Restoring rubber trim parts

[Mike80911]

Does anyone have any tips or tricks they could share to restore the shine to aged rubber trim pieces like the tail or impact bumpers? Besides the usual things that only temporarily ad shine to it is there any other ideas?
Thanks

[David Inc.]

I applied car guys plastic restorer to my exterior rubber last year and it still looks pretty good.

[Dpmulvan]

[ChrisHamilton]

Originally Posted by Dpmulvan

I'm assuming you've used this on rubber trim? I've heard of this stuff before but in the context of industrial maintenance. Does it restore (or as close to) the original look of the rubber?

Thanks

[Koizumi]

For rubber trim, Gummi Pflege. It does “un-goo” gooey deteriorating natural rubber. It’s useful with weather seals etc.

Actual rubber that has a cosmetic aesthetic function, like the accordions or even the silly US bumper blocks… I still haven’t found an excellent solution. Armor All Outlast Plastic & Trim Restorer lasts about 6 months. Makes outside rubber trim like new but again lasts only 6 months or so.

[john walker's workshop]

Glycerine. Back to Black (glycerine basically).

[DetailDivision]

Use a panel prep to clean out the baked in dirt and junk... it's amazing what that step can do without drying out those pieces. THEN, put on a ceramic coating

New cars its cool, some people will be against a ceramic on any finish on an older car... but i've got an 87' Carrera that I've pretty much transformed A LOT of the interior surfaces without needing to replace them with the right detailing products

I'm in that business, you can google my user name, but not really trying to spam this forum with 'my brand'... but from EXPERIENCE, good products and process can save you so much money in doing 'aesthetic replacements'

[jrwilson]

I've tried a bunch of different trim renewer products but the only one I've found to last at all was the Cerakote Trim Coat. It's small wipes and they really do a good job of bringing the black colour back.

[almostordinary]

Originally Posted by jrwilson

I've tried a bunch of different trim renewer products but the only one I've found to last at all was the Cerakote Trim Coat. It's small wipes and they really do a good job of bringing the black colour back.

Exactly what I came to post. This stuff is great! Wear gloves and a respirator and let it dry before you come back to the car... this stuff is toxic, but my go to!

https://www.amazon.com/CERAKOTE-Ceramic-Trim-Coat-Kit/dp/B07SHJVK4G/ref=sr_1_4?crid=6XCNV0WOMQJP&keywords=cerakote+trim&qid=1698090809&s=automotive&sprefix=cerakote+trim%2Cautomotive%2C388&sr=1-4

[silverlock]

Originally Posted by jrwilson

I've tried a bunch of different trim renewer products but the only one I've found to last at all was the Cerakote Trim Coat. It's small wipes and they really do a good job of bringing the black colour back.

Cerakote is good on hard plastics & rubber I would not use it on weatherstrips, FWIW.

[Koizumi]

Would the cerakote stuff work on the big rear rubber bumpers?

[Mike80911]

When I look up cerakote it states to use it on plastic trim. Is it also good for rubber?

[silverlock]

Originally Posted by Mike80911

When I look up cerakote it states to use it on plastic trim. Is it also good for rubber?

They specifically state to not use it on weatherstrips & flexible rubber.

I have used it on the bumperettes (very hard rubber/plastic) on my 993 to great effect.

[almostordinary]

Yes I would only use on hard rubber... I did my front bumper moulding and my rear bumperettes.

[Koizumi]

Originally Posted by almostordinary

Yes I would only use on hard rubber... I did my front bumper moulding and my rear bumperettes.

On a G-Body car? If so, I’ll buy it.

[dtwa]

Lithium Trim Serum


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ammonman]

Dow Corning 111 silicone lubricant/non-hardening silicone sealant. Park the car in the sun and apply a liberal coat with fingers or rag to the desired items. Allow to soak in overnight. Wipe off any excess and lightly hand buff. Works miracles on flag mirror surrounds, weatherstripping, bumper moldings, etc. Is also a great assembly lube for O-rings and other rubber seals/gaskets.

[47silver]

Glycerine works cvs has it.

[jrwilson]

Originally Posted by Koizumi

Would the cerakote stuff work on the big rear rubber bumpers?

Works great.

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

NextZett, the same German company that makes the famous Gummi Pfledge for rubber seals and trim, also makes a spray-on or wipe-on product named Aktiv Autobalsam for black plastic and rubber trim. I’ve used this product on all my cars and motorcycles for over 20 years with zero disappointments, hundreds of compliments, and a few trophies too.

Unlike some other products it does not contain any dyes and is not greasy or glossy. It maintains new plastic trim and will bring old trim back from the dead with repeated applications. Leaves a very natural satin-matte finish and does not easily rinse or wear off. Also does not seem to attract dust or become sticky. Highly recommended.

https://nextzettusa.com/vinyl-rubber-extra-16-9-oz/