With so many products on the market claiming to clean, shine, and protect, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. When it comes to 303 products, two of the most popular options are 303 Aerospace Protectant and 303 Protectant. But what exactly is the difference between these two?
In short, 303 Aerospace Protectant is designed for aircraft and aerospace applications, while 303 Protectant is formulated for automotive and marine use. Aerospace Protectant contains UV screeners to protect against sun damage, while standard 303 Protectant does not. However, both products are effective vinyl cleaners and protectants that restore lost luster while protecting against fading, cracking, and premature aging.
In this article, I will explore the key differences between 303 Aerospace Protectant and 303 Protectant in depth. I’ll also help you compare their ingredients, intended uses, UV protection abilities, glossiness, water repellency, ease of application, and more.
1. Ingredients
The primary difference between 303 Aerospace Protectant and 303 Protectant lies in their ingredient formulations.
303 Aerospace Protectant Key Ingredients:
- UV Screeners – Absorbs UV radiation to protect surfaces from sun damage and fading
- Polymers – Repel dust, dirt, and grime to keep surfaces cleaner and longer
- Anti-Static Agents – Prevent static buildup that attracts contaminants
- Corrosion Inhibitors – Protect metals from corrosion and tarnishing
303 Protectant Key Ingredients:
- Polymers – Repel dust, dirt, and grime to keep surfaces cleaner and longer
- Anti-Static Agents – Prevent static buildup that attracts contaminants
- Emollients – Keep vinyl, rubber, and plastic supple and prevent cracking
So, the key difference ingredient-wise is the inclusion of UV screeners in 303 Aerospace Protectant, which are not present in the automotive 303 Protectant formula.
2. Intended Uses
Due to their different formulations and ingredients, 303 Aerospace Protectant and 303 Protectant are designed for different applications.
303 Aerospace Protectant is Designed For
- Aircraft exterior surfaces – wings, fuselage, tail, etc.
- RV exteriors
- Other aerospace applications
The UV screeners protect these surfaces from sun damage and fading, which is critical for aircraft. The polymers provide durable water-beading protection.
303 Protectant is Designed For
- Rubber, plastic, and vinyl surfaces on cars, boats, RVs
- Tires and trim
- Outdoor furniture and sports equipment
- Golf carts and equipment
- Motorcycles
For these automotive and marine applications, UV resistance is not as critical. The polymers repel contaminants while the emollients condition and restore faded surfaces.
So, 303 Aerospace Protectant is aviation/aerospace grade, while 303 Protectant is for consumer automotive and marine surfaces. The UV screeners make 303 Aerospace Protectant better suited for extended sun and weather exposure.
3. UV Protection Abilities
As noted above, the key difference in UV protection capabilities between these two products comes down to the UV screeners found in 303 Aerospace Protectant but not in the standard 303 Protectant.
303 Aerospace Protectant contains UV absorbers that help protect against sun damage by absorbing the most damaging UV rays. This prevents fading, chalking, cracking and premature aging of surfaces.
303 Protectant does NOT contain UV screeners so it does not provide the same level of UV protection as the Aerospace formula. While 303 Protectant will help restore and protect surfaces, it will not protect against long-term sun damage like 303 Aerospace will.
So for vehicles, equipment, and surfaces that sit long-term in the sun, 303 Aerospace Protectant is highly recommended for its UV resistance. For surfaces with less sun exposure, 303 Protectant will provide excellent cleaning and protection without the added cost of UV screeners.
4. Glossiness
Another key difference between these two 303 products is the level of gloss and shine they impart.
303 Aerospace Protectant delivers more gloss and higher shine levels than 303 Protectant. The polymers help smooth surfaces and the UV absorbers help maintain the deep, wet look of a fresh coat of protectant.
303 Protectant provides more of a satin, low-gloss finish. The polymers still help repel dust and contaminants, but the formula does not have the same gloss-enhancing abilities as the Aerospace variant.
So for those looking to add brilliant, reflective shine, 303 Aerospace Protectant is the better choice. For a more understated finish, 303 Protectant will deliver excellent protection without the high-gloss sheen.
5. Water Repellency
When it comes to water beading and repellency, both 303 products perform exceptionally well, but again there are some differences:
- 303 Aerospace Protectant exhibits superior beading and water repellency due to its specialized polymers and corrosion inhibitors designed for aviation use. The water “beads up” and rolls off painted and metal aircraft surfaces to prevent pooling and corrosion.
- 303 Protectant provides excellent water resistance for automotive applications like trim, tires, engine bays, and outdoor equipment. The polymers provide durable protection against moisture while emollients condition.
