Talcum Powder

[ScouterJT]

Okay ... new-ish Dry Suit diver here. And I have paid the premium for *good* talc from my LDS. Is there a reliable source for talcum powder other than my LDS? Everyplace I look, the *basic* talc powder has a fragrance added, so I don't know if I should use that.

 

[bolantej]

cornstarch works well too i've heard

 

[do it easy]

I did a search for "talc sale" and a few threads came up

oldie but a goodie

The short list is:

sex shops
tire shops
drug stores
billiard stores
McMaster-Carr
ebay

 

[Web Monkey]

Okay ... new-ish Dry Suit diver here. And I have paid the premium for *good* talc from my LDS. Is there a reliable source for talcum powder other than my LDS? Everyplace I look, the *basic* talc powder has a fragrance added, so I don't know if I should use that.

I've never used any of it. Real talc has a warning to keep it away from your face and to not breathe it. Because of where it's mined, some contains asbestos.

Most "baby powder" is actually cornstarch.

Terry

 

[Mo2vation]

Silver Cup Premium Talc

This is where I get mine.

Bought two bottles about 4 years ago. Just finishing them up now, about 900 dives later.

---
Ken

 

[almitywife]

hubby bought a big tub at a hairdressing supply store (barbers use the talc)

cheers

 

[francousteau]

John,
If you're just wanting something to make it easier to get in/out of your wrist seals, do what a lot of us in NJ do and use a spray bottle mix of baby shampoo/water. Just make sure that you go heavy on the baby shampoo side. Before putting your hand in, spray the inside of the wrist seal liberally and your hand goes through like butter. Then after the dive, spray your hand and just pull your hand out. Doesn't get any easier than that. This mix is also excellent for spraying into your gloves before putting your hands in. If you want something for storage, just get some seal saver and use it on the seals before putting it away. YMMV

Franco

 

[DIR-Atlanta]

If you want something for storage, just get some seal saver and use it on the seals before putting it away.

Seal Saver is silicone, and can make it difficult to attach new seals when the time comes. In fact, DUI specifically recommends against using Seal Saver, for that very reason.

One of the best things you can do for long-term storage is put the drysuit in an opaque bag, and keep it in a dark place, away from UV light and sources of ozone (water heaters, etc). Also keep it out of the garage, as car emissions can cause premature damage as well. This is actually good advice for any rubber product, including westuits.

 

[rigdiver]

NAPA auto stores have unscented talc. I use KY jelly. Water soluble, works better than talc and will not harm your seals in any way.

 

[Gilldiver]

I'll second the KY for getting into and out of the seals. Also, putting down a tube of KY, some brass clips, Duct tape, and rope at the same time and smiling at the cashier can be lots of fun.

Use the corn starch or talc on the seals when they are dry and whenever you may be storing the suit for any long periods of time, it keeps the seals from sticking together and will help absorbe any skin oils that will damage the seals over time.

I get mine from a local pool billiards store.