Drysuit maintenance

[ian.smyth]

Hi all,

Just got my first drysuit on Saturday so hope to get seeing some of you very soon!!

Have you any tips on taking care of it?  In particular which talc to use, if memory serves I read somewhere that 'Simple' talc which can be bought in any boots can be used?

Thanks guys

P.s. Forgot to mention it's membrain with Latex seals (otter skin.)

[daz]

<font color='#000080'>I don't think you can go wrong with simple talc, &nbsp;some of the other talcs contain substances that can damage latex seals.

I always store mine with the zip open rolled up in it's bag, but then I use it every weekend so it gets regular outings !!

I am sure if you have the space it would be more beneficial to store it hung up but with the boots on the ground to take the weight. &nbsp;

Beeswax for the zipper should keep it in good order, and store it away from radiators etc...

HTH
Daz

[Dr Stevil]

<font color='#0000FF'>Most of the time I don't bother with talc, it's not crucial, plus regular use can clog your suit valves so make sure to dismantle and clean them now and them if youre going to use a lot of it.
Apparently (a bit nerdy this) you should try to use &quot;pH Neutral&quot; talc as some are supposedly acidic, I think baby talc should be pH neutral, but check the label before buying.
Chee-az
Steve
PS assuming you've got latex wrist seals - don't forget to remove your watch before putting your suit on! I've seen a few ripped seals this way, it can really spoil someone's day out

[John Gulliver]

Your seals will last longer if you talc them ON BOTH SIDES after each day's diving. As Steve says, though, make sure you don't clog the valves. Simple is best. It contains no additives. Many talcs contain perfume and some baby powders also contain lanoline and/or vaseline, which is NOT good for latex.

[ian.smyth]

Cheers Guy's

Simple it is then. &nbsp;If you have any further tips please feel free to let me know.

Much appreciated

Stay Safe

[MATTBIN]

Ian
I assume you are going to rinse it after sea water use with fresh water. Inside and out I believe, not sure about the inside bit. Remember to turn it inside out as much as possible when drying it. Paper down the legs I believe to dry deep inside the boots?
Matt

[John Gulliver]

It should be enough to turn the suit inside out and hose the inside about once a year. I've never needed to dry the boots on my membrane suit. Even when the air is warm and the sea cold (early summer), the condensation is not usually that bad. I did use to turn my neoprene suit and boots inside out as far as possible, though, because the inside was slightly damp after every dive (neoprene seals are pants!).

[Dr Stevil]

<font color='#0000FF'>Vague memory surfacing from the depths of my brain, but I think you can by pure unadulterated BP-grade talc from Boots in the pharmacy section, or did I dream it...

[ian.smyth]

Steve,

What's BP grade talc, excuse my ignorance.

[Dr Stevil]

<font color='#0000FF'>Err...yeah, sorry, should have said it stood for British Pharmacopoeia (BP) ie medicine grade products, so very pure.
you'll probably notice the initials on a variety of packaging now it's been pointed out

Chee-az
steve

PS bizarre innit, we have suit seals made from tree sap and we put powdered volcanic rock onto them, now where does the eye of newt and wing of bat go....