Fog on the mask lenses!

[Prčić]

Hi!
Just bought a new mask, Sporasub star elite, and after one minute in water fog starts to condensate on the inner lenses and i cant see a thing... very frustrating. Spitting and seagrass wont work, im sick of burning lenses from inside, did it with my last mask, it just delays the fog.

Does anyone know a way to end this? I d be very gratefull. Summer s dying and i need to make the most of this few days, but cant do it with a mask like this. Please help ill go insane.

 

[spaghetti]

Rub with toothpaste (creamy, no granular) and leave it there all night long. In the morning wash and you're done. It works almost always.
If it doesn't work, give it a full wash cycle with your dirty clothes in the washing machine (no hotter than 40°C, so with colored clothes ).

 

[atomichaggis]

I have the Sporasub star elite and had the same problem at first.
The releasant on the inside was a little more stubborn than other masks that I've used but it will come off with warm water, a bit of washing up liquid and a firm rub with your thumbs (inside and out). Be sure to clean the silicon in the same way.
Should be fine afterwards. just needs the usual spit and rinse before each use.

Don't do anything silly now!

 

[deep thinker]

Ive also heard that a cycle in the dishwasher works. I havent tried it though so I wont fouch for it. What I did was use toothpaste and it works one time :t
Fog in your mask happens because of residual silicone left on the lenses after the mask was sealed and bonded, you basically have to get rid of that to stop the fogging...

 

[ulysses]

I put mine in the dishwasher regularly and the fog stays away.

However, on new masks it is advisable to use a lighter or a cook's blowtorch on the lenses to remove all silicon residue from the assembly process. Be careful not to burn the silicon frame!

Cheers

 

[strangelove]

The advice given by spaghetti is really the best on on my humble opnion, I do the tooth paste almost before every dive, and wash down on the boat, but the tooth paste is simple and works (I use a cressi mask).

 

[atomichaggis]

I use the same mask and toothpaste didn't work on it. only thing that worked was concentrated washing up liquid thats used for washing dishes... worked a treat.

I don't know what effect it would have if You overdone it but Toothpaste works by gently abrading the lens surface and the Star Elite is a tinted lens mask.

 

[strangelove]

Davie

The tooth paste method often you need to do more then once also leaving a little bit of paste on the edges helps. I've never own that specific model but I did use the samurai for a while (they don't fit my face as well as the cressi).

 

[ulysses]

I have used tooth paste as well. On some new masks it works on others it doesn't.

However, it should be kept in mind, that in most of the cases the cause of the fogging is the silicon residue on the lenses. Nothing is more effective than a lighter or even better kitchen blowtorch to get rid of it. Once the silicon residue has evaporated, there will be no more fogging after the common pre-dive treatment with spittle and washing with seawater. Guaranteed!

I received this advice some years ago from Italian spearfishing champion Marco Bardi.

Cheers

 

[spaghetti]

yes indeed that's it Ulysses. The lighter is the first thing to do: pass the flame very swiftly on the lenses (taking care of not burning the rest) and then rub with a towel, then wash, then toothpaste et cetera.
Just for my curiosity: Where did you meet Bardi?

 

[ulysses]

yes indeed that's it Ulysses. The lighter is the first thing to do: pass the flame very swiftly on the lenses (taking care of not burning the rest) and then rub with a towel, then wash, then toothpaste et cetera.
Just for my curiosity: Where did you meet Bardi?

By coincidence, on a visit to Acquasport in Grosseto. I understand he lives in Grosseto and is a good friend of Stefano (the shop owner). I was somewhat lost in the shop due to my poor Italian, and he kindly offered to translate my wishes from English into Italian ... Of course, I recognized him immediately from his articles in PescaSub / Pesca in Apnea.

Cheers

 

[spaghetti]

small world, Ulysses: i was in the same shop last week to buy some accessories and I often drop in. Bardi's sister Silvia is the co-owner of the shop (wasn't there a blonde, good looking woman when you been there?). I always take my holidays near there (and half my family lives a very short drive away from Grosseto). Would be cool to meet next time if ever...

 

[ulysses]

small world, Ulysses: i was in the same shop last week to buy some accessories and I often drop in. Bardi's sister Silvia is the co-owner of the shop (wasn't there a blonde, good looking woman when you been there?). I always take my holidays near there (and half my family lives a very short drive away from Grosseto). Would be cool to meet next time if ever...

Yep, she was there, too. I agree it would be fun to meet. My parents live in Italy and I visit them (and Acquasport) quite regularly. I will let you know when I drive down the next time (not before spring next year).

Cheers

 

[atomichaggis]

I did the toothpaste thing and left some on at first as it has worked with other masks. The mintyness made My eyes water

 

[azapa]

this passes as the mask gets older. forgive this "tip" if it sounds toooo dumb, but when the mask fogs in the ocean, on the surface of course, flood it by leaning opening up the bottom and let it drain. fog gone! at least for a while!

 

[Ondro]

also gel for personal hygiene for ladies work quite well - just wash the lenses with them and rinse with water