Prepare a new mask

[Tim Clark Diving]

DGX has a warning about mask cleaning

This mask is not a "pool toy"; it is intended for use by SCUBA divers who are trained to make a proper water entry while protecting the mask and regulator with their hand. Improper handling or use may cause lenses to shatter upon impact.​

Don't use toothpaste as an abrasive cleaner 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 liquid dish soap, baby shampoo, SeaQuick or SeaDrops defog.

 

[34109411]

I'm trying to understand how leaving toothpaste overnight would help remove the film. Isn't the whole point of toothpaste that it's a physically gentle abrasive? That's why gel toothpastes don't work, but the white paste ones that have like calcium carbonate do work. For a physical abrasive to work it needs movement, so rubbing the toothpaste on the lens. How would leaving it overnight do anything?

yes you scrub i did leave it and it work for me. Be safe

 

[tridacna]

Here is the reference thread for cleaning your mask.

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

 

[Dan]

I found out the easiest way to remove the mold-release silicone residue off the SCUBA mask’s inside glass lenses is by flaming (burning off) the residue. My local dive shop manager showed me how to do it. So I flamed all 3 of my mask inside lenses. However, you need to know how to do it correctly and don’t do it on those masks with tinted lenses. My masks have clear (non tinted) glass lenses.

This video shows how to flame the mask lenses, using the right type of lighter and explains when flaming method is not the right tool for the job.

 

[happy-diver]

Dad invents flamethrower for kids to play with at home: ‘Best toy ever’

“The children all took turns chasing each other in a game of ‘Flame Tag,’ ” dad Daniel Hashimoto bragged of his deceptive DIY device.

nypost.com

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I would tell you how I get my masks completely clean safely without flames. In fact it’s how we get glass absolutely clean with no damage to the glass prior to gilding. I use it on vehicle glass too to get any hard water deposits off and it leaves the glass absolutely clean.
But I’m afraid I’ll get shot by the mask cleaning nazi’s around here if I say anything.
So you’re welcome to PM me if you wish and I’ll pass along the information.

 

[Pressurehead]

If you do a search on here, you will see this stuff mentioned, Use as directed.

 

[NothingClever]

I don’t use flames or toothpaste and my masks are problem free.

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

I would tell you how I get my masks completely clean safely without flames. In fact it’s how we get glass absolutely clean with no damage to the glass prior to gilding. I use it on vehicle glass too to get any hard water deposits off and it leaves the glass absolutely clean.
But I’m afraid I’ll get shot by the mask cleaning nazi’s around here if I say anything.
So you’re welcome to PM me if you wish and I’ll pass along the information.

Hey Eric.... PM me your solution and I'll be happy to post it up. Nazi's need not be feared!

I personally just do the toothpaste thing, followed by a Dawn cycle on the top rack of the dishwasher.......with NO heated drying. After that, it's just spit for me.

 

[Pressurehead]

This debate .

discuss

confer about
talk over

talk through

talk about

exchange views on
exchange views about
thrash out

argue

argue about

Will go on forever, Ad nauseam.
As stated above, do a search of this site , there is page after page of what people do to their masks, some are very sad but true stories of the best way to 'bugger up' an important piece of kit.

Search function is the OP's friend here.

^^^ This.