black rubber problem

Barrell · October 2014

My maritme skiff pilot house has black rubber gaskets around the three glass windows. Its ten years old now and every time I try to clean the windows, wash the boat or wax it if I touch the rubber even lightly I spread a black stain all over the white fiberglass and then need to compound the stain away. Then of course, when I compound it I touch the rubber and spread the stains even more. Is their any way to treat the rubber so it stops this?

Fish Haid · October 2014

Paint it?

Reel Mullarkey · October 2014

Try conditioning the rubber, it sounds like it is breaking down and starting to stain. Armor All might help but it could be time to change the gaskets out. They sell a black streak remover at Wally World in the RV section. It should get the stains off without having to compound it out. Good luck, hope it works for you.

FWCSnook · October 2014

New window seals. Then paint the new ones. The rubber has dried out and broken down from the sunlight.

MACD · November 2014

If the gaskets are not deteriorated to the point of leaking......use some Acetone and a terry cloth towel
to remove the deteriorated/oxidized surface. You have to get down to fresh rubber get a good factory look.

After that resurfacing, use your favorite rubber sealant and protectant

You won't get the mess with your polishing pad if the rubber gaskets are healthy.

black rubber problem

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