Cleaning and prep of your new scuba diving mask... Defog secret recipe.

[MaxBottomtime]

You're right. I didn't watch the video because of the thread title. I read "clean, prep and remove the silicone" and immediately thought about how it takes ten seconds to burn it off with a lighter. I haven't heard of a quicker and easier method.

 

[a878bob]

I have to say I'v been skeptical of the lighter method but decided to give it a go. I have a newer mask, that I only use in the pool, not that expensive, fogs like mad despite scrubbing it multiple times.

Wow! Perfect! Amazed!

It's the clearest this mask has ever been. I'm convinced ! Thanks to this thread.

 

[Sevenrider860]

The OP did not post this as a joke. To the OP this is a serious topic and do not think he was trying to fool everybody...he seriously believes in what he posted. For those of us of who have replaced power tools with a lighter, we do question the wisdom of the post.

I would like to ask others...what do you do when you have an anti-reflective coating (ARC)...do you still use the lighter technique?

 

[RayfromTX]

Still not April

 

[diverintheflesh]

You're right. I didn't watch the video because of the thread title. I read "clean, prep and remove the silicone" and immediately thought about how it takes ten seconds to burn it off with a lighter. I haven't heard of a quicker and easier method.

Did you finally watch the video?

 

[Dan]

For a novice it can get pretty confusing. This is from the mask section at DGX:

"WARNING: Don't use toothpaste on modern dive masks, especially those masks that have optical quality ultra-clear glass lenses, vision correction lenses or 'optical coatings' on the lenses. You will either damage the lenses, or needlessly waste toothpaste since most modern toothpaste formulations are not at all abrasive. The same goes for using a lighter to 'burn' the lens to prepare a new mask. Dive Gear Express will not warranty masks that have been treated with abrasives or burned with lighters. Most new dive masks do have mold release agents in the flexible skirt that during storage will migrate to the surface of the lens and cause fogging. These deposits can be safely removed with an extra application of a powerful surfactant like baby shampoo, SeaQuick or SeaDrops defog."

LINK

In the flaming mask lens disclaimer, this method is to be done on tempered glass, which can hold up to 1500C, or 1200C higher than the silicone. Silicone is good up to 300C. Time is also important. You only applied on the tempered glass only for fraction of a second.

The polycarbonate lens is even worse. It starts to melt at about 150C. So be mindful of what lens material on the mask lens. Make sure that it is tempered glass.m, not polycarbonate that is commonly used for prescription glasses.

 

[diverintheflesh]

You might notice that the mods didn't call bs on the op. We count on the members to do that(fact check and correct incorrect claims) and they did so here in short order though many were taken in even while questioning the practice. In my opinion it is poor form not to wait until april but I'm not the humor police. Good thread though and humorous on many levels.

Thanks. I plan to make more... If I was trying to manipulate, coerce, or harm someone, then taking it down would be acceptable... since I'm trying to get people to smile and chuckle, and it has to be obvious, that it's satire.

 

[J322Y]

Thanks. I plan to make more... If I was trying to manipulate, coerce, or harm someone, then taking it down would be acceptable... since I'm trying to get people to smile and chuckle, and it has to be obvious, that it's satire.

You used a wire brush and a drill! And bleach!

 

[Dan]

The OP did not post this as a joke. To the OP this is a serious topic and do not think he was trying to fool everybody...he seriously believes in what he posted. For those of us of who have replaced power tools with a lighter, we do question the wisdom of the post.

I would like to ask others...what do you do when you have an anti-reflective coating (ARC)...do you still use the lighter technique?

OP just talked about it. I didn't see he was actually wire brushing the lense in the video demo. The flaming mask videos, you can actually see the demo, not just talking about it.

 

[J322Y]

I see the OP/video as a public service effort. If you actually follow the steps laid out and ruin your mask you should not be involved with scuba diving.