Cleaning new bumper rubber?

Philippe db

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Hi guys,

Had a new rubber, bought from Wallothnesch, installed on the rear bumper of the Cs.

Already when it came out of the wrapper I noticed that it was heavily stained. Thought that these stains would disappear using some water and soap but this clearly isn't the case.

Any tips on how to remove these stains would be highly appreciated.
 

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Rubbers

There are some good commercial cleaners (son of a gun, BMW rubber cleaner etc.) if all else fails, VERY careful use of cellulose thinners is what I would use.
 
I've used a green Scotch Brite pad to get the white film off some BMW rubber. Check your local grocery store.
 
Thanks for the tips guys.

Having rubbing all afternoon, most of the time with some water and my fingers and there already is some improvement.

I'll see what I can find in terms of rubber clean product and for sure will give the peanut butter a chance. not sure though if we have the "creamy" kind in stock here.
 
I'll add to this. Use creamy peanut butter like a rubbing compound manually. Mild abrasive and the oils give the rubber a good color.

Absolutely the best way I have found to get wax off rubber after waxing / buffing...although when buffing I suggest masking the rubber.

The staining may be a mold release agent. So a more chemically aggressive approach may be required. But the peanut butter can't hurt as a first step.

Only drawback? Your dogs will want to lick the bumper....
 
I have been down a similar road. I have had good luck with Griot's products. It was suggested to use:

Griot's Rubber Prep first (apparently a good stripper)
Griot's Rubber Cleaner

I have used this on the tires and bumpers. I show my grand old man in many shows successfully so am real particular. Another key is having the rubber cool do not do this in the sun. Yeah it is harder to see.......I have used Griot's Rubber and Vinyl dressing but the tires turn white. Grrrrrrrrr. I am very conservative on any chemicals or rags. I like to be non aggressive but persistent so use an old t shirt not a towel (wash it many times and dry it without dryer sheets that coats the cloth and streaks) with all the seams cut off as it could streak the products. And use many clean ones. Good luck.
 
Steel wool fibers get everywhere and start rusting quickly, use bronze wool instead. Home Depot has it online. I never use steel wool near a car.
 
Steel wool fibers get everywhere and start rusting quickly, use bronze wool instead. Home Depot has it online. I never use steel wool near a car.

Agree with Chris but find even bronze wool too aggressive for rubber. 2000 grit wet and dry with armourall works better IMHO.

Then again there is peanut butter....
 
I use ReNu Finish
Expensive but works good according to consumer reports testing.
Wear your gloves and use it outside.
It's about $10.00 per ounce.
Use wisely
 
000 or 0000 steel wool does not shed when used with WD40 on rubber nor will it scratch. Going on 20 years using this and no rubber deterioration either from the WD40.
 
Would you let us know what worked for you? I am always interested in learning detailing tricks. Thanks!
 
I used 0000 steel wool and acetone, very lightly polishing it with it, it took off all the old crap and a layer of Forever Black that I couldn't get off before. Afterwards was dull but clean. Then Gummi Fledge'd and it looks brand new.
 
Simplest way

I HAVE BEEN REFURBISHING RUBBER AND TRIM FOR YEARS THE ABSOLUTE BEST WAY IS TH CLEAN WITH LAquer thinner first
then spray with maquires 40 ABND LET SIT OVERNITE
IT SOAKS INTO THE RUBBER AND MAKES A PERFECT FINISH
I JUST REDID THE REAR BUMBER INFILL
GET THIS FIRST CLEAN WITH LAquer thinner then
"PAINT IT " WITH RUSTOLEM FLAT LET SIT THE SAND WITH 400 GRIT SMOOTH
THE APPLY THE MAquirers
its looks brand new
i have been spraying rubber and trim for year with the flat and then maquires it realy really works try it. youll be surprised
 
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