Sticky rubbers, how do you solve this problem?

[mrk]

After many years, rubber coatings on electronics tend to go sticky or lose their supple smoothness to the touch. I have looked around and tried a few DIY methods but cannot see a fix for this. So I am running to GD, how do I restore the smoothness or at least remove the sticky friction that becomes of rubbery coatings on devices like a remote control over time?

Example device:

Thanks!

 

[mrk]

Will acetone completely remote the rubber coating? This particular remote cannot be taken apart as it's sealed so don't want to risk damaging anything inside.

What solvents have you tried? Immediate thought is something like IPA should do the trick.

I have a small bottle of 99.99% pure IPA which I've used to clean CPUs and other stuff over the years but that stuff doesn't do squat to this kind of rubber it seems!

Just LOL if you don't paint your electronic devices using fence-grade staining compounds for a deep, rich, but more importantly, lasting finish.

Noobs.

Hammerite SMOOTH??

 

[mrk]

I might try the IPA again but this time with a more course cloth as I used a soft MF before which may have been too soft! Failing that will try the other options too thanks!

and in some instances the plasticisers leeching from within the moulded part, irreparably break down the paint causing the stickyness.

It seems to be exactly this. The finish is on the remote pictured and the amp it controls has the same finish on both side panels. One side of the amp gets hotter than the other when in use so as you can imagine, one side is more sticky than the other. The amp I can deal with I guess, I can take it apart and paint the 2 panels matte black and then a layer for clearcoat to give it a professional finish. The remote however I'm at a loss if nothing works lol. It's a shame as NAD only used this finish on this series of amps and it's not exactly a cheap amp either. It has 5 years warranty which actually expired back in Feb. Maybe I will contact them anyway on the chance that they see light of the issue and replace it...

 

[mrk]

Alright I will try some of these new ideas and see what happens! Need to get some bicarb soda though as don't have that. Mission for the weekend I guess

 

[mrk]

Hold the thoughts guys.... I updated the amp's firmware today as it was on an old one and now the rmeote won't work and there's a strong chance there's no way to install an older one so I may actually be royally stuffed :/

 

[mrk]

Don't be silly that would be ridiculous

I phoned up Sevenoaks who seem to be super friendly chaps. Gotta get down there soon to show them the issues and hopefully get a replacement