How to Keep Paintball Mask from Fogging? – Paintball Beasts
Paintball masks are one of the most crucial protective paintball gear that is designed to ensure the protection of the most sensitive part, your face. Although there are tons of great paintball masks available on the market that claims to provide the ultimate protection but many have complained that they fog up easily.
It can be difficult to see through a foggy mask. So, how to keep paintball mask from fogging up? Preventing your mask from fogging is easy and can ensure that you will be able to see clearly on the field of battle.
But, before we get to that, Let’s first have a look at the factors that contribute to fogging up a paintball mask.
Why do Paintball Mask Fog?
It is not uncommon for paintball masks to fog up during gameplay. This can be extremely frustrating, as it can impair your vision. Before we get to the prevention part, it is important to know what causes the fogging in the first place. There are different factors that cause this problem.
1. Lack of Ventilation
Paintball masks need to be properly vented to prevent fogging of the lenses. The more airflow, the better. This is why masks with fewer vents are not considered as good of an option.
If your paintball masks have no sufficient ventilation whatsoever, then there will be little or no airflow and the humid air will be trapped inside causing the fog to build up.
2. Humidity
Humidity can affect the quality of your paintball mask by causing it to fog up. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid this effect if you are playing in a humid environment, but there are precautions you can take to reduce the risk or have a more enjoyable time playing.
Fogging often occurs when the air is too moist, either because of high humidity levels or extreme temperature variance between your breath and what’s outside.
3. Change in Tempurature
The change in the temperature is another reason why paintball masks tend to fog up. If the outside temperature is different from the temperature of your breath, then condensation will form on the inside of your paintball lens.
This condensation of moisture in the lens causes it to become cloudy and opaque. Hence, the result is an unpleasant odor as well as a reduction in visibility.
How to Keep Paintball Mask from Fogging up?
Luckily, there are a few ways to prevent your mask from fogging up while you’re playing. Now that we know the factors that cause the paintball masks to fog up, here are some tried-and-tested solutions you can try at home before you head to your next match.
1. Using Lenses treated with Fog-Resistant Coating
Paintball games are a lot of fun, but one thing that can put a damper on the experience is when your mask fogs up. This happens when water vapors from your breath condense on the lens of the mask.
So what do you need to do? You’ll need a lens that comes with something called a “Fog Resistant” coating. It’s basically just an anti-condensation layer that prevents moisture from condensing onto the lenses of your mask.
Nowadays, pretty much all the good-quality paintball masks come with a fog-resistant coating. So, it is a good idea to invest in a quality paintball mask and save yourself from the hassle.
2. Anti-Fog Spray (Lens Cleaner)
Let’s get this straight, nobody likes fog building up in their lens. It’s one thing to have a bit of fog on your specs while drinking coffee. Whereas, It’s quite another thing to happen to your paintball masks during the heat of the game.
Thankfully, there are a few ways you can prevent this problem from occurring, one way is to use an Anti-fog spray, which is basically just a lens cleaner but it somehow helps reduce the fog to build upon your lens.
You can also use shaving cream or baby shampoo to clean your mask. Remove your lens, apply the product and let it rest for a time. Wipe this with a clean microfiber cloth and you’re good to go. These are good alternatives to lens cleaners as they will help keep the fog away without scratching the lens.
3. Proper Ventilation
One of the most effective ways to reduce fogging on your lens is by using a quality paintball mask with sufficient ventilation. The amount of airflow that enters and leaves the goggle play a significant role in whether you will have problems with fogging up or not.
It is a good idea to know what sort of ventilation system your mask has before you buy it. The ventilation system of the mask should not only be on the mouth but also on the forehead to keep the air moving.
Many players put on a beanie or a hoodie over their paintball lenses which might prevent the upper vent from circulating the hot air inside the mask properly.
4. Using Thermal Lenses
A thermal paintball mask lens is one that has two separate lenses glued together with a thin layer of air acting as insulation. This will prevent fogging up as there isn’t any way for moisture to develop on the surface because of the insulation provided by the air gap.
If you’re looking to buy a new pair of paintball masks, then it might be a good idea to invest in one that comes with thermal lenses. The extra investment will help you avoid fogging up at all times since the dual-lens design keeps moisture away.
Thermal paintball lenses are more expensive and difficult to clean than single-pane lenses. However, they make the game much more enjoyable.
5. Having a Visor
Having a visor not only protects you from direct sunlight but also helps prevent keeping moisture. When playing in rain, most paintballers cover their upper vents with tape or something to keep the rainwater from dripping in. What it actually does is block the air circulation inside the mask, hence building more fog.
By attaching a visor to your paintball masks, you can actually keep the rainwater out without blocking your upper vents. Also, most visors are universal, meaning they can fit on most masks and are also dirt cheap in price so it is always better to have one in your gear bag.
6. Timely Cleaning
Cleaning your paintball masks is something that has to be done on a regular basis. You can use warm water and some mild soap and simply apply anti-fog spray after each game.
The objective of cleaning the mask frequently is not only to keep it germ-free but also for maintaining good visibility throughout the game.
Lastly, always use mild products and soft clothing when cleaning your lens. Using hard soap or hard water may result in the residue of calcium carbonate forming on your lens making it more cloudy.
Is the Buildup of Fog a Big issue?
Yes, it is. To some people, fog may be a barely noticeable issue but to others, it can have a big impact on their gameplay. If you are the type who makes the most out of every second in the field then your visibility will begin to decrease once there’s too much moisture accumulated on your lens.
Your aim and vision play a vital role in your on-field performance. In this regard, it’s important to find the best mask possible that will allow you to see properly without having to deal with excessive fog build-up.
Final Words – Wrapping it up
Dealing with fog on a paintball mask can be a huge pain. Not only does it obstruct your vision, but it can also start to affect your play. Well, these were some of the tips and tricks that can help you keep your paintball mask from fogging.
Knowing what causes fogging and how to prevent it is the best way to ensure a good on-field experience. Lastly, if you have any queries or suggestions, feel free to comment down below.
Also, check out our guide about the best paintball vests currently available.
Happy Paintballing!
