How to keep the frogmen suits intact.

As most of you who know me can confirm that I am a huge fan of the frogman sets. Unfortunately they are one of the most likely sets to crumble and deteriorate over the years especially if not looked after.

This is a photo of my frogmen taken about 8 months ago.


This is one taken tonight.


As you can see the suits still look in very good condition. Though the 40th GI JOE one at the front is an exceptional set to have as the rubber is so much better than the ones we have here.

To help preserve these suits I do the following
1. I always keep them out of sunlight
2.I almost always have a glass of water placed next to them to help keep the air moist. Some people will tell you that the best thing to do is to keep them in an air tight box. Don't as the rubber will dry up very quickly and become brittle
3. I always treat them with 3 in 1 silicone lubricant as shown below.


This lubricant helps keep the rubber soft and helps maintain its life span. Apparently these suits will go hard and brittle over time but all the suits except the GI Joe one are vintage. When applying it. I usually treat them once a month. Always take off anything that is elastic such as; the mask and air tanks as the lubricant does for some reason stretch it.

Some people have claimed that silicone sprays have ruined there wetsuits in time...
Never tried it myself so don't know...

Let us know in the future how your wetsuits are holding up...

I put talc powder inside mine but I'm afraid to put anything else on them...
I too really like the 40th wetsuit which is very nicely made...

Great thread Phil