Quote:
Originally Posted by Scoob
Update: Finally got hands on with the ST. The case is a weird two clips style that I don't like as there is no band that wraps around to keep it shut.The front of the ST has spots that are more tacky than others. The buttons are spared of most of the tacky feeling. It's the lower right hand corner that is tacky feeling. If anyone has any ideas how to mitigate that inconvenience I'm all ears.
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Most of the posts I've come across regarding this general rubber degeneration issue favor rubbing alcohol (90%, if you can get it, but 70% is fine).
Some people suggest a microfiber cloth but I recommend a cotton swab. The problem with the cloth (besides having to throw it away) is that you have a tendency to bear down harder. If the rubberized coating is going, it's possible the plastic beneath is getting brittle also, so you could end up cracking it if you apply too much pressure. The swab, IMO, is safer. Work on a small area, changing swabs frequently until the tacky feeling goes away and you're not picking up much residue on the swab. Then branch out.
Alternatively, you could go over the entire bezel a couple of times to get a lot of stuff off but not totally eliminate it. Then gently rub in a compound like ArmorAll (automotive care).
Periodic application of ArmorAll will help slow degradation and keep the surface smooth (make sure to rub off any excess).
Edit: I've been playing around with this since I had some free time this morning. The two devices I purchased for the development of the Phoenix project both had sticky bezels so I used them for guinea pigs.
I don't feel the rubbing alcohol is very effective. It seems like you would have to use gallons of it. Its purpose is to
remove all of the rubberized coating and leave shiny plastic behind. This may take several years of hard work, in my estimation.
I have to say that I still feel something like ArmorAll is a good "solution". Speaking as a once-chemist, I have always wondered what exactly is in the stuff and I wish I had invented it!
I used a cotton swab to repeatedly apply a coating of ArmorAll to the bezel (don't go too crazy around the "n" button and try to keep the stuff off the screen). If you have an overhead light you will see that the ArmorAll is slowly absorbed in places. Keep applying more with a swab. Pressure is not required. You are not trying to remove anything.
Once it seems like no more ArmorAll is being absorbed, buff off the reside with a clean cloth. Again, force is not required. This leaves the bezel a little shiny but greatly decreases the tactile sensation of stickiness. You can repeat this treatment whenever you like.
I've read about another car care product someone really liked for this, but can't recall the name. I'll see if I can find it.
End edit.
I can give you some info on alternative covers, if you're interested.