There is only one way to that I am aware of to minimize ultraviolet damage from the the sun and that is to keep the bands covered when not in the air. throw a rag or something over the bands. A cotton rag over a banded wing and the engine on a hot day is an excellent idea anyway. Also a cotton rag over the tail if you use banded tail on a old timer. Many times I have attended events in the hot Mojave Desert Sun and cannot park the airplane in a well shaded spot I will cover the entire ship with old white cotton shirts.

I am one to use bands just once and definitely not more than twice They are so cheap and I have noted that buying at the big box stores the quality is just about the same as the hobby specific suppliers.

John

In the past I have used drug store glycerin as a lubricant. May have helped then but not with todays supply of rubber.