what to use on weatherstripping

emetzger

New member
i enjoy the "details" whwn cleaning my car. one thing i often overlook is weatherstrippin. what does everyone use to keep it looking new for a long time?
 
I have always used silicone spray and a towel to apply. The seals on my cars look like new 10 years later on my 1994 Honda prelude.
 
'Rubber Seals':

The seals on most vehicles are no longer made of natural rubber; vehicle manufacturers use a specialized synthetic material called ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). Real rubber, or blends containing real rubber, just cannot endure the direct exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet light) and the harmful-to-rubber oxidizing gases in our atmosphere.



The soft seals around doors, windows, hood and trunk are constantly being flexed and compressed all the while being subjected to a hostile environment. Use a product that contains Glycerine (Zymol Seal), a natural plant anti-oxidizing agent, it will prolong the useful life of the seal by restoring the original moisture and resist tearing and sticking

JonM
 
I work at a rubber factory and use EPDM all the time. Cheapest rubber we use but flexible depending on duro. Use baby powder or talc'em powder and then spray with 303. It will keep it from cracking. Don't by that expensive crap. Talc will keep it from drying out and the 303 gives it uv protection that will prevent it from fading and cracking.
 
audipower- While I ;) waste money on the expensive stuff :) I've heard what you posted from other people involved in the industry. Might sound funny but it *is* something that some people who know from the material swear by.



I find that some treatments that stay wet/slimy can make for a mess, especially on vehicles where the glass directly touches the seals.



Those who like the 1Z and BMW brand Gummipflege might want to try the Wurth brand equivalent some time. I prefer it, not that there's any *huge* difference. Just seemed like the Wurth stuff dried "cleaner and drier" than the 1Z stuff (I compared them side-by-side on the WRX's door seals). I also preferred it for other reasons, but I don't remember them at present.



Whatever "Gummi-stuff" you use, clean the seals before applying or the sponge applicator will get awfully dirty. I generally apply it a cloth/swab/ect. instead of using the built-in sponge anyhow.



Another idea is Wurth's aerosol "Rubber Care". I don't spray it on for fear of overspray, but rather apply it the same way- with cloths/swabs/etc. It's another nice-when-dry product. Flashes pretty fast though, so IMO it would work best if it *were* sprayed on.
 
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