Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish - Durability

C

colinc

New member
I love the fact that my Grand cherokee has never had any chemicals used on the interior plastic/vinyl. THerefore, there is no obnoxious, greasy shine to it. I would like to add some protection but I want virtually NO shine. I really like the matte finish look. Is 303 my best option? Is it nice and subtle? Vinylex is waaaay too much shine, so is meguiars #40.



Thanks.
 
Now I think that Vinylex may be getting a bad rap; I believe the instructions say to wipe again with a clean towel after initial application. This diminishes the shine. I personally alternate between 303 and Vinylex, just depends on how I'm feeling. Same with Clear Pearl and Show-Off.





But if you want a truely low-gloss protectant, then 303 is perfect. For those looking for it locally, you gotta go to the closest boating/marine supply store. It was originally created for watercraft.
 
I'll third the recommendations for 303. I initially used Vinylex on the black dashboard of my car. Even after wiping down, the finish was too shiny for my tastes. Used 303--the finish is perfect now.



-ema
 
For me 303 and Black Magic's Dashboard protectant has no gloss when dried. Both have important UV protection,
 
Both will give nice low gloss satin shine and no greasy mess. I feel that Z16 is more durable. Even on the inside of my BMW, the 303 low gloss seems to fade after 2 weeks or so.
 
Two weeks is certainly all I need. I wasn't aware that you could use the Zaino tire polish in the interior. I prefer 303 in this regard as it is the much more versatile product. You really don't have to be careful with where you apply it. (Of course not glass.)
 
I stopped the Vinylex usage since I detected that it was contributing to the hazing of interior glass after the car sat in the sun for a while. I also did not care for the glossy finish even after a quick second wipedown.
 
products can probably fill your request as it's easy for most of them to give "no shine". Water down the products that you have or use 303 for a matte finish.
 
Don -



I have noticed that the Z-16 Tire Dressing can really be used anywhere that you would want to apply the 303. I happen to use the Z-16 on my seat backs. I would say that the Z-16 does offer more of a shine than the 303, though.



303 is great for the dash as it produces no annoying/dangerous glare. I was at a car show yesterday, as a matter of fact, and another owner approached me and asked me what I used on the dash as he did not want the glare that other products produce. I then gladly introduced him to the 303. :D
 
My friend with a jetta didn't use anything on his dash. it looked dry and not glossy at all compared to mine which has a healthy blacker sheen to it, similar to a glow.



I like the Black Magic Semi-gloss dash protection finish, watch out for the temporary citrus smell (ends when it dries) it looks good on BMW, VW dashes so far, at about $2.99 a bottle it's cool to try out.
 
if used properly. I too, used to think that vinylnex was too shiny until i tried a extra step. I would apply vinylnex to a foam pad and apply it on my leather then buff it out with a MF towel. It made a big difference! I used to use a 100% cotton towel and the finish was still shiny and uneven, so i switched to a viper and/or nicsand towel. Recently I have been using 303 and this is a MUST have for interior!
 
I use the Z-16 on the seat BACKS - not the leather. The backs of the seats are a hard plastic and the Z-16 works well. I would not use it directly on the leather.



I do however, find the 303 gives a nice sheen to the leather seats when applied after cleaning/conditioning. Seats are without a doubt clear coated. The bottle of 303 states that it is safe for leather, and I like the idea of UV protection for a convertible where the seats are exposed.



Hope that clears things up. :)
 
Arcticwhite, I've been using the 303 on my seats now for over a year and a half. Terry from CMA was the one who first told me about the 303's versatility. This is why I mentioned that I prefer the 303 in the interior. Its a more versatile product than the Zaino tire polish.
 
You make a very good point about the versatility of the 303, that is certainly true. The seat backs are really the only interior area that I can think of that I prefer the Z-16 and that is specifically because the seat backs in the car, being both 9 years old and a convertible (sun exposure), are beginning to show a degradation in the patina on the seat backs.



Through my own experimentation, I have found that the Z-16 will give a heavier coverage in this area, hiding for the time being that what I really need to do is eventually replace the seatbacks. :p
 
Arcticwhite, you are certainly a wonderful addition to this great forum. Wish there were more female car care nuts like yourself. Now go tell your hubby to get you some new seatbacks!
 
Does the Z-16 leave a high silicone gloss look like the old Black (No)Magic did? Since it has UV protection it sounds like a good option since the sun is shining directly through my rear window hours at a time.
 
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