Faded rubber seals

[docjames]

The rubber seals around the doors/windows have faded rapidly since new (Mar 2009). It's almost like a protectant wasnt cleaned off properly. I dont know how else to describe it.

Is there a way to rectify this? I've tried basic cleaning of course, but it still looks faded. I've been reluctant to use polish on it in case it makes it worse.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance for any assistance!

[Corey_R]

Hey mate. Definitely avoiding using paint polish on your rubber seals. It'll just make them far worse!

It's only natural for real rubber to fade and dry out. You need to "feed" and protect it to keep it fresh looking and feeling.

Since I got my Golf R six months ago, I've been using 303 Aerospace Protectant. I used to use an old Meguiars product in a red bottle on previous cars, but it seemed to only keep rubber moisturised for a few weeks or until it rained. Now I just use the 303 every other month after I've washed and dried my car.

It comes in a spray bottle, and can be used on so many things, including throughout the interior - pretty much everything which isn't cloth/carpet/glass, although I use a dedicated leather cleaner. You could also use it on your tyres, but I don't think it's a cost effective solution for that compared to some other dedicated tyre dressings.

On the door/window seals, since they're relatively thin and don't give a "wide area" condusive to spraying product on, I instead spray the 303 onto an absorbent paper towel, and then wipe the towel along the seals to spread the 303. Whilst you don't want it dripping off, you want to apply enough that it takes a few mins to soak into the rubber. Then after 5 mins just give them another wipe over with a clean paper towel to ensure any remaining product is cleaned off.

I'm very happy with it!
Whilst I've only been using it for six months, if you do a search for it on these forums, you'll find there are lots of happy campers using it - some for many years.

Hope that helps.

[brad]

Meguiars Gold Class Trim Detailer. Works a treat

[Corey_R]

Yeah, I think that's the replacement to the Meguiars Trim Detailer I used to use.

How much does the Gold Class cost, and how long does it last before you need to apply it again?

[brad]

can't remember the price - $10-$15?
On door seals - 2-6 months depending on your level of anality.

Comes up shinier than 303 Aerospace. Probably just as easy to apply. Depending on the application, one may be slightly better than the other.

[Corey_R]

Thanks brad

[carcareproducts]

For door seals you can use either 303 aerospace protectant or 1Z Einszett Gummi Pfledge which is specifically for door rubbers itself only.

[docjames]

Thanks for the answers everyone. It's more for the rubber seals on the windows / exterior trim more so than the actual door rubbers themselves which are ok. I suspect it had protectant spray put on before shipping that wasnt cleaned off properly which is why it's faded so much.

I've used meguirs before so am happy to try that first and see how I go. If not, will try one of the other two.

Thanks again.

[Corey_R]

The 1Z Einszett Gummi Pfledge is really only for the door rubbers, not the window seals, hence the 303 suggestion.

If you don't already have the Meguiars, I'd still go for the 303, as it's the best product I've found for the dash and interior trim too. Plus works good on other external trim (if you have any black plastic etc), which I'm sure the MKV GTI does

Unless the Megs has improved a LOT between their standard rubber trim and gold class rubber trim products, the 303 is better for the specific use you want it for anyway.

[docjames]

Ok, thanks Corey_R, i'll look for the 303.

Can it be bought in an actual shop, or only online?

[Corey_R]

To be honest, I don't know.
Doing a google australia search it looks as though you're just as likely to find it at a Pool & Spa or Marine supplies than you are a car supplies store. But no "brick and mortar" chain stores jumped out at me on the first two pages of results...

[Inception.dln]

You can buy 303 Aerospace at your local autobarn. I saw it last time when i was there.

[docjames]

Thanks everyone, i'll try autobarn and other stores and if no go then i'll find an online shop. Dont really want to pay $15 in shipping for a $15 bottle!

[maxrob200]

303 Protectant is excellent stuff for all your plastic bits n peices and rubber seals. Can also be used on sealed leather seats, steering wheel etc. Need to wipe off excess if used on steering wheel or it gets a bit slippery. Waproo leather restorative polish can be used to good effect on leather, keeps them supple - dont wear white trousers for awhile LOL

[MissVuks]

Ok, thanks Corey_R, i'll look for the 303.

Can it be bought in an actual shop, or only online?

Pretty sure CCP stocks it?