Mask Fogging/Misting up

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Blacktail Jnr

New member
Good day all,

I am new to the world of snorkelling beyond the safety of ground beneath my feet.  That been said I am attempting to overcome fears and edge to backline.

The issue at hand is that I have a 8 year old mask and snorkel (IST). It is comfortable as hell except that the mask fogs within 3-5 minutes.  This makes swimming in the mid break or deep uncomfortable.

 
I have tried the following(advice from peers),

1. Toothpaste

2. Lighter

3. Spit (my own)

Whats left beside purchasing a new mask and will this resolve the issue of fogging.  How effective is the anti-fogging spray in a can?
 
G

Gromit

Senior Member
When I buy a new mask I coat the inside with toothpaste and leave it over night. Once washed and clean (make sure its clean, toothpaste in your eyes is not fun) then spit usually does the trick.

If that does not help then I think you seriously need to get a new mask.
 
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braailegend

Senior Member
Had this post while ago aswell. What I do is the folllowing: When you get mask, scrub the inside with toothpaste, wash of and exhale onto the mask. If there is spots which the water condesates on, repeat process with toothpaste, until it remains clear.

Just before you dive, splash mask with water and then spit into mask spread, and rinse off again.

I had alot of mask, very cheap to the OMER alien I use now, and have never had a problem with mist after these steps
 
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Jmax

New member
braailegend wrote:
Had this post while ago aswell. What I do is the folllowing: When you get mask, scrub the inside with toothpaste, wash of and exhale onto the mask. If there is spots which the water condesates on, repeat process with toothpaste, until it remains clear.

Just before you dive, splash mask with water and then spit into mask spread, and rinse off again.

I had alot of mask, very cheap to the OMER alien I use now, and have never had a problem with mist after these steps
Click to expand...
I agree with braailegend. I've only ever used some good 'ol spit & i've never had a fogging issue.
 
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braailegend

Senior Member
Is your mask tempered glass or plastic? I think if its plastic it might also be the problem, altough I have never had one of those, so dont know if the mist up.
 
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Blacktail Jnr

New member
Thanks guys for the response.

Braailegend the mask is tempered glass (IST, Series Corona).  Ironical that you mention the OMER , Alien series as I considering this should all else fail.  Its alot of money for somthing that may fog up again.  I only go out every two weeks on the spring low so it is a waste of time to be fogging.

 

WIll try the tootpaste again.  Any particular brand? LOL::S
 
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braailegend

Senior Member
Fit them, if they are comfortable and dont leak they are good enough. Only if you start doing alot of 10m+ dives the volumes etc. becomes a issue. Im an weekend warrior and must say I just bought the alien for the camo look, must hide from those fish:fst:

I also have 2 torpedo black silicone masks, which I bought a long time ago for R150 odd rand and the work just as good as my Omer. I keep them around for the family, or if I need to press gang a dive buddy.

The only difference is, if you dive 6-8 hours a day, for a few days, the Torpedo mask start hurting and cutting above lips/face, while the Omer doesnt.
 
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Blacktail Jnr

New member
Braailegend,

 

Valid on point on the investment level.  I am recreational(for now I hope).  Yet all the literature point towards investing in good equipment (Sales pitch maybe??)  The start-up cost of spearfishing is pretty wild.  A few conversations ago I read a deep discussion on the cost associated with starting out. 

I will attempt to salvage old faithful mask. 

Good insight, point taken, good night
 
L

landshark

Senior Member
When I started out I also had a mask that no matter how much spit I'd plaster on the inside would still fog up.

I eventuality found a product called "Sparkle". It's almost like a rubbing compound in a very small black plastic tub which immediately sorted the problem .

I'm not sure if it's still available as this was many years ago, but it may be worth asking at some speciality dive stores if they have something similar.
 
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scaley character

New member
i have found toothpaste works but it is an abrasive polish.it wont scratch the glass,but it will take off the layer that causes misting. on new masks i have polished for up to a half hour,till your thumbs are paining.if you do need a new mask rabitech make their own brand which is quality and cheap.
 
