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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 168
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 168 |
Bought a black rubber floor mat for the front of my 37 2 dr sedan about 3 yrs ago at Hershey and since that time it has developed a light gray surface discoloration over the whole mat. It looks like surface oxidation or mold release or something, but it seems permanent. Any suggestions on how to remove it or color it so I can get back to black?
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,774 Likes: 4
ChatMaster - 1,500
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ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,774 Likes: 4 |
Try some of that tire shine stuff. Several brands, some better than others. I think one is "basic black" They are in a spray can, try it on an old tire and see if you like it.
Last edited by Uncle Ed; 02/04/16 12:05 AM.
Ed
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
I would be willing to bet that "tire shine stuff" is what turned it gray. It turned black tires to brown years ago. That "stuff" should never beused on rubber or plastic as it pulls the oils out and dries out the material.
Do a test using brake fluid in a little corner....
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,774 Likes: 4
ChatMaster - 1,500
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ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Aug 2006
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I have never had it turn anything grey or brown. The petroleum based stuff is hard on tires I guess, but I've never had a problem with it (read what it contains, some is better than others). It is the best thing I have ever used to keep the vinyl stripes on my motorhomes shined up and never had any damage from it on them either. Just an idea but use what works for you, as I said try it on something not important first.  Brake fluid might work great too!
Last edited by Uncle Ed; 02/04/16 01:05 AM.
Ed
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 359
Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 359 |
This happened on my trunk floor mat and I was told it was because I used Armor-All on it. I've tried scrubbing the scum off with various detergents with some very minor success. Can't recall if I've ever tried brake fluid. Suppose the mat should be thoroughly cleaned after doing that. On the other hand, Armor-All seems to work great on my running board mats. Go figure - maybe it depends on the type of rubber or vinyl composition...
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472 Likes: 26
ChatMaster - 7,000
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ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472 Likes: 26 |
Try some WD-40 or a spray paint made for vinyl and rubber.
Steve D
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863
Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863 |
This happened on my trunk floor mat and I was told it was because I used Armor-All on it. I also had rubber that turned brown after using Armor-All.   
The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
Years ago when I was dumb and used it to make my black tires shiney they also truned brown.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863
Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863 |
The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 359
Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 359 |
I remember trying WD-40 and getting mixed results removing the scum - mostly no change...
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 359
Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 359 |
Brought this posting up to share my latest efforts trying to remove the scum left by Armor-All on my trunk mat. As mentioned above, I had mixed results in the past trying WD-40.
I just finished cleaning the mat with DOT-3 brake fluid - did it twice, cleaning the fluid off the mat with a scrub brush and Simple Green and then rinsing with plenty of water each time. The mat now looks almost new.
I'm very pleased with the results considering how it looked before. Would recommend wearing gloves and doing it in a well-ventilated area. Worked for me!
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 345 Likes: 1
Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 345 Likes: 1 |
Brought this posting up to share my latest efforts trying to remove the scum left by Armor-All on my trunk mat. As mentioned above, I had mixed results in the past trying WD-40.
I just finished cleaning the mat with DOT-3 brake fluid - did it twice, cleaning the fluid off the mat with a scrub brush and Simple Green and then rinsing with plenty of water each time. The mat now looks almost new. have to remember that trick
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