Any time you need a little extra security without going overboard, protective rubber strips are the way to go. Made from long, adhesive-backed elastomer sheets, protective rubber strips can be quickly and easily installed on car bumpers, residential doorways, and industrial machine parts to act as shield from physical damage. Adhesive rubber strips are extremely versatile and can be used in almost any application that requires protective padding in concise areas. However, there are several different types of rubber pads and strips to choose from, all made from different types of elastomer. Since protective rubber strips can be used in such a wide range of applications, it is only natural that different applications will have different needs. As a result, adhesive rubber strips can be made of nearly any type of rubber, and each has its own set of qualities to bring to the table.

In general, protective rubber strips will all provide excellent resistance to impacts and abrasions, regardless of the type of rubber they are made of. However, if this is the only kind of physical resistance you are after, then elastic rubber strips made from recycled or reclaimed materials are ideal. This type of rubber is heavy-duty and is the top choice for rubber bumper guards on cars and padding for industrial machinery because it has a competitive level of physical resistance.

Recycled rubber pads and strips are usually made from discarded vehicle tires. Tires are the rubber product most often recycled because they are abundant as well as extremely durable. When protective rubber strips are made from recycled or reclaimed materials, the process gently helps the environment by removing non-biodegradable waste from landfills. This process also creates a product that is as affordable as it is durable. Since tires have to handle all kinds of terrain and weather, they are made from a special blend of synthetic rubbers that allows them to withstand intense abrasions, impacts, moisture, UV rays, and the damaging effects of ozone. These competitive strengths are passed down to the recycled or reclaimed rubber products, such as rubber bumper guards and protective rubber strips. Recycled rubber is the perfect material for heavy-duty protective applications because it absorbs harmful movements and lessens their impacts against sub-surfaces. Protective rubber strips made from recycled or reclaimed rubber will lessen the force of impacts and prevent abrasions from reaching the sensitive surface below. Such types of protective rubber strips are great for general purpose applications as well as commercial and industrial jobs.

Though recycled and reclaimed elastic rubber strips are durable and waterproof, substances stronger than mild soap and water will likely degrade the material and cause it to wear down extremely fast. This is because the recycled materials in recycled rubber pads contain a high amount of Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) and EPDM rubbers. Though recycled rubber is famed for its intense strength and outdoor resistances, protective rubber strips and pads that are made from such materials will not hold up against oils, greases, or strong chemicals.

If your application may be exposed to chemicals, then neoprene adhesive rubber strips would be a good match, and nitrile rubber pads are the top choice for grease and oil-prone applications. Tough synthetic elastomers like neoprene and nitrile are great for making protective rubber strips because they offer an industrial level of physical durability in addition to their unique chemical and oil resistances. Though they may not be quite as physically strong as recycled rubber products, protective rubber strips made from neoprene and nitrile will hold up much longer in the face of chemicals, oils, and greases. These qualities make neoprene and nitrile rubber pads a favorite in the automotive, medical, and food service industries. These types of protective rubber strips feature smooth non-permeable surfaces, and any chemicals or grease can be easily cleaned off. This makes them incredibly easy to maintain, so you can really put your protective rubber strips and pads to work without sacrificing their sleek, professional aesthetic.

Not only are there many materials to choose from, but protective rubber strips can also be purchased in your choice of size and thickness. The thicker your rubber pads or strips are, the stronger and longer-lasting their protective capabilities will be. Some people prefer the Do-It-Yourself method in which they buy large sheets of rubber and cut down the elastic rubber strips themselves. If that project sounds overwhelming, no need to worry. Protective rubber strips can usually be purchased in pre-cut sizes, and many of them even come with convenient adhesive backings for a fast and easy DIY application! The backing is peeled off easily, and pressure activates the adhesive for strong and secure installations. If you need an unusual size dimension, most companies will even go the extra mile and provide you with custom-cut elastic rubber strips of any material.

Adhesive rubber strips can be installed anywhere a little extra protection is needed, but they are commonly used as rubber bumper guards, on car doors, and on industrial machinery. Rubber strips are the perfect addition to protect small sections of sensitive surfaces or machinery, and work best in spots that experience frequent impacts or abrasions. No matter the application or what its specific needs are, there is always a simple rubber solution that can provide the protection and security you seek.