ever ruined a mask flaming it?

[gkrane]

After being irritated by constantly fogging Atomic masks I used the flame method on a new frameless one and it worked like a charm. I used a long grill type lighter. I don't think there is much of a chance of you ruining the skirt unless you are completely careless. I could actually see the silicone on the lens burning off. And this is after 4 scrubbings with toothpaste. I didnt want to risk a contantly fogging mask for my trip to Coz in November, so I figured the price of a non stop foggy mask was much more than the 169.00 of a new Atomic mask so I took the plunge. I did watch a video on how to do it though. It worked so well I broke out my 2 year old Atomic mask that had fogging issues and did it too. That one had been scrubbed probably 10 times and still fogged. After flaming it I sam the silicone burn off that lens as well. I am thrilled.

 

[ScubaMarc]

We are all spending 80+ $$ on mask, how come the manufacturers do not remove the film before we buy?

 

[gkrane]

We are all spending 80+ $$ on mask, how come the manufacturers do not remove the film before we buy?

I wish they did. I learned the hard way. From what I have read Atomic masks seem to have severe fogging issues because of this.

 

[tcphil]

Flamed lots of masks. Never an issue. Did have one sooty fingerprint that was tough to get off for a while, but worried it off eventually so now more careful in rinsing and dawn addition (after it cools). Definitely a great approach for non-fogging. Have had the worst luck with fogging with those anti-reflective coated lenses. Had a couple that even after a couple of rounds of burning and toothpaste, still fogged much easier. Sticking with clear glass works better IMO, but that is a separate discussion.

Interesting that not only manufacturers say don't do it, but DGX is pretty strong on not doing it either.

 

[gfaith]

Interesting that not only manufacturers say don't do it, but DGX is pretty strong on not doing it either.

I usually follow instructions on DGX but this is one I do NOT follow. Quote DGX..

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.

I flame all my masks including the ones from DGX ..
I do use baby shampoo it can be applied hours before a dive and then simply rinsed right before entry. Baby Shampoo works great and no eye burn ever.

 

[Dan]

After being irritated by constantly fogging Atomic masks I used the flame method on a new frameless one and it worked like a charm. I used a long grill type lighter. I don't think there is much of a chance of you ruining the skirt unless you are completely careless. I could actually see the silicone on the lens burning off. And this is after 4 scrubbings with toothpaste. I didnt want to risk a contantly fogging mask for my trip to Coz in November, so I figured the price of a non stop foggy mask was much more than the 169.00 of a new Atomic mask so I took the plunge. I did watch a video on how to do it though. It worked so well I broke out my 2 year old Atomic mask that had fogging issues and did it too. That one had been scrubbed probably 10 times and still fogged. After flaming it I sam the silicone burn off that lens as well. I am thrilled.

After losing my good-old 8-years old mask from MOF, which took me 2 year (100 dives) to get to the point of stop fogging, I went to my LDS & bought that $160 Atomic mask. He took it out of the shelf & started to flame the coating off. I could see the coating receding & soot residue depositing. He then sprayed a baby shampoo solution on the inside mask & scrubbed off the soot residue with a foam pad then rinse it. I had no fogging issue from dive 1 on. I bought another one as a back up & let him do it again on my spare mask.

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

This is our take on how to prepare a mask:


Dive Safe!

Dano

 

[Diverman68]

Dawn dish washing soap better then toothpaste

 

[AfterDark]

Eight pages on this??!! I bought what will probably be my last new mask 2 years ago. I also bought a bottle of some stuff made for cleaning new mask glass. After that I do what I've been doing for 46 years spit, rub, rinse. Works great for me anyway. Years ago my instructor advised against the rinse part but it still works for me. Apparently I have "scuba spit".

Some divers leave a small amount of water in their masks and just roll it around to clear the fog; they don't have scuba spit.

 

[buddhasummer]

No, never ruined a mask. I've found a lighter to be more effective than toothpaste. YMMV.