Disappointed,- 303 Aerospace Protectant

Avalanche said:
Just got my order of 303 and all I can say is.......Blah! 16.00 to get 16oz shipped to me and I cant find anything brag about. I dont get what the big deal is? Its seems no different than the more affordadble alternatives, and dare I say...Armour All (the"matte finish" kind) the only positive thing I can say is it's less greasy, but a wipedown after application takes care of that with the others as well. Most all other products also offer UV protection. I dont care if NASA uses it, it's too much money for ordinary results. I'd like to hear some other opinions on it. :nixweiss
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Sorry to hear it didn't work out with the 303. What exactly is it that you were looking for? For me, I like the 303 because it seems to have the lowest gloss.....but then again, I haven't tried out too many different brands. The brands I have tried include Vinylex & Pinnacle. They're excellent products, but I thought they were a bit too glossy for me. Also, the UV protection 303 boasts is higher than other brands.
 
I've never liked the price of 303, which at some locations reaches close to a buck an ounce. Meguiar's #40 by the gallon is less the .20 cents an ounce. I still use 303 on my dashes but have stuck with #40 everywhere else. #40 doesn't really leave any greasy appearances and goes on most surfaces with a "flat" look.
 
I used Vinylex and Black-magic semigloss and noticed that Black-magic attracts less dust compared to Vinylex definitely.

I apply it with a foam paint brush and never have to wipe it down after application. It works magic on my E46 dash and it never showed spots where I have applied more heavily than the other areas; no need to even out the coating across an area.

Too bad it is going to the wipe package for a lot more money.



Btw 303 8 oz. is available in my local Raley's supermarket for $6.59. Beat's your $16 shipped price for 16 oz.
 
i tried to put a thin coat. and im not going for the shiny look. i just want a clean look with good protection. so im suppose to buff it out after i apply it? like with another clean rag? i never did that, the bottle doesnt say that!



blkZ28Conv said:




Obviously you are leaving too much residual 303. Wipe down after application. If you want the " greasy kid stuff" appearance you are using the wrong product. 303 is used by many for the OEM appearance and for its UV protection. JMO :wavey
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badboyeee said:
i tried to put a thin coat. and im not going for the shiny look. i just want a clean look with good protection. so im suppose to buff it out after i apply it? like with another clean rag? i never did that, the bottle doesnt say that!
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Actually it does (sorta). "Spray on, wipe completely dry with clean, absorbent cloth." Which pretty much means buff it off.



I like my 303 - low gloss to match my dash, and does a good job of repelling dust. :up I don't know what the median price is, but at $15 Cdn a bottle it works out to about $10 US and I don't mind a bit. :)
 
Av.



I am surprised you did not like it. I have always ben quite happy with it. Lasts a long time...as in thru the entire winter without re-application. Restored my dash from a grey neglected look, back to its OEM black color...Does great in the engine bay too. When I clean that, I'll show you. ;)



As for exterior components...trim, tires, etc....I am not overly thrilled with it...so I use other products on that stuff.



DK
 
The One Grand plastic cleaner leaves a very matt finish, dont know why this product is not talked about more often. P21S and Autoglym Plastic cleaners give slightly higher levels of gloss, not greasy, but clean looking. I do not know what these cost in the USA, but are worth a look if you dont like 303



Steven
 
RedVR6,



I guess more than anything the "bang for the buck" ratio wasnt there. the product worked well but I think at that price my socks should have been knocked off. I did like it's non geasy feel and matte finish, but IMO I've seen equal results at a far more reasonable price. I think you are right in that it would be outstanding for engine compartment detailing.



Thanks to all for your replies!!
 
I have and like 303. It works great on my dash and exterior trim. It leaves a natural look after buff. It is also long lasting. Like the fact it is not as greasy as other inexpensive alternatives. It is a product that I think should be in a detailing enthusiasts shelf or trunk.



Aloha,

~Ranney
 
I may have started the 303 craze a few years ago on the old forum. It may not be the "only" matte product on the market but I do feel it's one of the best and along with it's proven UV protection I think it's a great product. I use it regularly.



Sorry it didn't work out for you.
 
The 303 is what works for me. Mostly for the very same reasons the other 303ers have mentioned...especially the UV & dust factors. As for price, it isn't cheap but neither is my interior. Besides...how often do you apply? Once most products (incuding the 303) absorb into your application area, it will require less and less. I think it's a great product and worth the price.
 
Put me in the category of "Unimpressed"



I've tried at least 10 different rubber/vinyl products, including Vinylex, Meguiar's, Wurth, 3M, Zymol and a plethora of lesser, random brands.



Interestingly, I found all of the above relatively satisfactory.



Since 303 is not readily available retail, I resisted the hype for quite a while before breaking down and ordering a bottle.



My impressions of 303:



Negatives:

Zero cleaning properties - forget about using it on anything dirty like your bumpers, vinyl convertible top, tires, etc. It just moves around the dirt and makes it form an incredibly strong bonded in grimey look.



Difficult to buff off to an even finish on some surfaces - "hard" textured vinyls in particular did not seem to respond very well to it.



Positives:

It bonds INCREDIBLY well with soft rubber. Better than any other product I've used by far. Although as a general protectant I was not impressed, I will continue to use it (until gone) on my soft rubber (like around window seals, exposed rubber, etc.) - it also bonds VERY well with anodized and powder coated surfaces. Like around windows and windshield wiper stalks. Both very common problem areas for UV damage.



So, I use it around my windows, wiper arms, and any exposed "soft" rubber.



My favorite product remains Meguiar's Formula 40. Good cleaning properties, inexpensive, easily available and pretty much works for anything rubber/plastic/vinyl.



dem

'96 Carrera4S (polar silver metallic)

'97 Miata "M" Edition (emerald green mica)
 
dem said:
Put me in the category of "Unimpressed"





Since 303 is not readily available retail, I resisted the hype for quite a while before breaking down and ordering a bottle.



My impressions of 303:



Negatives:

Zero cleaning properties - forget about using it on anything dirty like your bumpers, vinyl convertible top, tires, etc. It just moves around the dirt and makes it form an incredibly strong bonded in grimey look.



'96 Carrera4S (polar silver metallic)

'97 Miata "M" Edition (emerald green mica)
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First of all 303 is a protectant not a cleaner.:nono 303 makes a product for such jobs.

303 is normally available locally at fishing and marine shops. This is a big item for boat owners because of it non-greasy finish and the UV protection. I too would not bother with 303 if I could only purchase via mail order. :cool:
 
Avalanche, we are all intitled to our own opinions, which is exactly what makes this place great, but theres a reason your post has gotten over 1000 views, its because 303 is used and loved by many here. IMO, its the best stuff out there amung the stuff I've tried Griots, Vinylex, Mothers, Armor All, One Grand, Meguiars. So in this case Id have to kindly dissagree with you. Also, 303 does contain some MILD cleaners, basically a little more potent than water.
 
Brad,



I hear ya, like I said it worked well but my main gripe was the price/performance ratio. I personally have seen similar results from products 1/2 the price. I certianly wont be "throwing it out" and who knows, maybe it will grow on me.





Thanks to all for your replies............
 
Scottwax said:




#40 soaks in rather quickly-after a few minutes the vinyl is dry to the touch-which my customers appreciate. I also like the matte finish it leaves. At $23 a gallon from my local distributer, it's a hell of a deal, too.
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Scottwax, I'm with you. For both price and ease of use, #40 can't be beat.



I tried 303. Didn't care for the smell, and could find anything about it that was superior to #40.
 
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