Rubber Coating Revival Project

[tvdreamplaza]

Since the 2000s are coming back around into pop culture, i decided now was the time to give this JVC a little attention. Sticky rubber coating was an annoyance I just had to resolve so I took to the Isopropyl Alcohol and went to work. I only had enough to almost do the left half of the box so here’s a comparison shot.
I may have a little surprise technique I will try on these surfaces later, but right now the focus is getting the plastic surface fully cleaned off.

 

[BoomboxLover48]

IPA cleanup will give the lifeless dry look to the surface. IPA is a mild solvent and will not hurt the paint finish and plastic parts, but it will give a lifeless look after cleaning. WD 40 worked good to cleanup plastic parts but make sure to stay away from any paint finish with letterings on it. Depending on what type of polymer in the coating, solvents can dissolve or swell the paint. Mineral Spirits without any aromatic content will not hurt the paint and is called 0% MS in paint shops. It can be used to remove many stains on paint without damaging the paint. In every case use the cleaning solvent at some hidden area and check for discoloration before using.

The order of cleanup is first with WD40, then IPA and finally with Pledge furniture polish for plastic surface.

I used Pledge furniture polish for the new and wet look for plastic. It is a mild polish and won't do any bad to the paint surface or other substrates.

 

[Spax]

I have a grey one that needs the same attention. Once clean I was wondering if a plasti-dip matt black spray would return the rubberised black appearance?

 

[Fatdog]

...Once clean I was wondering if a plasti-dip matt black spray would return the rubberised black appearance?

That actually sounds like a great idea to me.

 

[BoomboxLover48]

It is a plastisol coating. If it levels okay, should work well.

 

[tvdreamplaza]

How did you find out my secret plan for these? Oh well, I’ll still do it and then show you guys the results.

 

[tvdreamplaza]

Just did a plasti dip coat on one of the knobs. Here’s how it compares to the original deteriorated rubber knob.

 

[tvdreamplaza]

Here’s the half restored look

 

[Superduper]

Or you could just paint the knobs with regular paint and avoid those finishes for good.

 

[Spax]

The plastidip finish looks great, I think you've shown the way forwards with the restoration of these Kabooms

 

[tvdreamplaza]

All that’s left to do now is replace the belts

 

[Spax]

That looks funky fresh! Great job

 

[Fatdog]

Wow! Plasti-Dip worked wonders on those woofer end caps. Absolutely amazing!