Rusty Masks

[Superscribe]

Hey, my mask is getting to the point where the rust build up is so that its threatening to interfere with safety. it passes punches tests fine now, though i was wondering if anybody had suggestions on how to remove the rust and apply some type of coating to prevent further corrosion.

Thanks a bunch

[Inquartata]

A wire brush and then paint or other coating. Bear in mind that rust means that some of the metal has been reduced to iron oxide; remove it and it's gone. The steel has been weakened. If it's superficial you should be OK just to take it off and recoat the mesh, but test it thoroughly afterward: you don't want to take any chances with that particular piece of safety protection.

[Grey]

Or simply purchase a FIE mask, it should be rust proof. It'll be very useful in the long run.

[Pepster]

Inquartata's right, I wouldn't go fixing it if the rust is really threatining the performance of the mask.

If not, make sure you get ALL the rust off it first (wire brush, steel wool, lather, rinse, wipe hands on pants) because no amount of krylon will help rust already on the metal, and it'll just lead to paint flaking off during use.

Which brings up another good point, paint tends not to last on a mask, I would count on either doing a fair amount of touch-ups, or just counting this fix as a "Nurse it until I can save up for a new one" measure.

-Pepster
- The man unmasked

[MyraTrue]

superscribe,

I had an old mask that was rusting. It wasn't bad, not enough that it didn't pass the punch test. But I cleaned it up with a wire brush and steel wool and once I thought it was good and clean started something over the top. In a pinch, I've used superglue, but model paint as well. Not sure thats "What you should use" but it did stop the rusting.

Most of my rust places were where I'd removed dents from my mask.

And I did finally buy an FIE, and its REALLY been worth it. No rust, one dent for 8 months wear (used to pound them out weekly)... so thats not poor advice either.

Anyhow, best of luck with it all

[esskreemr]

I've had the same experience (roughly). I don't fence epee so I don't have as many dents.

I used to dremel (with wire brush) rust spots every so often. I'd then take the mask, cover the borders with duct tape, stuff newspaper inside, and spray paint it. You have to be careful though, light rust isn't such a big deal if you keep up on it, when the rust affects the structure of the mesh, time for a new mask.

I've since replaced my old mask (had for about 4 years) with an FIE one from Uhllmann. It has a removeable lining that I feel is important. I decommissioned the old mask because rust would build up around the rivets eventually compromising the mesh's integrity. The removeable lining allows me to air the mask out completely whereas the previous mask would take longer to dry out (bib and lining riveted to cotton duck). I've had it for about 6 months with no sign of rust. I also touch it up every so often with an auto paint pen (from wal-mart). The mask is supposed to be stainless stell, but it only takes a couple of minutes to touch up. It costs about 3 times as much, but I think it was worth it.