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MOGGY

Senior Member
Getting a mask that fits well is important.

I bought the occhio when I started, because it was theone that the manne used, but when you dive compies, the true nature comes out and it used to hurt my nose.

I migrated to a reef for hockey and spearing and now I use a shadow.

I recently found a rimless mask at spotsmans warehouse, for a good price in black silicone, low volume and very much like the shadow.

I cant remember the price, but I think under R200.

I am taking it to Zanzibar an will test it there, next week.

The misting is propably caused by the anti foaming agent ( silicone ) in the glass grinding fluid when the lens is made, as silicone is notoriously difficult to remove.
 
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Aldo

New member
Hi guys,

Here is defogging 101

Needed: Benzine, soft rag, toothpaste, finger, water

Take a bit of benzine and dip the rag in it. Apply this to the inside of the mask on the lense (glass only though). Polish it with the benzine for about 2-3 minutes. Once this is done rinse it with water.

Now apply the toothpaste with your finger to the lense. Not too much though, only about as much as you'd brush your teeth with. Polish it now gently for about 2-3 minutes. The toothpaste helps to remove the film of the benzine as well, as this would be irritating to your eyes. Make sure you get into the corners properly.

Once done with the toothpaste, rinse with water again. If it still has a bit of benzine smell, just let it stand for a few minutes.

That would be the end of any mask and fogging.

Have fun, dive safely.
 
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Simba

New member
Hey guys, in terms of masks. I took a different approach and instead of getting 1 expensive mask i got my 2 masks from Eckart. Both costing around R250. And both these masks are perfect for me. I just keep 1 as a spare, but i tried them both out and the 1 i use i've had for a few months now, and its perfect. I just toothpasted it the first time, and now, just a bit of spit and im in the game.
Take care all
John
 
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Johan.Nivvy

New member
Take all the advice from the other guys and add this to it.

Once you have spat in your mask and rinsed it, just before you put it on splash your face and head with sea water just to help cool the body temperature down a little more.

If none of these tips and tricks help then there could just be something wrong with the mask.

Remember you don't need to spend R400+ to ensure you have a good mask, as long as it fits, doesn't leak and doesn't fog...it is a good mask.

Regards, Shifty

*edit
P.S. Once you rub the toothpaste on the glass, I find it best if you let it stand for a couple of hours so the toothpaste can do its work.
 
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Sandmann

New member
Working in the diving industry, the best remedy for mask fog-up is Johnson's and Johnson's no tears baby shampoo.
A drop in each lens and rinse out! sorted

If you use spit, it will only work if you have not eaten or drunk anything with sugar in. Coke, coffee, energy drinks will stay in your mouth and the spit will not work.

I work with Mares and Tusa masks all day and we have the shampoo in the shop for when we dive.
 
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Blacktail Jnr

New member
I have absorded all the information.  You guys are seasoned in your own right and the general theme is toothpaste.  I have applied "Aquafresh " last night and let it sit for an hour but this is more for experimental purposes.  That being said I am off to buy a new mask in the morning.  Hopefully no hassles going forward.  I like the J&J application and may try that.

 

Good Night
 
Z

zulu-X-treme

Sealiner
What also works is cutting a potato in half, let it stand for a few minutes to get the 'juices' flowing' and then rub it over the inside of the mask... Leave to dry, wipe with clean, soft cloth and away you go... No more fogging issues.
 
Z

zulu-X-treme

Sealiner
Here's a few discussions, tips and advice...

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_stop_a_dive_mask_from_fogging_up

http://www.scuba-diving-smiles.com/scuba-dive-mask.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-302680.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-346204.html

http://www.scubaguru.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57:how-to-defog-a-diving-mask&catid=41:eek:pen-water&Itemid=54

I've used C-THRU before, also works well and it's not expensive... http://www.vkb.co.za/agrinet/produkte.php?taal=eng&item=ja&group=72313
 
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