Old, rubberized remote control case has become gooey. Any fix for this?

[cvanc]

So apparently this soft touch rubbery stuff they used on the cases of old remote controls does not age well.  I've got one for a ceiling fan that is just awful - real tacky and unpleasant.  Soap and water didn't help at all.

Open to any suggestions on how to make this better than it is now... or is there nothing that will improve this?  Thanks.

[Gyro]

Yes, the rubber coating is breaking down (decomposing). Somethink like Talc might help for a short while but your best option is to strip it off completely. It usually comes off with Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) without damaging the smooth plastic underneath. It will take you a while though.*


Edit: * It will get a lot stickier while you're stripping it, you need lots of fresh paper towel or whatever. 

[Pinkus]

Yes, the rubber coating is breaking down (decomposing). Somethink like Talc might help for a short while but your best option is to strip it off completely. It usually comes off with Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) without damaging the smooth plastic underneath. It will take you a while though.

+1 it is exactly like Gyro says. There is no way to rescue the surface in any way and talk is only fine for a few days but will not last for long.

[BurningTantalum]

I have had this problem with various items, including recently a pair of binoculars. I cannot remember what I used to get rid of the stickiness as I think I tried everything evil in the workshop, but it was some solvent- possibly methylated spirits- and the decomposing layer of the 'rubber' was removed. The stickiness soon returns though. It does not seem to be caused by UV as the binoculars have spent their life in a case from new.
I read on another forum a while ago that there is a rubber paint available and this can be applied in several coats with a brush to replace the original coating after it has been removed entirely.
BT

[stj]

i hate this crap,

it has failed so-far on:

external harddrive case (posted here about it)
several satellite remotes
my favourite electric screwdriver 
thumb sticks on a couple of game pads
and an alarm clock.

bastards!

[stj]

meths will discolour a lot of plastics - stick with IPA.