Keeping your vehicle’s interior and exterior surfaces protected and looking great can be a challenge. Two of the most popular automotive protectants on the market are 303 Aerospace Protectant and Armor All. But which one is better?
In short, 303 Aerospace Protectant is generally considered the superior product for protecting and enhancing most vehicle surfaces. It contains higher-quality ingredients that provide UV protection and lasting shine without heavy greasiness. Armor All contains more fillers and silicone which can attract dust and leave surfaces looking artificial over time.
In this article, I will compare and contrast these two best-selling automotive protectants. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to choose the best protectant for your specific vehicle care needs. Let’s dive in!
How Automotive Protectants Work?
Before comparing the two products, it helps to understand what protectants actually do.
Protectants contain chemicals that bond to various vehicle surfaces. This leaves behind an invisible layer that:
- Repels water to prevent staining and corrosion
- Protects against UV radiation which fades and cracks materials
- Enhances color and provides a deeper, darker finish
- Reduces the appearance of scratches and scuffs
- Leaves a slick, touchable feel without greasiness
They can be used on vinyl, rubber, plastic, and leather surfaces both inside and outside the vehicle. Typical interior uses include dashboards, door panels, seats, steering wheels, and consoles. For exterior, protectants enhance trim pieces, tires, bumpers, molding, and more.
Now let’s look at how 303 and Armor All aim to deliver these benefits.
303 Aerospace Protectant
303 Aerospace Protectant is a UV screening agent and surface revitalizer. It was originally designed to prevent fading and cracking of aircraft exterior surfaces.
The “aerospace technology” refers to 303’s specialized UV inhibitors. UV radiation breaks down the molecular bonds in vinyl, rubber, and plastic causing brittleness, fading, and cracking over time. 303 contains UV blockers that form a protective barrier against this damage.
In addition to UV protection, 303 restores lost oils and plasticizers to rejuvenate surfaces. This enhances color and leaves a non-greasy, natural satin finish. The protectant repels dust to keep materials looking cleaner for longer.
303 is water-based and free of silicone oils, petroleum distillates, and other harsh chemicals. It’s safe for use on most vehicle interiors and exteriors.
Key Features:
- Advanced UV blockers to prevent fading and cracks
- Restores lost oils for color enhancement
- Repels dust and lint to keep surfaces cleaner
- Water-based formula without silicone, grease, or gloss
- Safe for rubber, vinyl, plastic, and leather
Armor All Protectant
Armor All Protectant debuted in 1972 and became an instant hit. It was one of the first products aimed at cleaning and protecting vehicle interiors.
The signature shine comes from silicone oils that spread easily and create a temporary layer. This gives surfaces a wet, glossy look that consumers find appealing.
In addition to silicone, Armor All contains petroleum distillates to help dissolve dirt. It uses emulsifiers to spread the oils and conditioners evenly. A citrus smell provides a clean scent.
While Armor All does offer some UV protection and surface enhancement, critics argue it relies more heavily on fillers. These disguise rather than restore aged materials.
Key Features:
- Leaves a wet gloss from silicone oils
- Petroleum distillates help dissolve dirt
- The citrus scent provides a cleaning fragrance
- Added UV inhibitors and conditioners
- Heavier use of fillers compared to restoratives
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each product, let’s compare some key differences.
303 vs Armor All: Key Ingredient Differences
The most significant differences between 303 and Armor All come down to the chemical ingredients used:
| Feature | 303 Aerospace Protectant | Armor All Protectant |
| Silicone Oils | None | Contains dimethicone |
| Petroleum Distillates | None | Contains naphthenic petroleum |
| UV Inhibitors | Aerospace-grade | Some added |
| Conditioners | Aloe, jojoba oil | Lanolin, mineral oil |
| Shine Finish | Natural satin | Glossy wet |
| Usable Surface | Car exteriors and interiors | Plastic surfaces |
| Effect | UV Protection | Shine |
| Smell | Strong | Soft |
| Finish | Natural | Natural |
| Durability | 1-2 weeks | 3-7 days |
| Cost | $$ | $ |
Here is the explanation of each parameter from the above table:
1. Silicone Oils
Armor All contains dimethicone and other silicone oils while 303 is silicone-free. This gives Armor All superior immediate shine. But silicone tends to attract dust and lint over time. It can also lead to a heavier, greasier feel.
303 relies on advanced plasticizers and polymers to enhance shine without silicones.
2. Petroleum Distillates
Armor All uses naphthenic petroleum to help lift dirt from surfaces. 303 Aerospace is petroleum-free.
While effective as a cleaner, petroleum distillates can damage certain surfaces with repeated use. This makes 303 safer for a wider range of materials.
3. UV Inhibitors
Both products contain UV blockers. However, 303 provides superior fade and crack prevention thanks to its specialized aerospace-grade inhibitors.
4. Conditioners
Armor All uses lanolin and other fillers to temporarily improve the look and feel of surfaces. 303 contains restoratives like aloe and jojoba oil to nourish materials.
5. Cost Comparison
In terms of cost, a 16 oz bottle of 303 Aerospace Protectant costs around $17 while 16 oz of Armor All is approximately $6.
So while 303 costs almost 3X as much, its advanced formula seems to provide more durable protection. For many, it’s worth the extra cost not to have to reapply as often. 303 also allows for more uses per bottle since you don’t need as heavy of an application.
Overall, 303 Aerospace relies on advanced technology protectants while Armor All uses more temporary fillers and gloss agents.
