Need help - how to stop rubber from staining?

[deeaa]

So,

I have a couple of '58 model Flying-V's and as you probably know, the original design comes with a rubber strip on the lower horn, which makes it comfortably snug and tight to play. When you place the V over your right leg when sitting, it grips on the left thigh nicely.

Can't remove it as it is embedded deeply in the body.

BUT the rubber stains my jeans rather nastily! Took me months to realize the black stains appearing on my left thigh are caused by this. And then I thought it's just my Coxx that does it, as it has a rubber that's looking pretty worn, and ordered a new rubber for it...but it's the Epiphone as well. Likely the replacement rubber won't help then either.

So does anyone know of some product that could be used to impregnate rubber or treat it so it won't leave black marks on clothes?

I realize you usually need rubbers to stop getting impregnated but this is a serious question

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[Partscaster]

Tung Oil?
Not just to be funny, but I've used it on wood and it hardens, yet is transparent. Maybe Tru Oil, too.
Would need to test on other rubber surface.

[deeaa]

Hm. I have some tru-oil here...didn't think of any lacquer type stuff, because that'd make it slippery and sort of defeat the purpose...but it'd still be better than always smudged jeans for sure. I think I'll try that if i can't find other ways. Thanks.

[peskypesky]

black jeans

[fatjack]

Strip of surgical tape over the rubber? It should have enough texture to be a bit grippy on pants and if cut to fit rubber no residue on guitar finish.

[deeaa]

I applied some gritty tape over it, this probably works fine and isn't much of an eyesore...I guess rubber paint is also an option.

Looks gray in the photo but it's just the flash.

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