Fish_Whisperer
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My first mask was clear silicone. The second was black silicone. Any mask I buy from here on out, is going to have a black skirt. 
Discolored mask :(
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My first mask was clear silicone. The second was black silicone. Any mask I buy from here on out, is going to have a black skirt.
Ditto that!
ScubaBasics
Contributor
Once a mask has turned yellow or brown it has been absorbed into the mask and it for the most part permanant. Altough have you tried Sea Buff, Soft Scrub or toothpaste on both sides of the skirt? I have found that this makes it look as good as possible.
Well I hate to have to purchase a new mask when the old yellow one works fine...just looks funny. I am thinking about trying the black trim. Thanks ScubaBasics I will try toothpaste on my yellow mask. hmmm, this wasn't even my post but it did help me.
Sparhawk13401
Registered
I know this is an old thread, but I though bumping it would be better than making a new one - besides there's some good stuff in here.
My question is, is what's a reasonable amount of time for a mask to start to yellow? My new one has been kept in it's box, rinsed after every use and dried inside. It's only three months old and it's already developing a yellow tinge.
I would've fully expected that after a couple of years.......or is that the norm?
My question is, is what's a reasonable amount of time for a mask to start to yellow? My new one has been kept in it's box, rinsed after every use and dried inside. It's only three months old and it's already developing a yellow tinge.
I would've fully expected that after a couple of years.......or is that the norm?
don Francisco
Contributor
Two ways the skirts on masks discolor. The first is surface clouding, which will clear up with gentle scrubbing with dish detergent and a sponge. Depending on how cloudy it may take a few washings, but the clarity will come back
The second is yellowing, or slightly greening with age. This is the result of oxidation of the material, and is through and through. It will never improve.
Both forms of aging can prevented, or at least delayed, by washing and towel drying the skirt after each day's use, avoiding direct sunlight when not diving, and storing the mask by itself in a closed box in a cool dark place between dive trips. (your basement is perfect).
The yellowing doesn't really matter except on the strap. The oxidized material is more brittle and likely to break when stretched. Usually it ages fastest at the bend in the buckle, so periodically move the strap around and be sure to clean this area. If you now have two seriously yellowed areas on your strap, start carrying a spare.
Otherwise consider the aged patina on your mask as a badge of honor proving that you've dived a lot. (or that you're not diligent about caring for your equipment)
The second is yellowing, or slightly greening with age. This is the result of oxidation of the material, and is through and through. It will never improve.
Both forms of aging can prevented, or at least delayed, by washing and towel drying the skirt after each day's use, avoiding direct sunlight when not diving, and storing the mask by itself in a closed box in a cool dark place between dive trips. (your basement is perfect).
The yellowing doesn't really matter except on the strap. The oxidized material is more brittle and likely to break when stretched. Usually it ages fastest at the bend in the buckle, so periodically move the strap around and be sure to clean this area. If you now have two seriously yellowed areas on your strap, start carrying a spare.
Otherwise consider the aged patina on your mask as a badge of honor proving that you've dived a lot. (or that you're not diligent about caring for your equipment)
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