Snorkel mask fogging/steaming up...

[Misty05]

Hi all,

I've only been snorkeling a couple of times so I'm a bit of a novice. Mr first time
was in Mauritius and I've also been snorkeling in Greece.

My other half got me a snorkel and fin set from a surf shop where I live (I tried various sizes on etc). The mask fitted fine and I had no problems with it to start with. Visibility was fine etc.

Then after a few days into our holiday my mask started fogging up.......this was very, very annoying as I had to take the mask off, rinse it out, spit init etc to try and clear it. This worked for a minute or so but then the mask would steam up again.

So we bought another mask from a specialist shop in Mauritius. This mask also steamed up.

Does anyone know if it's something I'm doing wrong?? Could it be the sun-cream on my face causing my mask to fog up?? I'm very, very fair skinned so wearing no sun-cream isn't an option really.

I've bought some anti-fogging spray to try on my next holiday to Marsa Alam. We go on 16/09/10....cant wait. It will be our first time to Egypt!!

Any ideas/tips???

 

[pjhansman]

There's a boatload of ideas available......

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ba...7-ways-prevent-scuba-diving-mask-fogging.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/294788-what-defog-do-you-use.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/349344-rain-x-mask.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/346308-spit-vs-defog.html

 

[cmburch]

Above post has good info.

I also use sunblock. I dive cold water water and get hot from the sun on my black wetsuit so I may sweat.

Make sure the mask is clean.

My current masks do not require cleaning or defog SEADIVE.

 

[smellzlikefish]

Good tips so far. I have a system for getting a new mask. They usually come with some kind of coating from the manufacturer that you have to work to get off. I use toothpaste because it is slightly abrasive. Put some in, squish it around with your fingers a few times, then rinse it out. Do this a couple of times, then plain old spit usually works fine.

 

[OneRestlessNative]

I use Sea Gold anti fog gel. This product has performed outstanding and a small bottle goes a long way and it runs around 5$ a bottle.

The key to a NO fogging mask.
1. Clean the new mask as stated above to get all the residual chemicals off.
2. Apply the anti fog of your choice to a DRY mask and rinse immediately before the dive.
3. Once the mask has dried or even partially dried in between dives, dry it off and repeat application. It doesn't seem to work on a partial wet mask reapplication.
4. If you can keep your mask wet in a small container in between dives, one application should be plenty.

Anti Fogs & Lens Cleaning
SeaGold Defog reviews and discounts, McNett

 

[jbilicska]

500 psi mask defogger works the best for me.
Make sure your hands are clean and free of lotions first.

 

[spectrum]

Misty05,

Where the first one seemed to work I'm guessing it got contaminated sunscreen or something like that.

In any case it's a 3 step plan.... Clean, Test, Apply Defog.

You can read what works for us here.

Pete

 

[lowviz]

I have tried everything including potassium hydroxide erosion of the lens surface. Guess what, there really is an answer and it isn't toothpaste: alundum micrograded flour 3 micron, NO LARGER PARTICLE SIZE. A bit on a wet fingertip, add water, and rub it until it really squeaks. Shouldn't take long before someone markets this.

 

[Dave C]

I have tried everything including potassium hydroxide erosion of the lens surface. Guess what, there really is an answer and it isn't toothpaste: alundum micrograded flour 3 micron, NO LARGER PARTICLE SIZE. A bit on a wet fingertip, add water, and rub it until it really squeaks. Shouldn't take long before someone markets this.

Please explain to us what "alundum micrograded flour 3 micron" is and where you get it.

 

[lowviz]

Please explain to us what "alundum micrograded flour 3 micron" is and where you get it.

Harrison - Hager, The Particle People

http://www.abrasivematerials.saint-...uments/Calcined-alumina-powders-datasheet.pdf

Now for the problem, where to get the lapping compound. I posted just so someone like the makers of Sea Gold antifog gel (nice consistency for suspending the lapping cpd.) might consider incorporating this material and make it widely available as an aggressive mask cleaner / defogger. Dave C, PM your address and I'll send you some since you asked, let us know how it works for you. 3 microns is small enough that it doesn't leave scratches, it polishes glass. I'll work on finding a commercial source for anyone else that wants to try this.