Gas damage on rubber

[Ian in Mississauga]

I accidentally got gasoline on my running board and didn’t notice until the next day. The rubber is now blistered or wavy. Can the damage be repaired? It’s not where it will be stepped on.
Thanks, Ian

 

[Russ/40]

You might try some mild heat, like a heat lamp just close enough to maintain a temp in the 90's or so. Usually when I have seen rubber absorb some chemical, it tends to shrink back as it dries out.

 

[pbishop]

You may get that 'white' discoloring look as well. In any event, after years the running-board covers will begin to crack without proper care and most likely need to be replaced. With that said, the idea of using a heat lamp sounds like a possible solution.