Bug spray plastic lenses

[cornerstore]

Had a pair of sunglasses ruined on my Holiday, person next to me sprayed Bug repellant, it etched the poly lenses. Thought I'd give a heads up, it can also destroy watch plastic parts.

From a Google search.

Q. Dear Gear Guy, I got bug spray all over the face of my watch. It is waterproof, so the watch still works, but there is a dirty residue on the face of the watch. I have tried everything to remove it. What would you recommend?
— Alex Beenbitten, from the Internet

I think I know exactly what happened. The bug spray you were using contains deet. It’s the most effective mosquito repellent, but it’s also known for being capable of melting plastics. Most likely, the face of your watch is made of some type of plastic. So there’s actually no residue on the watch; the plastic was melted. I don’t think there’s anything you can do to fix it. Bummer, I know. I ruined a pair of nice sunglasses with bug spray. So this is mostly one of those learning moments: Be really careful when applying deet-based bug sprays, and keep them from coming in contact with any of your gear that has plastic parts.

[Lordofrolex]

Wow we put on a spray that can melt plastic. Doesn't sound to healthy.

[andromeda160]

I've ruined a few pairs of sunglasses doing this, glad I now know the culprit haha

[cornerstore]

Originally Posted by Lordofrolex

Wow we put on a spray that can melt plastic. Doesn't sound to healthy.

Ever see what hair spray does to a plastic toilet seat . Not pretty

[cornerstore]

Originally Posted by andromeda160

I've ruined a few pairs of sunglasses doing this, glad I now know the culprit haha

Maui Jim is great, replaced lenses for nominal charge , even when two year warranty expired

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by cornerstore

Maui Jim is great, replaced lenses for nominal charge , even when two year warranty expired

I've only had the problem on a few pairs of oakleys, and I destroyed a layering on a pair of Dolce and Gabannas. I prefer glass lenses in my shades so I usually end up shattering lenses. The Oakley lenses were only $30 I think when I got them replaced. Maybe a bit more, I got 2 different colors and one had a special gold chrome finish so I think it was a bit extra. Both were $75 OTD though. I had a pair of ray bans my girlfriend broke, she felt bad and got the lenses replaced since rayban no longer had spare lenses and I believe it was $60, but they replaced them with plastic and I never enjoyed wearing them after that. Before watches, I collected designer sunglasses.

[Boothroyd]

I have read that it can also boil the paint (clear coat) on automobiles. Several posts on the internet about auto paint finishes being ruined by people spraying themselves too close to their cars. DEET is the culprit.

[SearChart]

I accidentally spilled deet on a mosquito net last year and the nylon deteriorated on that spot, I won't use that stuff anymore unless I really have to. I bet it can destroy my NATO straps as well.

[rr-nyc]

Bug spray can also markup car paint. One of the car forums i belong to had bug spray hit his car and he ended up with spots that could not be removed

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I accidentally spilled deet on a mosquito net last year and the nylon deteriorated on that spot, I won't use that stuff anymore unless I really have to. I bet it can destroy my NATO straps as well.

Your NATO might be fine. When I was in the army we practically bathed in DEET, sprayed it on our clothes, and saturated nylon kit with it. The nylon seemed immune, as was black paint on our kit.

You might want to check for colorfastness though.

[Rolex addict]

I used to work for a company that made DEET. It will soften plastic and remove paint from your car. Be very careful if you use it. Because of the knowledge I have about this product and its manufacturing, I would rather be bitten by mosquitoes!!! I'm not putting that stuff on me!!!

[cornerstore]

Originally Posted by andromeda160

I've only had the problem on a few pairs of oakleys, and I destroyed a layering on a pair of Dolce and Gabannas. I prefer glass lenses in my shades so I usually end up shattering lenses. The Oakley lenses were only $30 I think when I got them replaced. Maybe a bit more, I got 2 different colors and one had a special gold chrome finish so I think it was a bit extra. Both were $75 OTD though. I had a pair of ray bans my girlfriend broke, she felt bad and got the lenses replaced since rayban no longer had spare lenses and I believe it was $60, but they replaced them with plastic and I never enjoyed wearing them after that. Before watches, I collected designer sunglasses.

I know what you mean about collecting sun glasses. My kids love the hand me down Maui Jims, gives me excuse to buy

[cornerstore]

Seems unanimous, Deet is the culprit. Maui Jim as well confirmed it will etch plastic.

[Xenophon]

On a diving expedition many years ago to the Mosquito Coast of Honduras we all had to use DEET spray in copious amounts. After a few weeks the people with rubber/plastic watch bands noticed that they had started to deteriorate. I was fine with my Submariner. Moral of the story: Wear a Rolex !

[cornerstore]

Originally Posted by Xenophon

On a diving expedition many years ago to the Mosquito Coast of Honduras we all had to use DEET spray in copious amounts. After a few weeks the people with rubber/plastic watch bands noticed that they had started to deteriorate. I was fine with my Submariner. Moral of the story: Wear a Rolex !

With a sapphire crystal.

[SpaceWanderer]

Originally Posted by cornerstore

With a sapphire crystal.

Exactly. Back in the 80's I had the crystal of my Tudor submariner fogged by some bug spray in the Florida Keys. I didn't think about the possibility at the time that the spray would do anything; I was more concerned that the mosquitos might take the watch off my wrist as they were so huge. I was able to get the smearing off the crystal eventually but I don't remember how. But, a lesson was learned. And yes, it was the acrylic crystal.