Back to black window rubbers

[ihadablackdog]

Hi,

I used gummy pledge (spelling?) on the rubber seals but it didn't do much for the hard rubber trims, for example the rubber at the bottom of the windows.

What can I use to clean those and restore the black? I've got some AG Vinyl and rubber care that I found tonight. Haven't tried it, but does anyone know if it might work, or have recommendations?

I really want to clean the harder rubber trims and bring them back to black...is there still a product called back to black?

[Mr Tidy]

I used gummi pfledge (possibly spelt that way, who knows) on the rubber trims around the windows to stop them sticking, and it seems effective for that but I'm not sure it is intended to restore colour.

The black plastic panels where the door mirrors mount had gone pretty grey on my car, but I treated them with gtechnik which has improved them no end. But I'm not sure it's meant for use on rubber - link here anyway:- https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1

I think Back to Black still exists but I wouldn't use it! Most black parts are next to painted parts, and if you get it on paint it's a PITA to remove!

But I'm not too into detailing as my Z4 has to live outdoors - hopefully some more dedicated detailers will be along to help.

[Angelus666]

Use two coats of the gtechniq and you’ll be set. Make sure it’s properly clean before application though with some iso alcohol.

[ihadablackdog]

Thanks. Going to give the car a good clean this weekend so will keep the rubbers as a separate job when I can get the product.

[Swiftly]

I've always used Swissvax Seal Feed, expensive but you only need a very small amount, it keeps the rubbers looking and feeling like new

[BeeEmm]

Another one for Swissvax Seal Feed. It returns hard rubber to soft and pliable which eliminates cracking. The SwissVax bottle is expensive but will last for years. Gtechniq C4 is great for plastic and does return parts to black, but SwissVax is the best I have used for rubber.

[Lazza]

At the weekend I tried using some tyre-shine I have lying around (Meguires Hot Tyre) on my window rubbers and windscreen surround. Seems to have worked well, making it all a lot blacker and hiding a lot of the patchy-ness. I don’t suppose it will last a long time but it does look good.
1st is the worst part and 2nd is the best. Both are after pics, I didn’t take before pics but they were very grey & patchy.

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[Silva1]

For a cheaper alternative the swissvax seal feed, is Gtechniq T1 which is an oil based tyre and trim dressing, ideal for the window rubbers as most water based chemicals will just be absorbed and it will look like you hadn't even applied any product
Provides a nice long lasting finish

[ihadablackdog]

That Swissvax Seal Feed is over £50! How long does an application last?

[BeeEmm]

That Swissvax Seal Feed is over £50! How long does an application last?

I apply it every 12 months on my car, but the seals never deteriorate. I use it on my other car and my wife's 19 year old Ford Focus. No deterioration. I have had it for four years so far. There is no doubt that it is expensive but it's extremely effective at giving 'life' back to rubber. Use it on all rubber seals, under the bonnet, in the boot, anywhere there is rubber.

[ihadablackdog]

So it replaces gummy bear for the door seals etc, but what about the harder rubber along the windows like the picture above? Brings them back to life? i.e. would it make those look good?

[BeeEmm]

Yes, It nourishes all rubber. I don't use anything else on rubber.
Gtechniq C4 on black plastic though.