Aerospace 303 vs Poliglow

[Sandra L]

Does anyone know what the differences are between these two substances? Both are supposed to be very good for protecting fiberglass, and from what I understand, easy to apply and maintain. It is my understanding that Aerospace 303 is to be applied much more frequently than the once annual application of Poliglow, and that no removal of either is needed, but that the surface must be clean prior to any re-application.
Because of the ease of use, coupled with longevity and protection, I've been told that either is superior to carnuba wax.
First hand experience information is welcome.

[gbaglo]

3M makes dozens of cleaners and waxes for fiberglass. I think they know a thing or two about chemistry.

[Viajante]

Based on experience of boaters I would not recommend poliglow, especially for new fiberglass. It can restore old or faded gelcoat, but it will yellow over time when exposed to sunlight and removal is a difficult chore.

Aerospace 303 is easy to apply and reapply, but doing the whole trailer 4 times a year or more is not worth it in my view.

My recommendation is to look at NuFinish sealant or a similar Maguiar's sealant.

[Bruce Wray]

I've used 303 since our trailer was new in '09, once a year or so. Love the stuff. It's silicone based.

Bruce

[float5]

Sandra, we do the 303 and will probably only do it once a year, maybe some of it twice, same as we did on our 19'. The information that I see as far as frequency probably pertains to upholstery and the like, not a whole trailer!

I also put it across the top of our closed awning. Someone's awning ripped off across the top and it was very brittle. I am interested in seeing if the 303 prevents that brittleness.

You cannot put 303 on wax. Have to do one or the other. You will not have a shiny waxy look with 303 as it is very different from wax. It is also supposed to be easier to put on than wax. We wash first, of course, and apply when dry. I spray it on the roof and use a long-handled mop with cotton washable cover to spread it where I can't reach.

[gharper]

I used several 3M marine products on my fiberglass boats including their ultra performance marine paste wax and now use it on the trailer. It's a very durable high gloss wax which I try to put on twice a year. It takes a bit of work to apply and buff but great stuff.

[cpaharley2008]

I believe "303" is a newer version of "Armor All" we used back in the day. It was used on tires, dash boards, black trim and made everything shiny and new again. The "303" is supposed to help with sun protection. Poliglow or other waxes are better used on the fg body shell itself. I use "303" on the trim, a/c shroud, MaxxFann cover, vent covers.

[Sandra L]

Thank you all for your help and information. I appreciate the assistance.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Bruce Wray

I've used 303 since our trailer was new in '09, once a year or so. Love the stuff. It's silicone based.

Bruce

Actually, 303 contains no silicone. It's water based, and water soluble. Because of this, if you use 303 on your trailer, you should reapply it after washing. I use it on all my vehicles, and have done so for many years. More porous surfaces (like tires) may not have to be retreated after a car wash, but fiberglass isn't porous, and you remove most of the protective coating by washing.

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I believe "303" is a newer version of "Armor All" we used back in the day.

The products have very few similarities. 303 has been around as long if not longer than Armor All. It has been used in aviation for a long time, and only recently became more popular in the automotive industry.

[Marky]

Here's an article I found on using 303 to restore gelcoat. I've been using 303 for a while with great results.

303 Aerospace protectant to restore gelcoat? - TeamTalk

[Sandra L]

Thanks for that information. My trailer is washed by my storage place after every use. So that wouldn't work.

[RWS]

Use a good marine fiberglass wax in spring and fall and call it good.

[Greg A]

Sandra,
Over on SOI we have extensive posts on trailer waxing and prep. Just look in the maintenance table of contents for the posts. I use 3M Marine restorer/wax if there is chalking, and then finish with Meguiars Premium RV/Marine wax. Awesome stuff and easy to do.

[Viajante]

Sandra,
The instructions on 303 say to reapply every 3-5 weeks for maximum protection.

[Sandra L]

Again, thanks for the input. Someone other than I will be doing the work, and I would not want to have something that would be laborious to remove, nor to be repeatedly applied on a short-term basis. And needless to add: good quality.
Of course as many, I want it all.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Greg A

Sandra,
Over on SOI we have extensive posts on trailer waxing and prep. Just look in the maintenance table of contents for the posts. I use 3M Marine restorer/wax if there is chalking, and then finish with Meguiars Premium RV/Marine wax. Awesome stuff and easy to do.

This is the method I'd follow too.
There are other products by 3M for heavy oxidation, but I doubt you'd need those.

[skiman]

BTS (Bow to Stern) is another alternative. Using that with good success. I will try 303 when I use up my gallon of BTS.

[Sandra L]

Thanks to all of you. Looks like I'm going to be doing a lot of reading.

[thoer]

I first heard of Aerospace 303 when I bought a used and quite faded, oxidized Wenonah kevlar canoe. Wenonah recommends 303 for all their fiberglass and kevlar canoes. I haven't tried it on the fiberglass of our trailer as I had already applied a couple of coats of Nufinish before I read about 303. I use it on all the plastic parts though. It did a great job of helping to bring some color and shine back to the heavily oxidized canoe.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by skiman

BTS (Bow to Stern) is another alternative.

BTS is a good product, I agree.