Mask Maintenance

[FooFighter]

Hi,
im new to this forum..so yea. i was wondering how to go about caring for my mask. ive been told i could put petroleum(vaseline)on my mask. i was also wondering what the black coating over the mesh is and if it plays a vital role in the integrity of the mask. how can i go about replacing that stuff, or if its just black paint. if it helps, i use a negrini non-FIE, and i think its carbon-steel. any how, i appreciate any help you guys have.
thanks in advance!

[DHCJr]

That is something I haven't heard tried before on masks. The problem with putting anything on masks is it is not just a steel mesh. If you put it on, how do you get it off, especially in the area where the side mesh and the front mesh? You will have a hard time there and also where the bib is connected.

I have never tried it, but I would tend to avoid that and rather protect your mask in other ways. Things that you should be doing. Don't throw in your body cords, jackets, lame or anything else that might be wet into your mask. Put it into a seperate small bag when traveling to protect the outside and stopping anything from going in. Let it air dry after fencing.

[FooFighter]

ok..but that still leaves me with that black stuff that covers the mesh, what is it?

[DHCJr]

That you definetely do Not want to take off. What you have is a Foil Mask, or it could be called a 2-weapon or Foil/Epee mask. In foil the mesh of the mask must be insulated (M.27). This is so if you get hit in the mask, your opponent will not get a touch by hitting your mask. This can occur through sweat bring the mask and the lame into a electrical connection.

[FooFighter]

well..i fence foil n i dun think ill be doin epee for a while. at least not until i get the basics down a little better. does petroleum remove this insulation?

[pkt]

Originally posted by FooFighter
... does petroleum remove this insulation?

FF,

It appears to me that you don't read very well. Are you dyslexic? If you are, then you have an excuse.

Let me repeat DHC Jr's mesaage for your benefit:

Originally posted by DHCJr
... THAT you definetely do NOT want to take off

DHC Jr is a qualified armouror.
READ WHAT HE WROTE FOR YOUR BENEFIT and TAKE HEED.

Do you understand what I've written?

Would you like me to repeat that AGAIN in clearer English?

DO NOT REMOVE or even adulterate THE INSULATION!!!!

Now, do you get it?

If that insulation is broken you should ask DHC Jr how to REPAIR it, not how to remove it.

I usu. just, as the Stones sang, PAINT IT BLACK.

Geez, these day and age one has to scream till one is blue in the face to get a message across...


PK

[FooFighter]

ive read a number of ways to wash my mask. dish washer, sloshing it around in water and washing machine detergent, woolite n windex, etc. ive also heard about blowdrying it to prevent rust. what do you guys recommend?

Foo

[The0ne]

peeing on it.