Hi, I am new to the forums and just received my Kindle 3. I read this thread with interest and I can see what you mean with the rubberised buttons. I have come across these type of buttons before on my old Panasonic G1 and have a solution. What I used is Vallejo Matt Varnish, it is used by hobbyists to protect paint. It is 100% safe to use on these type of buttons and will protect the surface, follow this link for further information
http://www.acrylicosvallejo.com/gb/a...el-paints.html