Removing sticky sigma zen coating?

ripit · 05-31-2013, 03:18 PM

I recently got a sigma 75-300mm 4-5.6 that is covered in black sticky gunk. It seems to be from the plastic (most of the external plastic surfaces including the barrel making the push pull zoom stick). As far as I can tell, sigma used a plastic coating in the 90's called zen that did this. I have not found any good tips on removing it though other than alcohol which might work, but would take hours and waste a hundred lens cleaning tissues. Has anyone heard of a good way to clean it?

**LaurenOE** · 05-31-2013, 03:39 PM - **1 Like**

Yep. I know the feeling. I managed to get an old used Sigma and used WD-40 on a soft cloth to remove the sticky black stuff. It also removes all the white lettering. Now I have a spare "disposable" 70-210 lens that is optically fine, but has no markings on it.

**LaurenOE** · 05-31-2013, 03:43 PM

Actually WD-40, then Alcohol to remove the WD-40.

ripit · 05-31-2013, 03:52 PM

thanks tons. i have used wd-40 to remove epoxy (before it fully cures) so i'm surprised i didn't think of it. what did you use to scrub it off (brush , cloth etc)?

**LaurenOE** · 05-31-2013, 03:59 PM

Originally posted by ripit

thanks tons. i have used wd-40 to remove epoxy (before it fully cures) so i'm surprised i didn't think of it. what did you use to scrub it off (brush , cloth etc)?

Since I got the lens for free, it was low risk to use WD-40 and paper towels to get most of the crud off. Use a *very* light coating of WD-40 so that none of it ends up in the lens.

Then I used some denatured alcohol with paper towels.

Not elegant, but for a disposable lens it worked.

slip · 05-31-2013, 03:59 PM

you can try acetone as well

good luck

randy

ripit · 05-31-2013, 04:56 PM

alternating liquid wrench (worked slightly better than wd-40) and alcohol seems to be working though it will take a bit of work. thanks for the suggestions.

@slip, i was a little worried it would damage the plastic. Also, the oil helps keep the tar like gluey sticky stuff from just getting smeared around and re-sticking.

05-31-2013, 03:18 PM	#1
ripit Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NewYork Posts: 899	Removing sticky sigma zen coating? I recently got a sigma 75-300mm 4-5.6 that is covered in black sticky gunk. It seems to be from the plastic (most of the external plastic surfaces including the barrel making the push pull zoom stick). As far as I can tell, sigma used a plastic coating in the 90's called zen that did this. I have not found any good tips on removing it though other than alcohol which might work, but would take hours and waste a hundred lens cleaning tissues. Has anyone heard of a good way to clean it?

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05-31-2013, 03:39 PM - 1 Like	#2
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	Yep. I know the feeling. I managed to get an old used Sigma and used WD-40 on a soft cloth to remove the sticky black stuff. It also removes all the white lettering. Now I have a spare "disposable" 70-210 lens that is optically fine, but has no markings on it.

05-31-2013, 03:43 PM	#3
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	Actually WD-40, then Alcohol to remove the WD-40.

05-31-2013, 03:52 PM	#4
ripit Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NewYork Posts: 899 Original Poster	thanks tons. i have used wd-40 to remove epoxy (before it fully cures) so i'm surprised i didn't think of it. what did you use to scrub it off (brush , cloth etc)?

05-31-2013, 03:59 PM	#5
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	Originally posted by ripit thanks tons. i have used wd-40 to remove epoxy (before it fully cures) so i'm surprised i didn't think of it. what did you use to scrub it off (brush , cloth etc)? Since I got the lens for free, it was low risk to use WD-40 and paper towels to get most of the crud off. Use a very light coating of WD-40 so that none of it ends up in the lens. Then I used some denatured alcohol with paper towels. Not elegant, but for a disposable lens it worked.

05-31-2013, 03:59 PM	#6
slip Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 2 hours north of toronto ontario canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,535	you can try acetone as well good luck randy

05-31-2013, 04:56 PM	#7
ripit Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NewYork Posts: 899 Original Poster	alternating liquid wrench (worked slightly better than wd-40) and alcohol seems to be working though it will take a bit of work. thanks for the suggestions. @slip, i was a little worried it would damage the plastic. Also, the oil helps keep the tar like gluey sticky stuff from just getting smeared around and re-sticking.