Rubber trim & door handles turned white...what can I use to make them black again? - Page 2

Accumulator · 10-26-09, 10:19

I'd first figure out what's turning the pieces white. Is it LSP/etc. residue? Is it oxidation?

What's the condition of the material *under* the white stuff?

I've dealt with this in all sorts of ways, from using 1Z Paint Polish and/or KAIO to more conventional rubber-treatment regimens.

So far, the absolute best rubber prep product I've used is Griot's Rubber Prep (pn 11071). That stuff has worked near-miracles for me. BTW, the Ultima trim stuff has *kept* those surfaces nice for a good long time too, but if you'd rather use 303/etc. the Rubber Prep will at least get things ready for it.

On some oxidized rubber (e.g., the rubber casings that Audi uses to enclose wiring that goes into the doors), it was absolutely imperative to get rid of the oxidation before treating with 303/etc.

Peanut butter is usually just a way to cover issues up with oils, though crunchy varieties can effect a bit of scrubbing (sorta like the stuff that's in AutoGlym's Bumper Care, a much better alternative IMO). Note that there can be unintended consequences to rubbing foodstuffs on your vehicle; it's not something I'd want to do to any of mine.

Setec Astronomy · 10-26-09, 10:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

Note that there can be unintended consequences to rubbing foodstuffs on your vehicle; it's not something I'd want to do to any of mine.

Yeah, the rodinks are attracted enough to the rubber alone!

Accumulator · 10-26-09, 10:35

Exactly.

I've settled on peaceful co-existence, and that goes a lot smoother if I don't make my stuff more palatable

SuperBee364 · 10-26-09, 10:48

This thread has some very good info in it, thanks guys... subscribed.

lyonsroar · 10-26-09, 04:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

Peanut butter is usually just a way to cover issues up with oils, though crunchy varieties can effect a bit of scrubbing (sorta like the stuff that's in AutoGlym's Bumper Care, a much better alternative IMO). Note that there can be unintended consequences to rubbing foodstuffs on your vehicle; it's not something I'd want to do to any of mine.

Lyonsroar is not responsible for rodent problems with your vehicle!

Passrat · 10-26-09, 10:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by lyonsroar

I've actually heard Peanut Butter works. Never tried it though, can't vouch for it.

I use Back to Black but it doesn't last long and tends to run down the sides of the car when it rains.

I used Forever Black on a part of my trim and it streaked a little bit, but it's still black 6 months later.

I've found that streaking just requires a second coat. I think it says that on the bottle.

Accumulator · 10-27-09, 08:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by lyonsroar

.. Lyonsroar is not responsible for rodent problems with your vehicle!

Heh heh, that's good

Greg Nichols · 10-27-09, 09:49

I have seen this stuff used and its amazing, more invasive and more restorative for the long haul. Exterior Trim Repair Kit I have yet to use it myself, but when I get some trim that needs to be restored I'm getting it.

Cheers,
GREG

Passrat · 10-27-09, 03:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cleaning Fool

Try some kiwi black liquid shoe polish. Cheap and very affective, used it many many times.

I've heard of that. Some guys were using it on the black lowers of Passats and Audi A4's, which is one of the things I was using 303 for, and said it was great. And that's a lot of area compared to window strips.

b1g chris h · 10-28-09, 01:05

i use groundnut oil very effective i have found

Accumulator · 10-28-09, 09:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Passrat

I've heard of that. Some guys were using it on the black lowers of Passats and Audi A4's, which is one of the things I was using 303 for, and said it was great. And that's a lot of area compared to window strips.

Eh....that's not an approach I'd use for that, but hey, that's just me. I wouldn't use 303/etc. either, preferring an LSP-based approach.

If you're gonna redo it as often as with dressings, you could even just FK425 it after every wash.