Product to keep weather stripping healthy

S

Striker

Active member
I've been on the Aerospace 303 binge for the past 5 years when it comes to protecting and keeping my seals/weather stripping soft and not cracking.


 


Also, I've been out of the detailing game and keeping up for about the past three years. Is there a product that is much superior to what I am using now?
 
Striker:


I still use Aerospace 303 on seals/weather-stripping. I must preface this with first thoroughly cleaning them with Meg's D101 All-Purpose Cleaner (APC), usually with a used microfiber towel that will take on the black "scum" that comes off the seals. This is the first thing I do when washing someone else's older vehicle by me for the first time. I HATE/DESPISE/CANNOT STAND that black "scum" getting on my wash media (sponge/wool mitt/cotton-chenille pad) that permanently stains them; hence that's why I do the trim/seals first with APC.


 


I have used Meg's Ultimate Black Trim Sealant on vinyl trim and some window seals. One thing that will happen with 303 is it will wash off and streak darker paint if it's not wiped off of seals. I did a vinyl box cover of a black pick-up truck with 303 and it was a disaster when it rained the next day for a friend. Just beware!


 


Some like 303 on tires because of its low-sheen and more natural-rubber look. I like Black Magic's Matte Tire Shine, but alas, it's no longer available!!
 
For soft rubber seals I use the 1Z Gummi Pflege and/or the slightly superior Wurth version.  Also Wurth Rubber Care.


 


For anything that's not very pliable (e.g., exterior trim and seals) I coat with Ultima's TTGP.


 


But most of the time I just give such surfaces a wipedown with ValuGard's Fast Finish when I'm drying.


 


I hardly *ever* reach for my 303, but that's just me.  I will say that I never have problems with my weatherstrips aging/cracking/etc., didn't even on the old Volvo wagon that sat outside 24/7.


 


When I get a new-to-me vehicle, or othewise work on a vehicle that I haven't been maintaining, I clean such stuff with Griot's Rubber Prep, a [freakin'] miracle product.
 
Good news for me is that I can get WURTH thru my work so I just might give it a shot.


 


I never really understood 303 as it tends to have a lot of uses according to their label- it pretty much does anything that is rubber or plastic. But being the skeptic that I am, I always wanted to make sure if in fact, it is a product that will keep my rubber seals alive longer.
 
Most of my seals seem to do fine whatever I do, or *don't do*, for them. 


 


Those two Wurth products are good IME though.  But if you have significant oxidation or other wear/tear/etc. I'd sure clean with the Rubber Prep first.  Back onto my soapbox about how wonderful that product is....
 
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