Window rubber breakdown- any fix??

[sparkie]

Hi all, the black rubber mouldings around my windows are starting to break down I think- if wiped with a damp cloth a black deposit comes off onto the cloth. This makes cleaning/polishing around them very difficult, as a black smear on to the white coachroof is unavoidable. They're still sound and don't leak at all, so I'm loath to replace them just for cosmetic reasons unless I have to, is there any treatment I can apply to them that will re-seal the surface and halt the degredation??

 

[RunAgroundHard]

This stuff (not tried it) is for the treatment of natural rubber seals, aimed at classic car market, may be suitable for your problem: -

SEAL FEED rubber seal conditioner, 250ml

I was aware of this product from an associate who has an old car. Other products how to stop dark smears from rubber seals - Google Search

 

[peteK]

What about black car tyre paint.

 

[sparkie]

Some really good suggestions there chaps- thanks. The Google search has thrown up some interesting possibilities too. Cheers.

 

[Shaddickp]

I use ordinary Silicon grease, costs a fraction of the Swissvax stuff and works perfectly. Six quid a tube from Halfords. You can use it to clean the rubber, and at layup over winter I smear a good amount around the seals close the window and it keeps all water out and preserves the rubber.

 

[Yngmar]

Silicone grease is the right stuff for treating rubber seals, o-rings, etc. Clean seals first (water + dishsoap), when dry apply a thin coating of grease. Also has many other uses (like protecting electrical connections from moisture and corrosion and avoiding the high resistance and melting) and every boat should have some aboard. Just keep it away from your varnishing work.

If the seals are chalking off, the material is UV damaged. There is no reversing this and the only way to protect them is to reduce UV exposure (shade works wonders). It's usually only the surface layer though, so cleaning them until they stop chalking and then greasing as above should remedy the problem for a while. Everything breaks down eventually.

 

[sparkie]

Well that's very useful. I've been using silicon grease for electrical work for years but never thought of using it for this purpose.

As I've already got some on the boat, and it won't cost me a penny, it's definitely the first thing I'll try. I think the problem is oxidation/UV for sure and as you say can't be prevented for ever, but we'll try to delay the inevitable... bit like life really.. Cheers.

 

[MikeCC]

Red rubber grease?

 

[sparkie]

Red rubber grease?

Not considered that. Might be worth a try, I've got some in the garage I think.