I have this old handheld radio

[danooxnard]

I have a 10 year old handheld radio. It works great but the plastic is breaking down and it is feeling sticky. Has anyone come up with a fix for this? I have thought of painting it but I thought I would see what every one thought might be a good fix.
Thanks, Dano

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

If the plasticizers are broken down, it can’t be a good sign for the life of the batteries. Mfg and age?

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Does it have a rubberized coating?