaning agents.

Still writing all this up for review before anything gets tested.

 

[lowviz]

I can't speak about our cleaning process as it is part of our process which took us months to develop when installing prescription lenses, but I am watching this thread closely to see what developments you all come up with.

You may wish to create an online account with Dow and request a sample of their aggressive cleaner.

https://consumer.dow.com Type 2025 into the search bar ... select the first choice in the list ... select the 0.5 L size ... on the left side, click samples.

I am looking for something that the consumer can try so not I'm not going to request a sample knowing that there will be no possibility of a sale. A bit unfair. It would be totally appropriate for you to do so for your own purposes if you are interested. 2025 would be interesting, but outside the scope of this initial test.

 

[Akimbo]

I am looking for something that the consumer can try so not I'm not going to request a sample knowing that there will be no possibility of a sale.

Has anyone tried common solvents available in hardware stores? Examples:

• Lacquer Thinner
• Acetone
• Denatured Alcohol
• Citrus-based degreasers?

Granted, toothpaste with mild abrasives is even is more available and less expensive for those that don't already have these products in their workshop.

 

[lowviz]

Citrus-based degreasers?

Agree.

I'm thinking of mixing naval jelly, citric acid crystals, and a bit of strong detergent as a civilian's DS-2025. Have everything on hand.

Then there was the Boraxo, turpentine, and laundry soap miracle for cleaning up after working on your car...

 

[JoshSTS]

Has anyone tried common solvents available in hardware stores? Examples:

• Lacquer Thinner
• Acetone
• Denatured Alcohol
• Citrus-based degreasers?

Granted, toothpaste with mild abrasives is even is more available and less expensive for those that don't already have these products in their workshop.

All- As a stated before, be very careful with acetone/Lacquer thinner as these have the possibility of damaging the skirt of the mask and causing leaks- but if you are able to protect the skirt, they won’t damage the glass.

With that being said, this seems to mainly be an issue with the ultra thin skirts on some newer masks. I have 4-5 examples of this on masks we did testing on - but it specifically happened on one specific model of mask with an ultra thin skirt.

Josh

Prescription Dive Mask Specialists

 

[lionfish-eater]

If you are still interested in new methods for cleaning try CO2.
Maybe you could set up a mask cleaning shop.

CO2 Cleaning Technology - Dry, Waterless & Automated

 

[aviator8]

Anyone ever tried TSP trisodium phosphate? It used to be a common product in soaps and cleaners I believe. It has been removed from many these days but could be a good test.

 

[lionfish-eater]

CO2 might be too expensive to be practical.
I was thinking about normal household chemicals.
Vinegar is mildly acidic.
Coca cola?
Toilet bowl cleaner works great on the old fiberglass boats.
Oven cleaner?
Salt or sugar crystals?