303 Aerospace Protectant Residue

Tuesday I used the 303 Aerospace protectant on my Softopper, this was my first time using it and its great stuff.
Anyway, I notice that runoff water from the top leaves a oily residue behind. I sprayed it on the top then spread it around with a rag then wiped it down with another rag. Is this how you guys use it or did I need to wipe it down more or is this just the way this stuff is?

 

It does tend to run when wet. But what I’ve found is that even though some of it runs off after an initial application, it’s still providing UV protection. Even if it looks like it’s gone.

I had two identical plastic lawn chairs outside for one whole summer/winter. In constant sun, rain, dust, totally exposed. One sprayed with 303 and one not. I went out to wash them both after about a whole year.

The one that had 303 applied looked so much better than the other one. It wasn’t even an intentional experiment. I just sprayed one down one day with 303 for fun. And a year later was totally surprised how much better that one looked. That’s what sold me on 303.

To answer your question, yeah that’s just how it is. But it’s likely still providing protection. Think of it as a protectant, not a “dressing”.

But applying it regularly isn’t gonna hurt anything. You just might get some runs down the paint.

 

I figured it was still providing protection its just that the runoff from the softop makes a mess especially on the plastic window. Maybe I should try something else

 

What material is your soft topper? Is it similar to a tonneau cover? Might be worth trying Carpro leather coating if it is and ditching 303.

 

Its the same as convertible top material

 

Did you buff off any access, 303?

I find buffing off any access, after it sits for awhile helps minimize any water streaking.

 

Are you using 303 fabric protectant? If you are using the the regular one, it will run as you describe. A better choice IMHO would be Raggtopp convertible top protectant. Won't run, will last far longer, designed for this usage. My experience with years of vehicle fabric tops, YMMV

 

I just sprayed it on then wiped it off with a dry rag, I'm going to wipe it down again today.

I'm using the 303 Aerospace protectant. Are you referring to 303 Fabric Guard?

 

Yes

 

IMHO 303 is way overrated. Actually I think it sucks.

RaggTopp is working well for me.

For interior plastics/vinyls I find Klassee works quite well.

 

I usually let it sit for a few hours then buff off the access. My neighbor sometimes wipe it off the next day.

It all depends on your time.

 

Has anyone tried using 303 Protectant on exterior plastic around the house?

I used it on my Rubbermaid mailbox with good results.

 

I use cheap Turtle Wax ceramic spray on stuff like . Lasts forever. My deck railings have black anodized balusters and they look like the day I built it.

 

I tried spray wax on the mailbox once but I like the look of 303 better. On house window I tried Sonax detailer with really good result. Beads like no tomorrow.

What kind of deck railings do you have? I have bare aluminum that I use Mothers Mag and Aluminum polish on.

 

I just saw yesterday that I'm just about out of the regular 303 and thinking I may order some of the Fabric Guard. Between the Softopper and umbrellas at the house I will probably have plenty of uses for it. That said, I did see that there are some sternly worded warnings about it damaging clear plastic/vinyl so probably need to be careful with the windows.

Regular 303 has worked well for me on my Softopper. I can't recall it running off, but then again it hardly ever rains here. I usually apply after every wash and then it has plenty of time to soak in while the truck sits waiting for the next adventure.

 

I think I just put too much on causing the oily run off. Today I applied it with a foam wax applicator. I sprayed the applicator then wiped down the top, it went on thin and even after about an hour I wiped it down with a dry rag. The applicator was saturated so I wiped down my front and rear bumpers, Its an SR so I got the black bumper covers. I put the applicator in a zip-lock for use next time.