Testing 303 vs Armor All on Interior Surfaces
Numerous detailers have tested 303 Aerospace and Armor All on their vehicle interiors. Here are some real-world results:
1. Vinyl Dashboards
On aged vinyl dashes, 303 restored color and left a non-greasy satin finish. Armor All provided an initial gloss but attracted lint and dust to the vinyl grain after a few days. Long term, 303 kept dashes looking cleaner and more vibrant.
2. Interior Plastics
On plastic panels and trim, 303 maintained a like-new appearance over weeks. Armor All initally darkened the plastics but then seemed to fade back to their original state fairly quickly. The Armor All also attracted more dust compared to the 303 surfaces.
3. Seats and Leather
303 added protection and subtle sheen to the leather without leaving residue or buildup in the stitching. Armor All left leather looking unnaturally glossy at first. Over time, the seats seemed to fade and absorb more dirt than those treated with 303.
4. Rubber Seals
On rubber door seals and trim, the 303 treated areas maintained their rich black coloring longer. Armor All provided that initial gloss but seemed to attract more dirt than 303 over the long run.
Overall for interiors, the 303 Aerospace Protectant lived up to its reputation for long-lasting UV protection and surface enhancement. Armor All gave more immediate pop but results seemed temporary.
Testing on Exterior Trim and Rubber
How about exterior uses? Detailers have found similar long-term benefits from 303 compared to Armor All on external surfaces:
1. Tires
303 provides a subtle satin finish to tires while protecting the rubber from UV damage and browning. Armor All tires initially look wet but seem to brown and fade faster over time. The gloss also slings off the tires onto the vehicle’s side panels.
2. Bumpers
On exterior vinyl and plastic, 303 maintains a like-new appearance longer. The UV inhibitors prevent fading and deterioration. Armor All bumpers look great at first but seem to collect more dirt and require more frequent reapplication.
3. Molding and Trim
303 protects trim pieces like window surrounds, mirror housings, and belt lines from sun damage. It adds depth without looking artificially shiny. Armor All can leave trim looking heavily glossed. This is fine for some but many prefer 303’s more natural satin finish.
Overall for exterior use, 303 again provides superior longevity versus the temporary wet shine of Armor All.
Usage Tips for 303 Aerospace Protectant and Armor All
303 and Armor All can both be used to clean and protect vinyl, plastic, rubber, and leather. Here are some usage tips:
303 Aerospace
- Shake the bottle well before each use
- Mist directly onto surfaces and wipe thoroughly
- Buff with a microfiber cloth until a natural satin finish appears
- Reapply every 1-2 weeks for best results
- Safe for engine bays, trim, tires, leather, and more
Armor All
- Wipe away excess dirt before application
- Apply sparingly with a sponge or soft cloth
- Rub in small circular motions to spread evenly
- Buff with a clean cloth to remove haze
- Reapply weekly to maintain a wet gloss
- Use lighter coats on dark surfaces to avoid whitening
Armor All should be applied more sparingly than 303. It can leave white streaks on darker surfaces if overapplied.
Neither product should be used on unpainted acrylic or polycarbonate. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.
Final Recommendation: Which One Is Better?
After looking closely at ingredients, testing results, cost, and overall performance – 303 Aerospace Protectant is generally considered superior for protecting and enhancing automotive surfaces.
303 relies on advanced UV inhibitors and restoratives versus the fillers and gloss agents used by Armor All. Testing shows 303 provides longer-lasting results on both interior and exterior surfaces.
However, some may prefer the immediate shine provided by Armor All – especially on exterior trim and bumpers. Just be prepared to reapply more frequently compared to 303.
Here is a quick final comparison:
303 Aerospace
- No greasy silicones or heavy oils
- Advanced UV blockers to prevent fading
- Restores and nourishes surfaces long-term
- Natural, non-glossy satin finish
- Repels dust to keep materials cleaner
- More expensive but goes further per application
Armor All
- Leaves a temporary wet gloss through silicone
- Some UV inhibitors and conditioners
- Heavier reliance on fillers and gloss agents
- Provides immediate pop but fades faster
- Can attract dust with repeated use
- Cheaper but needs more frequent application
Hopefully, this detailed comparison gives you the knowledge to choose the best protectant for your specific vehicle care needs. Let us know if you have any other questions in the comments! And thanks for reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 303 Actually Used On Airplanes?
Yes, 303 Aerospace Protectant was originally designed for use on aircraft and is approved by Boeing and Airbus. It helps protect exterior surfaces against fading and cracking from UV exposure at high altitudes. The same technology was then marketed for automotive and marine use.
How Often Should I Apply 303 Or Armor All?
303 Aerospace Protectant generally lasts 1-2 weeks per application on vehicle surfaces. Armor All tends to fade faster and so needs reapplying about every 1-2 weeks for best results. The frequency will depend on your climate and vehicle use.
Should I Use 303 Or Armor All On My Convertible Top?
303 Aerospace is safe for use on convertible tops and helps keep the fabric protected. Armor All could leave an oily residue and attract dirt to the convertible fabric over time. Use 303 to help preserve convertible tops.
Can 303 Be Used On Tires Or Is That Just An Armor All Thing?
303 Protectant is actually superior for use on tires compared to Armor All. 303 provides a subtle satin sheen that protects the rubber from UV damage and cracking. Armor All leaves a glossy shine that tends to sling off the tires.
Is One Better Than The Other For Engine Bays?
Yes, 303 Aerospace is the preferred choice for engine bays since it is silicone-free. Armor All can leave behind silicone residue which can be harmful to belts and hoses over time. 303 provides UV and corrosion protection without the risk.