subject: How To Clean Paintball Masks [print this page] Cleaning masks is an important part of paintball competition. If done wrong, equipment can be ruined.
As we all know, paintballs cause a mess. Not only do they explode upon impact, but the paint inside sprays, covering nearby items, including all gear and the mask. After a few hits, it may actually be nearly impossible to see through the mask. This is why it is important to know how to properly clean a paintball mask. It is possible to simply wipe the paint away with a rag after being hit. This will remove the excess paint, allowing visibility out of the mask, and the player to get back into the game. While this is acceptable, the mask should be completely cleaned after each outing. It is not a difficult process, but it make take some time, especially when doing a complete cleaning.
The most important thing to remember when cleaning a mask is not to use any chemicals. Only use water on the shield of the mask. Using chemicals may cause a film, making it difficult to see. Start by wiping as much paint off as possible. Use a clean rag to do this. It may be necessary to add a little bit of water to the rag while wiping. Many people only clean the lens on their paintball masks. It is equally important to clean the hard plastic that surrounds the lens. This will prevent the paint from running onto the lens. Since there are many creases and tiny holes in the mask, the cleaning process may take some time. Don't rush. Make sure the mask is cleaned properly, removing all paint from the surface.
Now that the surface is clean, it is recommended to remove the lens from the mask. This allows complete cleaning of the paint from the perimeter of the lens. If only the surface is wiped, the remaining paint will harden around the lens. This could later cause a problem. Take the time needed to remove the lens and clean the mask properly. Each brand will vary, so it is best to look over the instructions that were included with the mask to learn how to safely remove the lens.
After the mask has been cleaned and the lens has been removed, make sure all excess paint has been wiped away. Then, use a micro-fiber cloth or towel to wipe the lens. This will remove any oil that has gotten on the lens during cleaning. When all oil has been removed, reassemble the lens into the mask. A clean mask is now ready for the next paintball outing.
