Canon 10 X 30 IS Binoculars - sticky Rubber Coating

[ahofmann531]

I have a 10 X 30 IS binocular [serial number deleted for privacy].  The rubberized coating is disintegrating and has become very sticky.  I see others have had this problem with other high end models.  How do I improve the condition or get them repaired?  They work perfectly but are very uncomfortable to use.

[AP1]

Jeffbrew - That's great news. Thanks for sharing your specific situation and success with everyone. 

As a side note, I don't feel comfortable using the lacquer over my entire binoculars. However, I'll strongly consider it for the problem area on mine, which is only the bottom under the focus knob (where my thumbs support the binoculars when I use them).

Thanks again!

[JHarryF]

Thanks, JeffBrew! I’m gonna try it. Really appreciate your taking time to update on this vexing problem. 

[SamInPgh]

Depending on how badly your coating has deteriorated, you might want to try the talcum powder method first. It won't reverse any of the damage but, for me, it seems to have stabilized whatever reaction was taking place. I gave mine one application a day for 3 days around 5 months ago and it took away the stickiness. I also no longer store them in the case they came (and rotted) in.

P.S. Just checked and they are starting to get a little sticky again. Time for another powdering...

[jkzt1000]

My dad has a Canon IS 10x30 that had duct tape wrapped around it because it was so sticky.  I used rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol) and a lot of paper towels to remove all the stickiness.  It took about an hour and looks really good after.  Before, sticky with duct tape gripAfter cleaning with alcohol

[JHarryF]

Very good to know. I hope the stickiness does not recur.

I checked with the guy who sprayed his sticky Canon binocs with clear spray. It had held up for a year. So, after masking the lens, battery cover and  I followed his advice and sprayed mine. So far, so good. A BIG difference.

I join others in saying SHAME ON CANON for producing such an expensive, faulty pair of binoculars and not standing behind them regardless of the warranty.

[JHarryF]

The guy was JeffBrew. See his post. The spray is a clear acrylic in a pressurized can. Bought at the local hardware store.

[jkzt1000]

My guess is that the sticky stuff is from a "soft touch" thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) layer that is breaking down.  By using the rubbing alcohol, I was able to remove that entire layer, so it is not possible to get sticky again.

[jojoaiders]

This is the best solution I’ve heard. How did you prevent the lacquer from getting in the small moving parts or on the button, etc.?

[JHarryF]

I used pieces of Frog Tape (the stuff that painters use). JeffBrew may have another product.

[wrinklieninja]

By far the best solution so far..... the rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol gets rid of the problem rather than just covering it up. I used a tooth brush followed by a rag...... the toothbrush and alcohol seems to wear away the rubber which gets caught in the bristles and a follow up with a soaked rag gets rid of the last of the stickiness. Quite hard work but you do end up with shiny non-stick binos as in your photos. Brilliant!