Fixing up worn window rubber surrounds

[Bizmark]

My VR has the common issue of the window rubbers fading and even developing a rough texture.

Searching up older threads tends to point toward sanding the rough parts smooth, and then painting over them. Is sanding the only way to get the rubber smooth again? And what grade(s) paper should I be using?

Once it's all smooth, is painting the only way to get it looking decent again, or are there car care products that will also give a long term solution?

[SWE11L]

I did what that thread said, sanding then painting. Now, about 5 years later its the same again, it looked good when I did it but it doesn't last...

[*uwishn*]

just park your car out the front of my place, some one will smash your windows and steal your gear,then you can replace them with new glass and seals lol.

[Krilnik]

Don't bother painting the rubbers, it comes out crap. You'll have to live with it.

[HSV5L]

i wouldent bother....

[writeoff]

I use rubber protectant wipes from autobarn, they won't help with the rough ness but they will make them dark again. They come premoistened and everything.

[VrWagz1]

As above, the only true way to fix them is a flat out replacement. In the scheme of things, it just aint worth it unless your doing the car up for a special reason. I never heard of sanding the rubbers, but if fthat works then all good. I would just hit the rubber with a wax or tyre black or somthing to shine it up a bit then keep up the maintenance on it.

[SWE11L]

Use wet and dry paper if you go with sanding, I don't know grits but I used a relativly rough one first then a very fine one, black spray paint and some clear, but like I said it wont last and I wouldn't ever bother doing it again as much as it shits me to look at it.

[Bizmark]

Might give the wipes a go, just want to have the rubbers have the one tone instead of part gloss black/part faded to grey.

[Haydz]

dude 5 years is a long enough time for it to last. if you have to do it once every 5 years its not that big a deal