wheels a turnin

On the one mouse I bought, the mouse wheel is rubber in the center, but smooth chrome/plastic on the edges. It has enough resistance (even though it isn't difficult to turn) that if I only lightly brush my finger across the edge of it as I am wont to do, my finger slides over the smooth surface, and it doesn't turn. I have to apply more pressure than I'd like. On some mice, I've been able to reduce the mouse wheel resistance (as well as reducing the ratcheting noise) by tinkering with the parts inside. But this one's design is different and doesn't allow for that.

My next thought was to paint a layer of something rubbery on the chrome edges of the wheel. It would need to be a very thin layer. But of what? The best thing I thought of so far is silicone sealant. Does anyone have any other ideas?

I also thought of swapping in the mouse wheel from my old mouse, but it doesn't fit.

The buttons on both of the new mice are really nice and quiet; light thumpy noises instead of clicks.