Re: [Paddlewise] Latex Gaskets & Sunscreen

Mark,

I always use sunscreen when I wear a dry-top. I apply the sunscreen on my
head, neck, hands and wrists first, and then put the dry-top on, so my latex
seals are getting full doses of the sunscreen. I probably wear my dry-top 20
times a year. I think the neck gasket lasted around 3-4 years before I saw
that it was getting some weak spots and needed changing. I just changed the
neck gasket myself this winter. It was an evening project and not really a
big deal. But having skin cancer is a big deal. I'd much rather change my
gaskets occasionally than risk getting skin cancer. By the way, the wrist
gaskets are still fine. Several times a year I apply 303 to help protect the
latex. I don't usually rinse off my dry-top after using it.

Duane Strosaker
Southern California

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark Arnold" <mjamja_at_earthlink.net>
To: <paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2004 8:59 AM
Subject: [Paddlewise] Latex Gaskets & Sunscreen


> I am thinking of buying my first drytop with latex gaskets.  I am a
prolific user of sun-screen when paddling.  I have heard some scary stories
about latex being "dissolved" by sunscreen.  Since my hands are one of the
main areas I want protected with sunscreen I am sure that no matter how much
I try I will get some on the gaskets.   A couple of questions:
>
> 1.  How fast does sunscreen react with the latex?   Will washing gaskets
immediately after paddling prevent damage?
>
> 2.  What is the best thing to use for cleaning the gaskets?
>
> 2. Are there any sunscreen formulations which do not react with latex?
>
> 3. Is there any coating that can be applied to the gaskets that will
prevent damage from sunscreen.?
>
> Mark Arnold
> mjamja_at_earthlink.net
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