Keypad Repair for Remote Control

[AntiProtonBoy]

I have a stereo remote control whose volume keypads worn out and needs fixing. Basically the silicone membrane is no longer conductive enough to activate the remote control.

I have tried using carbon based conductive glue paint with moderate success, but it eventually the paint hardens and starts flaking off.

Got any other solutions that is long lasting and is proven to be effective?

Buying a new remote is basically out of the question.

[XOIIO]

If you were so inclined you could duplicate the keypad with proper tactile switches and replace the whole thing that way, another one may be to find some of the small membrane style ones with the metal cap, and see if you could graft that in on top of the old one using some wire wrap wire to the appropriate connections, I'm not sure if they have SMD versions of those, I'm pretty sure they do though.

[Tim F]

replace the tips by cutting them off with a scalpel and gluing (w/ epoxy) some donor tips from a set of membrane buttons which are in good condition.

[SeanB]

Epoxy fails with time and use. Use some electronics grade silicone ( the membrane is silicone anyway along with the back of the donor button) after wiping clean with a ear bud dipped in acetone ( only the actual area, not the whole thing, it will dissolve the silicone slightly) and then a thin film or drop applied using a match end.

Switches are often not usable as there is only a carbon pad anyway with no copper traces. If you are lucky there will be copper pads by the switch position for the thin switch, but you really have to be lucky.

[AntiProtonBoy]

Interesting tips so far, but I'd rather opt for a method  that is as little destructive as possible.

I've tried other things like super-gluing metal foil onto the silicone membrane, but that didn't last long either.  It seems like adhesion is the biggest issue. It's a bitch to glue/paint anything onto silicone.

Are you sure the pad is not just dirty?

Quite sure. Everything was washed with detergent+water, etc. I measured the resistance of the pad. It was in the mega ohm range; quite high compared to other pads, which were in the kilo ohm range.

[AKM]

Try aluminium foil tape, or just glue aluminium foil to the rubber membranes.