Restaurering af gummitætninger: Hvordan man forynger gamle eller revnede sæler?

Old, brittle, or cracked rubber seals can bring your operations to a halt. Do you have aging seals and wonder if they can still be saved?

Restoring rubber seals can extend service life, delay costly replacements, and improve sealing performance. Here’s how to do it properly and safely.

Instead of rushing into replacements, sometimes restoration is the smart move — especially for large systems, legacy machines, or rare parts. Let’s talk about when and how restoration makes sense.

Can You Restore a Rubber Seal?

Yes, under the right conditions. You can often restore flexibility, surface integrity, and sealing performance — especially for lightly aged or dried seals.

However, restoration is not always permanent. If the rubber is cracked through, chemically degraded, or heat damaged, replacement is the safer choice.

Step-by-Step Rubber Seal Restoration Process

Many of our industrial clients, especially in maintenance and repair services, ask us how to handle seals that have hardened during storage or long-term use. Here’s the safe and effective method I usually recommend:

Step 1: Inspect the Seal

• Kig efter hairline cracks, discoloration, eller surface chalking
• If the crack goes deep or the rubber is flaky, it’s time to replace

Step 2: Clean the Surface

• Use isopropyl alcohol to remove oils, dirt, or old lubricants
• Avoid harsh solvents that can attack the rubber

Step 3: Apply a Rubber Conditioner

• Use a product like silicone-based rubber seal restorer or plasticizer
• Gently rub or soak the seal for 1–2 hours

Step 4: Warm Gently (Optional)

• Use a low-temp heat gun (under 60°C) to open pores and aid absorption
• Never use an open flame or boiling water

Step 5: Re-Lubricate and Test

• After 24 hours, apply a light coating of silicone grease or oil
• Check flexibility manually before reinstalling

When Should You Replace Instead of Restore?

Restoration is a short-term fix. If your application involves:

• High temperatures (above 120°C)
• Continuous dynamic movement
• Contact with chemicals (fuels, oils, solvents)

Then go with replacement — and upgrade the material. For example, replace NBR with FKM or silicone if conditions demand.

How to Extend the Life of New Rubber Seals?

Start with the right storage and material choice.

We also cover this in our Rotary Seal Lifespan Guide.

Konklusion

Restoring rubber seals is possible — but only when damage is superficial. For long-term reliability, use the right material, handle with care, and replace when in doubt.

Opfordring til handling

Need help deciding whether to restore or replace a rubber seal? Send us photos or dimensions — we’ll advise in 12 hours or less.

• E-mail: [email protected]
• WhatsApp: +86 17622979498
  Get expert advice, fast delivery, and no MOQ on custom or standard seals.

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