[Dirty Deeds]

Rule of thumb, you do not paint rubber. The fact is, rubber flexes and paint doesn't. You can get some paints that have some flex to them, however no paint will flex as much as the rubber of your butt pad. Also, paints just won't stick to rubber, you would need some kind of bonding agent.

And FYI, rubber does not absorb water. Rubber can have a porous surface, that will stay wet longer, but it doesn't absorb water as spong or material would absorb water.