Aerospace 303: help?

[Dave Walter]

I have been using 303 on plastic stuff for some time now, but have been less than impressed with the shine it gives on my fiberglass trailer. I will stick with wax for now.

[float5]

Not meant to give any shine. It's a matt finish. We want the anti-UV value.

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by Floating Cloud

Not meant to give any shine. It's a matt finish. We want the anti-UV value.

Exactly. My 19' has such a great shine to it, I don't need to dullen it by using 303 on it. Especially when there are other wax products that work very well.

[Greggo]

My trailer is kept clean after trips and stored inside so it still has a nice factory shine. The fading of the graphics can happen fairly quickly particularly with red. My second Casita was stored under a roof with the south side facing the sun daily. The finish and graphics were totally shot while the other side looked brand new. Sun can do a quick number on fiberglass.

My 303 order went out today. If Amazon/UPS is quick, I can look forward to getting this project done on Saturday. I'm curious about the BTS protectorant but heck, 303 will get 'er done nicely (enough).

Greg

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Greggo

The fading of the graphics can happen fairly quickly particularly with red

You're right, and that's a sign that the graphic film manufacturer didn't use lightfast pigments. Most reds can be produced with oxides instead of the more vivid pigments like pthalos, but the manufacturer decided for whatever reason not to use them. Sure enough, once a little UV light hits the non-oxide pigment, it begins to fade. A few years back they painted the brand new San Antonio Public Library with a non-lightfast red, and within 6 months the building turned pink. The contractor had to repaint it at their own expense.

303 is a great choice for the red graphics. It won't eliminate eventual fading of a non-lightfast color, but it will drastically reduce it.

[thoer]

From my experience, if the gel gloss is shiny to start with the 303 will keep it that way.

The mat-like finish is more what I got from using it on our very oxidized kevlar canoe when we bought it. It had been in a shed with one side exposed to the sun for years, and the green was VERY faded on that side.

[Greggo]

After reading comments, I thought I'd try the BTS protectant. After all, I'm try to protect my nice shiny trailer, might as well start with a protectant that compliments it. We'll see how it works. Good reviews from the boating community. I'll also give a whirl on my hot tub and the resin skirting.

Thanks all for the input,

Greg

[float5]

Originally Posted by thoer

I like the idea that 303 actually penetrates in and keeps the gel coat like new, when used from the start, rather than a coating of wax on the surface. But I'm stuck with wax now that I started with it, as I'm not ambitious enough to somehow take all the wax off, nor do I want to leave it unprotected waiting for the wax to wear off.

I've also read that 303 helps keep headlight lens covers from yellowing and getting cloudy. I've been using it on our new car, so we'll see.

We have never used wax so no problem with the 303.

[hotfishtacos]

Originally Posted by Greggo

My trailer is kept clean after trips and stored inside so it still has a nice factory shine. The fading of the graphics can happen fairly quickly particularly with red. My second Casita was stored under a roof with the south side facing the sun daily. The finish and graphics were totally shot while the other side looked brand new. Sun can do a quick number on fiberglass.

My 303 order went out today. If Amazon/UPS is quick, I can look forward to getting this project done on Saturday. I'm curious about the BTS protectorant but heck, 303 will get 'er done nicely (enough).

Greg

Save a little for your new Engel fridge!..

[t-twnbob]

Bow to Stern protectant was mentioned a few times in this tread and was wondering if those who used it can still recommend it? I am considering making the switch. I believe that it can also be used on the awning as well as other surfaces. Thanks, Bob

[Greggo]

Originally Posted by t-twnbob

Bow to Stern protectant was mentioned a few times in this tread and was wondering if those who used it can still recommend it? I am considering making the switch. I believe that it can also be used on the awning as well as other surfaces. Thanks, Bob

I'm on my second bottle. Trailer still looks new. Like it. To each his (or her) own but I wanted something shiny rather than the matte finish folks tended to encounter with 303.

PS- I want to prevent fading of my scarlet red graphics and use Armorall UV Protectant Gel on the graphics. Goes on like a gel, next day its dry and I buff it shiny with a cotton towel. I've been using it for years on my spa cover that's in the sun all day and it still looks new.

[Santiago]

Originally Posted by t-twnbob

Bow to Stern protectant was mentioned a few times in this tread and was wondering if those who used it can still recommend it? I am considering making the switch. I believe that it can also be used on the awning as well as other surfaces. Thanks, Bob

Hi Bob, I use 303 on my old roadster as it protects all interior vinyl from sun when top is down and rubber and vinyl moldings on exterior.

The gel I will wax, 303 trim only.

I like it and plan on using on my new trailer as well. It was recommended to me by a bunch of guys that do detailing on private planes.

[Steve Clark]

Ok, I've got a good coat of wax on the gel-coat and it looks great. I've got some Aerospace 303 protectant for all plastic parts, and I bought the Aerospace 303 Fabric Guard for the awning. When I read the label for the Fabric Guard it warns,"Do Not Use On Vinyl, Clear Vinyl, etc."
I know some folks have used the Protectant on their awning and others have used the Fabric Guard on their awnings. What is the experience of those who have used the Fabric Guard on the awning? Is Fabric Guard the correct choice for the awning or should I use the Protectant?

[thoer]

Steve, I have used both on the awning. I'm not really sure how much difference there is - or it they just make more labels to sell more.

[gbaglo]

I checked Carefree web site for their maintenance recommendation and came up blank.
The tag on the awning itself says soap and water and a soft brush.

[fudge_brownie]

I have called Carefree and their customer support echoed what is written on the label. Only use soap and water. My issue was with pine pitch on the awning.

[Steve Clark]

Eric, Glenn, and Paul,

Thank-You very much! That makes it easy!

[thoer]

In my experience with it, the 303 really helps the awning stay cleaner and I think I helps prevent UV degradation over time. YMMV

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by thoer

In my experience with it, the 303 really helps the awning stay cleaner and I think I helps prevent UV degradation over time. YMMV

The problem is that we don't have a control group in this study.
You might have to buy two 21's and do a proper examination.

One needs to know how the awning was used, under what conditions and how long it was deployed and stored.

My awning is almost 8 years old and looks pretty decent, but it's not pristine. I used Scrubbing Bubbles on it once but rinsed it immediately and thoroughly. I was worried the stitches would be eaten, like my t-shirt was.

I'm wary of applying anything since Carefree says 'mild soap and water'.

[thoer]

Glenn - sounds like you have a great science project lined up!