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On another forum I subscribe to, the subject of finding a reasonably effective solution to a chaulking problem is being discussed. On many boats, there is a "rub rail" around the topsides perimeter which functions as a bumper. It's made of white rubber (in this case) and when it's first installed it looks nice and shiny. Over time, maybe 3-4 months, it becomes dull and "chaulky", so much so that it, the chaulk, runs down the side of the boat. No amount of wax or silicone works for very long to protect or prevent the problem. It appears that the rubber is affected by the UV in sunlight. I thought of Frog-Juice as a possible cure...even if a temporary one. Is this a good idea? Any others? howard
-------------------- Howard Keiper Independent Contractor Benicia, Ca. thekeip@comcast.net
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Howard unless that boat is outta the water for 30days or longer,the frog juice isnt gonna help...paint chalks like that when the binder gives up the goat and it does happen on rubber more frequently than other stuff for alotta technical reasons. The frog juice isnt gonna get hard/cure for at least 30 days and is gonna give you a nice soft abradable/water damageable surface...even after its full cured its still not gonna stand up strength wise to taking a pounding......best bet would prob be to clean it with a non contaminating type cleaner like Rapid Prep,(don not use any of the crap in a can they call wax& grease remover/prep sol etc) and run a 2" strip of masking tape over and under the rubber strip,get some white universal screen ink,like the nazdar 9700 series(sure someone will correct me if the number is wrong) and either spray the strip with a preval sprayer or sponge wipe it. That wil keep it white for awhile...i believe they have a UV additive or topcoat for it i just can't remember...prob wont 100% cure the chalking prob though if the rubber has started to degenerate in the sun. Might also think about the $$$ & time involved and just buy another strip?
-------------------- Gavin Chachere Plotter in the garage,New Orleans La.
"Sgts Shugart and Gordon again request permission to rope down to crash site two" Posts: 1223 | From: new orleans.la. | Registered: Mar 2000
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Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6817 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I have to agree with Rick here,..if it is rubber treat it like a white wall on a tire,...Armoral or an equivilent tire treatment to keep the rubber pliable,....from your description sounds like the rubber is failing due to exposure to uv and the water.
-------------------- fly low...timi/NC is, Tim Barrow Barrow Art Signs Winston-Salem,NC Posts: 2224 | From: Winston-Salem,NC,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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The rubrail filler rubber strip is made to be a sacrifical item. Of course they don't mind charging like it will last a lifetime. Your only choices are Armorall, liquid silicone, or something like that. I got a tip from the appliance repairman on keeping the rubber magnate strip flexible and resistant to drying. He used a mixture of vasilene and liquid silicone and rubbed it on the strip.
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Please, please, please, do NOT use Armorall... on ANYTHING. We have been in the upholstery business for 18 years and Armorall will destroy vinyl quicker than anything. We have seen it happen again and again. Use Son of A Gun instead. Also, some people have used baby oil etc on their car dash, this is equivalent to cooking oil in the sun and will cook the vinyl. Son of a Gun seems to work the best for us and we haven't had to replace any vinyl tops, recover dash boards, etc.
Just my experience.
-------------------- Vicki Powell Here's Your Sign 16048 Hwy 96 Ordway, CO 81063 VickiPowell@centurytel.net www.heresyoursign.biz Posts: 43 | From: Ordway, CO | Registered: Apr 2003
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