I've noticed a couple of spots on some of the rubber window surrounds on my Integra that looks like a sander may have hit it at some point in the past. As such the normally semi-flat black rubber finish is marred. Is there any possible way to smooth out the spot and bring back that smooth, semi-flat finish?

Since it's rubber (not plastic) I don't think trim paint would be desirable, or would even work, for this type of material.

 

I don't believe there is a way to restore rubber trim. I have heard of someone using plastidip? Best way is to just buy new ones.

 

Crap, this is the rubber edge around the rear hatch glass on my Integra. Don't think that would be very easy to replace.

 

No personal experience, but you might want to try:
http://www.mothers.com/02_products/06108.html

 

That's a liquid product that can restore faded plastic and rubber trim, but it wouldn't do anything for scuffed trim.

 

i would like to know as well. mine are moldy looking and would like to restore them to new. i was told to wetsand them down and hit them rubbing compund then finish with mothers back to black

 

Are you talking about rubber or plastic trim? I don't know if wetsanding rubber trim would work or not.

 

the rubber trim around the rear windows

 

It will wetsand. I've done it to some side moldings which are prolly just a little harder. Kinda aggravating to do, the paper wants to dig in to the rubber. I use soapy water for a little lube. Use a light touch.
The old rubber flows off and then use the finer stuff to get an even finish on the whole piece. Better be careful around that glass with the sandpaper or your gonna have a much tougher problem, lol. Mask it well

 

http://www.team-integra.net/sections...?ArticleID=541

ta da. I think this si what your looking for.

 

That's great for restoring faded stuff, but wouldn't do anything for rubber trim that had been scuffed by a sander. I may have to try to wet sand it a bit and then some sort of compound, and finish it off with some rubber protectant.

 

there also this stuff called plastidip i have heard ppl using on their moldings but nvr seen any finished results

 

Wont work in his situation. On undamaged molding it can...

 

i've tried to fix problems like this for people and i've never had luck with fixing textured / window mouldings or body mouldings.

 

try using epoxy, sanding it smooth and painting over it.. you would want some type of rubber paint or dye

 

Well the problem for me is that my window trim mouldings all have a very smooth semi-gloss finish from the factory, with just a little bit of give in the rubber (not real hard like plastic).

Epoxy finishes rock hard, but the mouldings are just a bit flexible, like you can stick your fingernail in it and see the little dimple until it heals itself. Not sure if that would turn out very well.

 

Trust me ...buy new ones

 

eh can't really spend that kind of money. Plus the quarter glass rubber trim isn't available separately from the glass itself. The rear hatch glass rubber trim is about $150.

Guess I'll just leave it as-is.

 

Maybe you can find replacement trim pieces off an Integra being parted out or at a local junkyard?

 

If it's the rear hatch glass, I'm going to assume that it is similar to 92-00 civics (which I'm familiar with) in such that, in order to replace the rear rubber trim, the glass needs to be pulled out (if I'm thinking of it being bonded to the hatch itself). The glass needs to come out because the rubber trim has a little lip that wraps around the glass itself before being bonded in.

If you're talking about the quarter glass, the entire glass needs to be replaced (as per a coupe model civic). Last I checked for my car ('95), the glass is in the neighborhood of $78 - $85 my cost (per side), and need to be professionally removed/installed.

If it's the door strip, they're reasonably priced (~$45 per side) and are a DIY task.


For my current car, I did not go the full respray route this time, so what I've found that works pretty fair at hiding blemishes is using the Mothers Back to Black (or whatever it's called). Clean the rubber thoroughly and apply/reapply generously probably 4-5 times on a warmer day and allow it to soak in before you wipe it clean. After several applications, you'll be surprised at how much newer it can look (and I'm a really picky guy).

Good luck

 

SoCal EJ1 - But the OP has scuff marks on the rubber and is looking for something that will fill in those imperfections and restore the trim. Not just restoring the color of the trim back to a newer looking black.

 

Just some results for Plastidip... it dimples too, like you previously mentioned OP.

http://www.tsxclub.com/forums/1st-ge...rome-trim.html