Specifi cations and prices subject to change without notice. Download latest update to this manual on-line.
7-4
303 AEROSPACE PROTECTANT
BUMPER BOATS - MAKE THEM LOOK BETTER AND LAST LONGER WITH 303
An enlarged side view of common vinyl fabric would show raw PVC (polyvinyl chloride) covered by a thin layer of plastic
called the “topcoat”. The topcoat is the part of the vinyl you can see and touch. To keep vinyl fabric soft and
fl
exible,
manufacturers add agents known as plasticizers to the raw PVC.
A major function of the topcoat is to hold in these plasticizers, which otherwise would quickly evaporate. If the topcoat is
damaged or degraded, plasticizers begin to escape leading to embitterment, cracking, and failure.
Protecting the topcoat, then, is the most crucial aspect of properly maintaining vinyl, and is the subject with which vinyl
manufacturers are most concerned. Vinyl manufacturers agree on and recommend the following:
GENERAL CLEANING:
Never use household cleaners, powdered or other abrasives, steel wool or industrial cleaners,
dry cleaning
fl
uids, solvents (petroleum distillates), bleach or detergents. Use a medium-soft brush, warm soapy water,
(such as Ivory soap), rinse with cool water and then dry.
MILDEW STAINS:
To kill the bacteria creating the mildew, use a medium-soft brush and vigorously brush the stained
area with a 4-to-1 mixture of water and ammonia; rinse with cool water.
TOUGH MILDEW STAINS:
Apply a mixture of one (1) teaspoon ammonia, one-fourth (1/4) cup of hydrogen peroxide and
three-fourths (3/4) cup of distilled water; rinse with cool water. Note: All cleaning methods must be followed by a thorough
rinse with water.
Obviously abrasives should never be used on vinyl. Petroleum distillates are a universal “no no” for both vinyl and rubber.
Waxes should never be used on vinyl because (a) Most waxes contain petroleum distillates; (b) Wax is a build-up product,
holding in the heat absorbed from the sun and accelerating heat damage.
Virtually all vinyl manufacturers agree that no type of oil should be used on vinyl. Silicone oil vinyl treatments should not
be used for several reasons: 1) They typically attack the vinyl topcoat. 2) They usually contain no e
ff
ective UV screening
ingredients. 3) They are build-up products which accelerate heat damage. 4) Silicone oil formulations are greasy and oily,
attracting dust and soil more quickly. READ THE LABEL! Product directions suggesting more than one coat for better
cosmetic enhancement are build-up products and are not recommended by vinyl manufacturers.
303 FOR VINYL: 303 Protectant is a beautifying liquid sunscreen, the routine use of which keeps vinyl looking like new
while dramatically extending its useful life. 303 contains no petrochemicals, silicone oils or petroleum distillates. 303 is
not a build-up product, so treated surfaces dissipate heat normally.
303 is not oily or greasy and does not attract dust. In fact, 303 treated vinyl repels dust, dirt and stains, stays cleaner
longer, and is much easier to clean when
fi
nally soiled. Since 303 contains a tested-safe-for-vinyl cleaner and is a cleaner
and protector combined, precleaners and precleaning usually are not required.
303 has been tested and is recommended by major vinyl and vinyl accessory manufacturers. As the leader in UV screening
technology since 1980, 303 is the most powerful UV screening treatment available for vinyl, leather, rubber, gelcoat
fi
berglass and most plastics. Regular use of 303 can reduce UV-caused slow-fade up to 100%.
