Body/Trim: 140: Cleaning Up Rubber Bumpers

[80sRich]

Hi folks,
In the absence of my 144 to work on, I started cleaning up the parts which I stripped off beginning with the bumpers.
Anyway the metal work cleaned up ok as did the front Rubber Bumper, got a lovely sheen on it using a rubber and vinyl care product, but I just can't seem to get anywhere near that finish on the rear bumper.
I bought myself some Halford's back to black silicone stuff which did a great job on the plastic trim and tyres on my Golf, but it just didn't do anything at all on my rear bumper.
It seemed to be drying in a really inconsistent way, so I rubbed it all back off to make sure it wasn't harming the rubber.
I am left with a very dull matt black rear bumper. Can anyone recommence anything that will shine it up?

[john h]

Originally Posted by 80sRich

Hi folks,
In the absence of my 144 to work on, I started cleaning up the parts which I stripped off beginning with the bumpers.
Anyway the metal work cleaned up ok as did the front Rubber Bumper, got a lovely sheen on it using a rubber and vinyl care product, but I just can't seem to get anywhere near that finish on the rear bumper.
I bought myself some Halford's back to black silicone stuff which did a great job on the plastic trim and tyres on my Golf, but it just didn't do anything at all on my rear bumper.
It seemed to be drying in a really inconsistent way, so I rubbed it all back off to make sure it wasn't harming the rubber.
I am left with a very dull matt black rear bumper. Can anyone recommence anything that will shine it up?

I don't really know why the treatment would work well on one bumper but not the other.

My main reason for posting is to avoid you getting hung, drawn and quartered. DO NOT go to the restroration place in the same clothes you used for this job. The silicone transfers easily through the air and has the potential to wreck paint jobs that they are prepping.

John

[Derek UK]

Rubber often needs several applications before it gives a uniform shine. It has to get the dirt and any previous polish off first. The well worn scotchbrite stuff on an old washing up sponge does a good job for the first application. Try doing that to a small section on the underside and see what happens. The Autoglym bumper shine gets good reviews for this job.

[80sRich]

Hi John, thanks for the heads up, don't worry I won't be going to the restorers for another week at least, and I will leave my overalls at home!
I shall get some more Autoglym stuff next time I am in Halfords