303 Protectant

I

Intercooled

New member
I just used 303 for the first time on my H2 exterior plastic trim. I recently in the past 2 weeks tried 1Z Tefenfleger and Megs Natural Shine. 1Z looked great upon application but started to fade out and after rain left water spots and lines. Same with the Megs. I also didn't like the Megs prodcut, too greesy and creamy. I have had the 303 on now for 2 days and it looks great, went on very easy and left a perfect sheen. I just hope all will look good after a rain. I have had the bottle 0f 303 for abour 6 months now but just have never used it. From what i have read on here it is very well liked and probably provides the best protection.

What are your guys experiences with this product on the exterior trim?

I think I'm going to do the interior this weekend.
 
I have a convertible and used to use 303 on the top. My complaint was that 303 has "run off" issues that create a film coating on the paint after a rain or the next washing. This run off in minimized but not eliminated by wiping down the treated sections with a fresh / clean MF a couple hours after application to remove the excess material. However, given the textured surface of a convertible, I was never able to remove all the excess. I have switched to Raggtopp and have significanlty less runoff issues.



Also, I have some trim pieces along the bottom of another vehicle and find that the 303 does not last long on these pieces expecially in rainy climates ..... but then again I really have not found a protectant that does.
 
On exterior plastic type trim, I find it hard to make it "stay" when it rains. You have to be careful with how much you use.

It took me a few attempts to find a comfortable level of application on exterior rubber. I love how it keeps my moonroof seal.
 
I figured rain and washing wasn't going to help keep it there very long, I guess I'll have to reapply every other or every wash.
 
303 is a great protectant and I love it on the interior. However, most water-based products will not have great staying power on exterior trim.



I have had great luck with the Dupont Teflon Tire Shine (water-based) and it has great staying power thru many rains. I've never tried it on anything but the tires, but you might want to give it a shot as it is only about $6 locally at Advanced Auto parts.
 
The key with 303 is to apply it, wait a while, and then remove the excess with a MF . This techniques reduces the sheen though.
 
My two favourite dressings are 303 and Mothers Protectant. Both leave a similar sheen and last about the same.



When used on exteriors I've discovered the best way to prevent streaking after getting wet is to apply with a cotton terry towel. It has more scrubbing and absorbing power on plastic and rubber (and scrubbing won't hurt the surface...it'll just clean it better). I've tried MF so many times but it didn't prevent streaking.



Apply with the cotton terry, let it cure for an hour, wipe over with the same towel. Repeat the process and don't let it get wet for about 8 hours after your treatments.



This'll give you at least two weeks with either product.
 
I also would agree that buffing 303 is the key to making it work well, but it still has a limited use in the weather. I now use 303 for interior plastics only.



For exterior rubber, vinyl, tires, etc..I use the Zaino Z16 (?) Perfect Tire Gloss. Slight shine, and excellent durability.
 
Matt M said:
I also would agree that buffing 303 is the key to making it work well, but it still has a limited use in the weather. I now use 303 for interior plastics only.



For exterior rubber, vinyl, tires, etc..I use the Zaino Z16 (?) Perfect Tire Gloss. Slight shine, and excellent durability.
Click to expand...

I have the Z-16 and love it. But never really considered it on th exterior plastic. How does it compare to 303?
 
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