Drysuit Seal Care

[ScubaChris]

Hey,

Can anyone recommend the best way to care for latex drysuit seals?
I had a look at mine today, and they are looking a bit dry, should I get a bottle of some sort of conditioner?

Thanks
Chris

[Morag]

They should (afiui) simply be kept clean.

Give them a bit of a wash with a weak washing up liquid solution. Gets rid of salt and oil build up.

[frosty the snowman]

Chalk balls!

chalk balls - Google Product Search


Climbers (like me when I manage to lose weight) use these to dust their hands to improve grip but they're also good for dusting latex seals to keep them in good condition.

[pawel]

Chalk balls!

Good idea!

[dazdiver]

Dont use washing up liquid on latex, it will wreck the seals, wash with fresh water only and when they are dry apply a few drops of seal saver and rub all over the seal this will feed the latex and keep it in good condition, it also leaves a surface on the seal that makes it easy to get on and off so no need to use talc which also dries out the latex and ends up in your valves and all over the boat. When your suit is dry roll it up from the feet, put in its bag and store somewhere out of direct sunlight and cool, leaving your suit in direct sunlight also wreks the seals as when they go sticky.
Hope this helps.
Daz

[Morag]

Dont use washing up liquid on latex, it will wreck the seals, wash with fresh water only and when they are dry apply a few drops of seal saver and rub all over the seal this will feed the latex and keep it in good condition, it also leaves a surface on the seal that makes it easy to get on and off so no need to use talc which also dries out the latex and ends up in your valves and all over the boat.
Hope this helps.
Daz

That is completely the opposite to the advice given to me by DUI, who advise the use of soap to remove oils which cause seals to disintegrate

[Graham Smith]

That is completely the opposite to the advice given to me by DUI, who advise the use of soap to remove oils which cause seals to disintegrate

Yep, agree completely.

[dazdiver]

Any Oil based product will destroy latex.

[Morag]

Any Oil based product will destroy latex.

erm
washing up liquid is a detergent based product designed to break down oils and fats (I think )

[dazdiver]

If you think washing up liquid is ok to use on latex then who I am i to argue, but if you want your seals to last then dont use it,.