So for the back, and edges around the back I used the newspaper and blue tape trick. PITA, but it kept the overspray off.
I really don't think that painting on the 303 would work because I think it has a fairly high vapor point and would flash on you while you're trying to get it on. The RaggTopp is in an aerosol can so no painting of that either.

 

I use the BMW brand fabric top cleaner and protectant, which the dealer said is the same as the MINI brand but it's in a BMW bottle. The protectant makes the water bead like crazy and it put a lot if the black back in my top.

This is how it looked a week after I treated it for the first time:



Both products are easy to use. You just sponge the protectant on and put the car in the sun to dry. The intructions tell you to mix the whole bottle with water, but that was a waste. I could have done the whole top with 1/2 bottle.

One thing that should be mentioned...don't ever rub your fabric top when cleaning. Always blot it with cleaner or protectant. Rubbing it will cause the fibers in the canvas to break down.

 

The mention was so brief, that it can bear repetition. I've started using a lint roller when I notice that my top has dust or pollen on it and it works GREAT. The one I use is this (item on lower left) http://www.evercare.com/lint.html , and it has pieces of masking tape which you peel off when they get full.

I didn't even have to buy it - my wife keeps it in the closet by the door to the garage and uses it to get the dog hair off my daughter's navy blue school shirt before they leave every morning. Here's why....



They are both almost 2 years older, but they still do this every morning.

 

Great pic. Kids + Dogs = Fun.

I have a small boars hair hairbrush that I bought just for the top - the only area that's perpetually dusty/dirty is the back, and I just brush it right off - I think the brush is gentle enough that it shouldn't cause problems. Of course I never use it when the top is wet. And if it's dirty all over, Blimey gets a bath.