303 Protectant

[crlohn]

I was at my local auto parts store picking up a bottle of M40 When the checkout guy asked me if I had ever tried this before (303). He said he detailed cars and uses it on all interior & exterior trim. He said M40 is a great product & would recomend either one. I bought both just in case the 303 didn't work out. What I found: Does a great job on the exterior trim of my jeep. Cleans right away & leaves a satin type finish. You can get it on painted surfaces & it wipes right off. After application when trim gets dirty from the tires kicking up water, slush etc. I can take a dry towel and debris wipes right off. I was impressed. In conclusion, I never heard of this stuff but I think it does a good job. Still keep M40 in my arsenal. Has any one else out there tried this & what do you think?

[Shiny Silver Hood]

Re: 303 Protectant

Yup.... I have used 303 exclusively, not that I don't have faith in M40. I like the finish that 303 provides. Unfortunately up here in Canada, the major auto parts store that carries 303
has recently discontinued it.

[imacarnut]

Re: 303 Protectant

Years ago, I bought a bottle of 303 because of the hype on the internet forums, so I had to try it out for myself. I tried it a few times and either traded or gave it away (can't remember). M40 was the better and more useful product IME.

[jfelbab]

Re: 303 Protectant

I found that 303 would not last on my exterior trim. It claims to offer great UV protection but rain and washing seemed to make it short lived. I use UQW on my exterior trim these days and it seems to look great and last a long time.

[Poki]

Re: 303 Protectant

303 is often used in the RV world to treat rubber roofs. I have used it on tires and vinyl graphics. I never really got hooked on it because it runs/streaks when it gets wet and always seemed to leave an oily finish even after wiping off the thin application. However, it does have a huge following......

[Stangfan]

Re: 303 Protectant

I've been using 303 for years. It doesn't replace #40 by any means. I use both for different reasons. I have a Mustang convertible with a white top. After washing the car, I will treat the top with 303, wiping off the excess after an hour or so. 303 keeps the top supple, so that it doesn't crease as badly when I put it down. It also keeps dirt from adhering to the top.

This is a garage kept, occasional driver, so the fact that 303 tends to wash off is not an issue. I also use it on the tires for a natural shine.

[TOGWT]

Re: 303 Protectant

UVR protection is a sacrificial / renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer being degraded by exposure to the elements (sun, sand, road or sea salt, and etc) it is also water miscible, so it is imperative that you renew it and needs to be re-applied on a regular basis (dependent upon location climatic condition)
There is no such thing as a permanent UV stabilizer, it a matter of physics, not chemistry. Polymers (acrylics, etc) resist UV degradation very well due to their structure, they are somewhat immune and absorb very little ultra violet radiation, and hence UV energy does not damage them

Application- use 303™ Aerospace Protectant on a clean surface (there are no cleaning agents in this product) spray product onto a cloth and the surface to be protected should be wet, not just damp. Use a clean, dry cloth and agitate to ensure the protected surface is dry (this product does not air-dry) After application allow 60 minutes for product to cure, then using a 100% cotton cloth to lightly buff surface

Streaking (No, not the kind you see at Brit Rugby matches) ensure that you are not using too much product; a thin layer is all that's required. Be sure also that both your surface and the applicator is clean and has not become saturated. In general, a quick wipe down with a microfiber towel should remove the excess and eliminate it

[Michael Stoops]

Re: 303 Protectant

303 is an excellent water based dressing, very popular among car care enthusiasts. Not sure if it cleans quite as well as M40, but that may not be an issue for some. Of course, since it's water based (as is M40) it will have the same benefits and potential drawbacks as any other water based formulation.

Upsides to (most) water based dressings: fast drying, non greasy, non slick finish, matte sheen

Downsides to (most) water based dressings: short lifespan when exposed to elements, potential for streaking in rain

[flakybear]

Re: 303 Protectant

Mike
Is UP something totally different or is that to water based, because I have that and so far have not seen it run or streak. Sorry if it's a poor question but I'm new to this excited about learning.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: 303 Protectant

Mike
Is UP something totally different or is that to water based, because I have that and so far have not seen it run or streak. Sorry if it's a poor question but I'm new to this excited about learning.

Well, it is water based but it also makes use of some pretty advanced polymer technology. These polymers cause it to act sort of like a wax in the way it bonds to the surface, which explains why you are NOT seeing it run or streak - it isn't supposed to!!!!

[Poki]

Re: 303 Protectant

There is no question that 303 is a good product and has a vast following. I sell a LOT of it in my store for RV uses. But, for me personally, I find it too labor intensive for a product that wil streak and not have a long life compared to other products that last longer are easier to use and cost much less. 303 typically sells for $65 a gallon. Ultimate Protectant applies easier and I have not found it necessary to wipe off residue because it drys almost right away. I used 303 on the vinyl graphics on my motorhome and even after wiping off the application....the next day I could swipe it and see an oily residue. This does not happen with UP. OK, I may not have applied with enough rubbing in, let it set for enough hours and wiped it off thouroughly after....but I don't have that much time to invest. I don't intend to start a war here but just relating my personal experience over quite a few years and my personal preference to less work for better results.