SUNROOF RUBBER GASKET, NEED GOOD PROTECTANT

[clevelandmike]

I HAVE TRIED 3-4 RETAIL TIRE, VINYL, AND RUBBER DRESSINGS FOR THE SUN ROOF GASKET. MOST LAST ONLY FEW WEEKS AND IT TURNS GRAY AGAIN. EVEN WHEN DRESSED, IT DOES NOT LOOK GREAT. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE FLEXING OF THE RUBBER WHICH BREAKS UP THE DRESSING. ANYONE HAVE GOOD LUCK WITH A DRESSING?

[crazyjoe]

have you used salad dressing? how about turning off the cap lock, there, buddy?

[CREWZIN]

I have the same luck as you. I dress it before a show and it loks OK for awhile but after a week or so it's back to the dull grey. I've tried different dressings and they all do the same. I haven't tried any of the stuff that's used to bring back the black on the bumpers. Maybe that will last a bit longer.

[quicksilverdon]

Found this on a car care website:
To help minimize wax residue stains on your rubber trim, apply a coating of rubber protectant before you wax. This coating will help prevent the wax from adhering to the rubber or vinyl trim and any that does sneak onto the trim may usually be removed with the application of a little more rubber protectant.

One Grand Exterior Rubber & Vinyl Dressing: A matt, low-gloss, finish product for all exterior rubber and vinyl that does not chalk or turn brown. My co-favorite product.

3M Rubber Treatment & Tire Dressing: A rich, emollient oil based conditioner that cleans and restores exterior rubber and vinyl. 3M has a slightly more glossy finish than One Grand, but is better choice to help restore slightly faded rubber trim. My co-favorite product.

Harly Tire Nu: A pump spray product with a medium to high gloss finish. If you like a higher gloss, then this might be your choice.

Lexol Vinylex: A fantastic product for the exterior rubber and vinyl but does not stand up to rain. One rain and it is history. If you have a garage queen then this may be your choice.

Meguiars #40 Vinyl & Rubber Conditioner: A vinyl/rubber cleaner and conditioner. I feel it works better on vinyl than it does on rubber. It leaves a medium-gloss finish.

Sonax Trim Protectant: Cleans and protects exterior vinyl and rubber and leaves a high-gloss finish.

Wurth Rubber Care: An aerosol product designed for the live rubber door gaskets. Will also help clean minor wax residue and restore the black patina to rubber parts, bumper casings and body side moldings.

Zymol Seal: A thick, glycerin rich product designed specifically for live rubber gaskets and seals.

Zymol Tyre Preserve: A waterless, natural cleaner and conditioner that leaves a medium-gloss and helps restore some of the black patina to rubber.



I've read that Armor all is bad, removing oils from the vinyl/rubber, and not offering UV protection.

[CREWZIN]

Tanks Don.

[turbomangt]

You guys forgot one! I guess we have to save the best for last. Ultimate dressing by Perfect Auto Finish, water based (NO OIL or SOLVENTS) satin luster, will outlast any retail product, warning!!! THIS IS PROFESSIONAL GRADE. so be ready. Gary

[rszappa1]

the best stuff is protectent 303.....

[turbomangt]

303 is a decent product for retail, a little pricy though. gk

[rszappa1]

you get what you pay for....

[turbomangt]

Don't want to start a flame, but when I teach auto detailing part of my segment is on educating consumers in this industry. The problem is many companies marketing stragedy is they DON"T give customers what they pay for. A perfect example is the concours Zymol Glazes. They are priced form $59.00 for an 8 oz jar up to $1,325.00!!!!!!!!! Take into consideration that the best wax under the best conditions on a driver car, only lasts 30 days. Would you think those people are getting what they paid for?. I don't think so. My clinics have saved many people a ton of money because I tell it like it is. Gary [^]