Applying 303 Aerospace Protectant

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Eric1285

New member
Hi everyone! I'm a beginner-intermediate detailer and I recently picked up some 303 Aerospace Protectant. I bought it to use on the exterior/interior trim and tires of my 2009 GTI. I have a few questions about the application process that I'm hoping some of you can answer:



1) When applying 303 is it best to spray the trim and cover it completely before buffing off, or is it better to spray onto a microfiber towel and then use that to apply it? I'm worried about what might happen if I get too much on the paint or stereo/buttons on the interior.



2) Should I use it on the leather? I also bought some Sonus leather cleaner and conditioner which I plan on using.



3) When using 303 on my tires, I've read that it's best to let it soak for a while to achieve a better shine. How long should this be done for, and will it harm the wheels if I get some on while spraying?



Thanks for the help!
 
when applying 303 I ALWAYS spray it onto the microfiber and THEN wipe. This will ensure that it is spread evenly. I have found that if you spray it onto the surface and then wipe you will see little spots of the 303.



If any 303 gets on your rims while applying it to your tire just wipe it away. keep a clean towel in hand and just wipe the rims dry if any over spray occurs.



Since you have the Sonus you might as well use that to clean and condition the leather seats. Now I don't know if the Sonus give the seats any protection from the sun or not. Maybe do a light coat of 303 on the seats. I have never worked with Sonus, so if anyone has and knows the effects of coating it with 303, please chime in!
 
303 can be used on leather, but I'd suggest you use it when you're not cleaning and conditioning with Sonus. Use it weekly, or whenever you're doing an interior detail.



Like the previous poster, I spray on the applicator and not on the surface. Too easy to get overspray all over everything if you spray directly on the surface. I like to use microfiber covered sponges, the square ones for this. Easier to hold on to.



Spray on your applicator and apply to tires. If you want shiny, don't buff.
 
Excellent, thank you guys! I was trying to do my interior yesterday and made a bit of a mess when I tried spraying the 303 right onto the dash. I also tried spraying onto a microfiber towel, but somehow that just seemed to suck up all the 303.



If I use a microfiber applicator or towel to apply the 303, do I still need to buff it afterward or is it a thin enough layer that it will evaporate without leaving streaks?
 
For exterior panels I like using the cheapo foam brushes from Home Depot that most use for staining wood. I let it soak/dry and then buff off.
 
I use a very very light amount on my leather seats after cleaning and conditioning. I use a fresh clean MF to apply, not the same one just used for the cleaner/conditioner. Mostly to help resist staining and marks for setting things on the light colored (two toned) part of the seats.



Be careful not to slide out of your car - it makes them slippery :-)
 
I just went into the garage and tried the 303 on my tires again. I sprayed a generous coating on all the tires, wiping the wheels off as I went. I left the 303 on for about 10-15 minutes and then came and wiped them off with a microfiber towel.



Results are okay. I wasn't expecting too much shine to begin with. I think I may try a dedicated tire shine in the future. I'm going to leave the interior for tomorrow when I can move the car out of the garage (currently raining) and open the doors all the way. I'll be going with a microfiber applicator to apply the 303, and then a microfiber towel to buff off.



Thanks again for the help.
 
303 is a real dissapointment on tires for me. Regular Armor-All looks better.
 
When I apply 303, I spray it directly on a sponge, wipe everything down and come back later and lightly wipe the areas down with a dry MF dedicated to interior trim. I go to a dollar store and buy packs of sponges - 10 in a pack for $1.00. I only use each once then chunck it when I'm finished.
 
yakky said:
303 is a real dissapointment on tires for me. Regular Armor-All looks better.
Click to expand...



Yeah, my tires have just a tiny bit of sheen to them now. It's kind of like a satin look. I wasn't going for the super slick wet look, but I wanted a bit more shine than the 303 gives.



I don't trust most Armor All products, especially those interior wipes. I've tried Eagle 1 tire shine before, but it ended up making my tires brown after a while.
 
jb1 said:
When I apply 303, I spray it directly on a sponge, wipe everything down and come back later and lightly wipe the areas down with a dry MF dedicated to interior trim. I go to a dollar store and buy packs of sponges - 10 in a pack for $1.00. I only use each once then chunck it when I'm finished.
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:2thumbs:Exactly how I do it except I just use a yellow foam applicator to apply. Just store it a zip lock bag until you need it again.
 
Legacy99 said:
:2thumbs:Exactly how I do it except I just use a yellow foam applicator to apply. Just store it a zip lock bag until you need it again.
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Oh yeah! Thanks for reminding me. I bought a ton of them at Big Lots for .40 cents each and I forgot I have them in a plastic shopping bag. The cells on the yellow applicators are probably much smaller than the ones I'm using. Guess it's part of the problem when you have your supplies in too many places. :D
 
303 is not a shiny tire product so don't expect it to be. But your tires will have a new look for a long time, just not slimy wet looking. They will bead water and stay clean longer. 303 is also better for the tire rubber than most dressings that just sit on top of the rubber. It seems to keep the brown 'blooming' of the internal tire rubber conditioners to the exterior surface from happening.
 
I have a GTI too - I use 303 for the plastic exterior trim on the sides, and front-back bumpers. Inside, I prefer 1Z Cockpit Premium, 303 is a tad too shiny on the dash for my tastes.
 
Eric1285 said:
I just went into the garage and tried the 303 on my tires again. I sprayed a generous coating on all the tires, wiping the wheels off as I went. I left the 303 on for about 10-15 minutes and then came and wiped them off with a microfiber towel.



Results are okay. I wasn't expecting too much shine to begin with. I think I may try a dedicated tire shine in the future. I'm going to leave the interior for tomorrow when I can move the car out of the garage (currently raining) and open the doors all the way. I'll be going with a microfiber applicator to apply the 303, and then a microfiber towel to buff off.
Click to expand...



Don't spray on the tire. Spray on to your applicator, swipe tires. Don't buff. Wait until dry. Repeat until happy with gloss. Buffing reduces gloss.
 
jedovaty said:
Here's an interesting thread on a discussion one gentleman had directly with 303.. It's a lot of reading, but has some interesting stuff on how they apply it.
Click to expand...



Thanks, I'll give that a look.



beau said:
Don't spray on the tire. Spray on to your applicator, swipe tires. Don't buff. Wait until dry. Repeat until happy with gloss. Buffing reduces gloss.
Click to expand...



I'm going to pick up a foam applicator for tires next time I order stuff. Didn't have anything to use this time, so I just sprayed it on and wiped off anything that got on the paint and wheels. Should be a lot easier to do with an applicator though....can't believe I forgot to order one with my last purchase.
 
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