Can You Use Rubber Rejuvenator on SlickShield PLUS and Dyna-SLICK Coated Rollers?
A customer recently sent us this question:
"I purchased your product and have begun using it and it is unbelievable. I do have one question which I would like to see if you can answer. We are so used to using rubber rejuvenator to clean off adhesive and I would like to know if the one we use will break down your coating? I have attached a picture of the can we use. I know you said petroleum-based cleaners are not good and this has petroleum Hydrocarbon listed not sure if that will be an issue. Please let me know your thoughts. We can use 99% alcohol; we are just so used to using this stuff it would be nice to know if it is ok or not recommended."
Good question. The answer depends on a few factors, so let's break it down.
The Short Answer
Max Pro® Rubber Rejuvenator will not damage a fully cured SlickShield PLUS or Dyna-SLICK coating, but we don't recommend using it over our coatings. It leaves a petroleum-based residue that can interfere with future coats, and its "grippy" effect works against the non-stick surface you're paying for. 99% isopropyl alcohol or Dyna-Prep (TBAC) are better choices.
What Max Pro® Rubber Rejuvenator Is Designed to Do
Max Pro® Rubber Rejuvenator is engineered to remove adhesive buildup and temporarily make uncoated rubber surfaces grippier again. It was designed for the rubber rollers in printers, copiers and postage meters, however it is (arguably) not formulated for silicone.
That grip is exactly the problem. SlickShield PLUS and Dyna-SLICK are designed to create a non-stick, high-release surface. A product built to add grip is working toward the opposite goal.
What's in It
According to its Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Max Pro is a blend of strong solvents:
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Xylene | Strong solvent; dissolves adhesive and ink |
| Acetone | Fast solvent; softens adhesive and helps the spray dry quickly |
| Isopropyl alcohol | Removes water-based and greasy residue |
| Petroleum hydrocarbons (naphtha) | Dissolves adhesive; dries slowly and leaves a light oily film |
| Propane and butane | Propellant only; evaporates right away |
What it is designed to do on Uncoated Rubber (vs. Silicone)
• Loosens and dissolves most adhesives so they can be wiped off.
• Soaks into the surface of the silicone and makes it swell slightly. Silicone absorbs these solvents more readily than the conventional rubbers the product was made for.
• Makes the surface feel softer and grippier for a while, which is the "rejuvenated" feel.
What it (arguably) doesn’t do (on Silicone)
• It does not restore silicone. The softening goes away as the solvents evaporate back out.
• It does not make the surface non-stick or protect it from the next round of adhesive.
• It does not evaporate completely right away. The heavier petroleum-based ingredients can linger for hours.
Using It Over SlickShield PLUS and Dyna-SLICK
If the coating is fully cured, its chemical resistance will not be affected by Max Pro. The real concern is residue: if the petroleum-based solvents are not completely removed, any later coats of SlickShield PLUS or Dyna-SLICK may not bond or perform properly.
TROUBLESHOOTING - Signs Your Coating Was Not Fully Cured
• A soft or slightly tacky surface
• Haze or whitening after cleaning
• Coating that rubs off on a cloth
• Adhesive sticking more than expected
If you see any of these, clean the surface with Dyna-Prep and reapply following our application instructions.
Our Recommended Process for Cleaning Coated Silicone Rubber
1. Wipe the surface with Dyna-Prep. Dyna-Prep is tert-butyl acetate (TBAC). If you already have access to TBAC, you don't need to purchase ours. Use a lint-free cloth. Wipe; do not soak. For light cleaning, 99% isopropyl alcohol also works.
2. Lift heavy buildup gently. Let the TBAC begin breaking down the adhesive, then lift it with a silicone or plastic scraper. Do not use metal or sharp tools.
3. Let it evaporate. Always allow the TBAC to fully evaporate before putting the part back into service.
4. Recoat only when needed. If release performance has dropped, reapply Dyna-SLICK, allow it to cure fully, and resume production.
Safety: Work in a well-ventilated area and wear solvent-resistant gloves when using any of these cleaners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 99% isopropyl alcohol? Yes. It is a good option for light cleaning. For heavy adhesive buildup, Dyna-Prep (TBAC) works faster.
Can I use acetone? We recommend sticking with TBAC or 99% IPA. Strong solvents like acetone can swell silicone and are harder to control.
How do I know my coating is fully cured? A cured coating feels smooth and dry, not tacky, and does not rub off on a cloth. See the signs listed above.
Learn More
For step-by-step instructions on rejuvenating SlickShield PLUS and Dyna-SLICK coated surfaces, see our application instructions. Questions? Contact our team and we'll be glad to help.
Max Pro® is a registered trademark of its manufacturer. Dyna-Tek is not affiliated with Max Pro. Ingredient information is taken from the product's published Safety Data Sheet.