303 Aerospace Protectant - Anyone used it?
303 Aerospace Protectant - Anyone used it?
I just got my Mini about 2 weeks ago. I'm having a 3m clear bra installed on Wednesday. I was reading an article about these clear bras, and it mentioned using 303 Aerospace Protectant on it. So, then I go to the 303 site, and it talks about using it all over the car instead of using a wax or a sealant. Here's the link http://www.303products.com/main.php?...tect#DETAILING. I was wondering what you guys thought. Has anyone used it? I haven't washed or waxed the car yet. I'm assuming my Mini has some kind of wax or sealant on it from the dealer. If I was to use the 303, does the 303 site have the best instructions on how to remove the wax. I've never done that before, and I definitely don't want to mess anything up. Should I just stick to Zaino? ...or maybe 303 on the clear bra and Zaino on the paint. Thanks in advance for any advice. 
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 7
From: San Diego, CA
From the link
That's the first I've heard of using 303 on paint. I suppose the real key is Step 2, since that is going to get rid of swirl marks, etc. They're saying to use the 303 as a sealant, and from what I know of 303 it would probably work well. It's the claim of the "shine compared to none" that I wonder about.
Anyway, I think someone here needs to give it a try.
303 Aerospace Protectant will give your vehicle’s paint job that “always wet look” for a superior shine.
Step 1. Strip the wax off your car as it's the wax, no matter what quality, that will gray or dull your car. Strip the surface down until you can squeak your fingers with it .. (by using a mild to semi-coarse compound depending on surface condition) it's then ready .
Step 2. Using a cleaner/swirl remover give a final preparation and let vehicle sit for a day or to let the oxidants evaporate.
Step 3. Using a soft terry cloth apply 303 Aerospace Protectant, enough to dampen the cloth. Do not spray directly to the paint. Only dampen the surface, do not over apply for best results. Never apply in direct sunlight.
Step 4. Buff surface with Dewalt variable speed polisher at 1500 to 1800 r.p.m. with a clean polishing pad, either yellow foam or white cloth. Using a flannel towel, buff any excess 303 Aerospace Protectant that may still remain. Repeat process approximately every 6 months.
Your paint job now has a shine compared to none and is protected against ultraviolet radiation fade.
Step 1. Strip the wax off your car as it's the wax, no matter what quality, that will gray or dull your car. Strip the surface down until you can squeak your fingers with it .. (by using a mild to semi-coarse compound depending on surface condition) it's then ready .
Step 2. Using a cleaner/swirl remover give a final preparation and let vehicle sit for a day or to let the oxidants evaporate.
Step 3. Using a soft terry cloth apply 303 Aerospace Protectant, enough to dampen the cloth. Do not spray directly to the paint. Only dampen the surface, do not over apply for best results. Never apply in direct sunlight.
Step 4. Buff surface with Dewalt variable speed polisher at 1500 to 1800 r.p.m. with a clean polishing pad, either yellow foam or white cloth. Using a flannel towel, buff any excess 303 Aerospace Protectant that may still remain. Repeat process approximately every 6 months.
Your paint job now has a shine compared to none and is protected against ultraviolet radiation fade.
Anyway, I think someone here needs to give it a try.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: PHILLY
I use 303 on all rubber,trim etc... I used it for years on my old s2000 while living in the desert and it worked great. Not sure about using it on painted surfaces. For me Zaino is the only path to a zen state of shiny happiness.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 90
Likes: 3
From: Florida
I don't think you want to treat the clear bra with 303. I'd use the same wax/sealant you use on the paint. I've heard of using 303 or similar products on vinyl stripes but was told to use my usual wax/sealant on the clear bra...treating it like clearcoat.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,845
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From: Oswego, IL
well, I have on '00 Chevy astro van that needs a cleaning, perhaps I'll give it a try and see what happens. Anything would be an improvement over what it gets now. It might take a day or two to accomplish though...
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis
You don't want 303 on your paint...that "always wet look" they talk about will be gone in a week. (a zillion things, including salad oil will make your car look shiny. ) It's good stuff but not a wonderjuice. We did tests on this a year or two ago.
I love the water-based, high UV protection it provides...but mainly for the interior where it will last the longest and provides a low sheen look.
) It's good stuff but not a wonderjuice. We did tests on this a year or two ago. I love the water-based, high UV protection it provides...but mainly for the interior where it will last the longest and provides a low sheen look.
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I do 303 on the exterior and like it on both tires & trim. Not too glossy. I also use Zaino's tire & trim juice, though the Z number escapes me, and like it real well.
I hate when I get the 303 or Zaino trim stuff on my paint, its a real PITA to get off all that smeary stuff.
I hate when I get the 303 or Zaino trim stuff on my paint, its a real PITA to get off all that smeary stuff.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,692
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by meanboy
303 worked pretty good on my previous ragtop.
Originally Posted by MiniSuperCooper
Thank you. I'll just use Zaino on the outside and use the 303 on the interior. What do you guys use on the plastic parts on the exterior? Can I use 303 on them?
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 7
From: San Diego, CA
Originally Posted by MiniSuperCooper
Thank you. I'll just use Zaino on the outside and use the 303 on the interior. What do you guys use on the plastic parts on the exterior? Can I use 303 on them?
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Anything plastic on the MINI I use 303 Aerospace Protectant. I swear by this stuff 
. I use it in the interior for all those plastic parts. Its also great for the trim pieces that surround the MINI. It has a nice matte black finish and doesn't give a very shiney look like Armour All (which is petroleum based and will cause cracking over time). 303 is very safe for all surfaces, but as stated earlier, I don't recommend it for the paint or even the windows.
. I use it in the interior for all those plastic parts. Its also great for the trim pieces that surround the MINI. It has a nice matte black finish and doesn't give a very shiney look like Armour All (which is petroleum based and will cause cracking over time). 303 is very safe for all surfaces, but as stated earlier, I don't recommend it for the paint or even the windows.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 648
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Started on 303 Protectant on my Softub
The softub (Hotub)is 100% Naugahide (lots of Naugas killed making this product I bet...
)and I am in the High Sierra Desert (Reno) Hot and major UV in the summer and cold in the winters...worked so well on the Tub that I did the interior with it (Dashtop and door inserts) since I use Conolly Hide Food on the leather seats etc... and the black trim on my Mini with it...NO COMPLAINTS AND IT DOES NOT SHINE LIKE A CERTAIN OTHER GREASY PRODUCT!
First I have heard of using it on paint though...interesting!
)and I am in the High Sierra Desert (Reno) Hot and major UV in the summer and cold in the winters...worked so well on the Tub that I did the interior with it (Dashtop and door inserts) since I use Conolly Hide Food on the leather seats etc... and the black trim on my Mini with it...NO COMPLAINTS AND IT DOES NOT SHINE LIKE A CERTAIN OTHER GREASY PRODUCT!First I have heard of using it on paint though...interesting!
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