While both deliver excellent water repellency, Aerospace Protectant’s aviation-grade polymers give it the edge for beading and water-rolling abilities. But 303 Protectant still provides reliable water and moisture protection for non-aviation uses.
6. Ease of Application
303 Aerospace Protectant and 303 Protectant are both designed to be extremely easy to apply:
- Thin, liquid formulas spread easily across surfaces without dripping or running
- Spray bottle packaging makes it easy to dispense the products and control the application
- Fast drying time means treated surfaces are “dry to the touch” in about 15 minutes
There are no significant differences between the two when it comes to ease of use. Both spread smoothly and evenly with no effort. They can be applied via spray bottle for large surfaces or by hand for small areas and attributes like trim and moldings.
Overall, both 303 Aerospace Protectant and 303 Automotive Protectant excel when it comes to user-friendly applications.
7. Cost Difference
Due to its more advanced formula, 303 Aerospace Protectant is more expensive than the standard 303 Protectant. However, the price difference is not extreme:
- 303 Aerospace Protectant costs approximately $1-2 more per 16 oz bottle.
- For most applications, the added UV protection is well worth the slightly higher cost.
303 Protectant remains a very affordable option for automotive uses where UV resistance is not as crucial. So while the Aerospace variant costs a bit extra, it delivers added protection to justify the difference.
8. Longevity
With regular reapplication, both 303 products provide long-lasting protection, but again there are some key differences:
- 303 Aerospace Protectant lasts longer before reapplication is needed, thanks to its polymers, UV inhibitors, and corrosion blockers. Reapplication is usually only needed every 1-3 months.
- 303 Protectant typically lasts 1-2 months before reapplication is recommended for maximum protection. The polymers maintain protection but emollients dissipate faster.
So while both deliver durable protection that lasts for months, the Aerospace formula simply outlasts the standard Protectant, making it ideal for exterior aircraft surfaces that are difficult to reapply product too frequently.
Summary of Key Differences
To summarize, the main differences between 303 Aerospace Protectant and 303 Protectant are:
| Factor | 303 Aerospace Protectant | 303 Protectant |
| Ingredients | Contains UV screeners | Uses emollients instead of UV screeners |
| Intended Use | Aviation/aerospace applications | Automotive/marine applications |
| UV Protection | Screens UV rays to prevent damage | No UV protection |
| Gloss Level | Higher shine finish | Lower satin gloss |
| Water Beading | Superior beading action | Excellent water resistance |
| Price | Slightly more expensive | Very affordable |
| Longevity | Lasts 1-3 months | Lasts 1-2 months |
So, while both products deliver excellent vinyl cleaning and protection, Aerospace is formulated specifically to meet the demands of aviation and aerospace, with better UV resistance, water beading, and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 303 Aerospace Protectant Leave Any Residue?
303 Aerospace Protectant contains polymers that bond to surfaces, so there is no oily residue left behind after application. It leaves surfaces clean and dry to the touch.
Can I Use 303 Aerospace Protectant On My Car?
While designed for aviation use, 303 Aerospace Protectant can also be safely and effectively used on automotive surfaces like rubber, plastic, and vinyl. It provides superior UV protection compared to standard 303 Protectant.
Does 303 Protectant Contain Silicones?
No, 303 Protectant is silicone-free. It relies on advanced polymers and emollients to clean, shine, and protect surfaces without leaving behind greasy silicone residue.
Can 303 Protectant Be Used On Boats And RVs?
Yes, 303 Protectant is ideal for use on fiberglass, vinyl, plastic, and rubber surfaces commonly found on boats, RVs, and other marine vehicles. Its polymers provide long-lasting moisture protection.
How Often Should I Reapply For 303 Aerospace Or Protectant?
303 recommends reapplying every 1-3 months for Aerospace Protectant, and every 1-2 months for standard Protectant, depending on exposure and usage. More frequent reapplication may be needed for surfaces exposed to extreme weather.
Conclusion
Whether you’re protecting the rubber and plastics on your boat, restoring faded trim on your classic car, or looking to care for aircraft surfaces, 303 has you covered. Both provide long-lasting vinyl cleaning, restoration, and protection, but the Aerospace variant is formulated specifically to meet the demands of aircraft and equipment with its unique UV inhibitors, corrosion blockers, and durable polymers. 303 Protectant offers economical automotive protection without aviation-grade additives. Hopefully, this detailed guide has provided clarity on selecting the right 303 product for your next cleaning and protection project. Thanks for reading and be sure to leave a comment if you have any additional questions!