Vinylex vs 303

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Errtt

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Last I checked, Amazon, the 303 cost more. Is it worth the extra cost? Does 303 last as long or longer than Vinylex?


I'm down to my last bottle of Vinylex. I like it, read good things about it, as well as 303 that I've never tried. Vinylex has plasticizers, I guess 303 does to. Vinylex has a little more shine than 303. Not bad shiny, it's the only thing that bothers me (only a little at times) when the dash top reflects back off the windshield when conditions are right.
So now I need to order Vinylex, or maybe give 303 a try. The order, if I try 303, will be a gallon at minimum to try (don't care for the small bottles). If it's a product I like, I would normally order 2 or 3 gallons.
I been using Vinylex for 3 vehicles and several misc. things around home.
Opinions - any updated info from past posts/replies appreciated.
 
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Between the two, I prefer 303. It is less greasy/shiny and doesn't stink as badly as Vinylex.

However, I remember other threads in this forum recommending products even better than 303. Unfortunately, I don't recall what they were at the moment. Maybe someone will chime in with some recommendations...
 
I like 303, but Ultima Interior Guard is also very good. It is concentrated, but on the pricey side. Autogeek has a ton of info on different products.
 
Be aware that 303 has an exceptionally narrow range of permissible storage temperatures. Plan on keeping it inside. I use it. It certainly doesn't shine the plastic up. Of course, I can't tell if it does anything at all. They make dashboard plastic better than they used to.
 
303 has a flat finish which is why I have been using it for years. I don't want my dashboard to look like it is covered in Armor All, but I do want the protection. Sonax's product is the same -- no shine.

Vinylex is greasy and slimy, and is hard to apply evenly. I bought a bottle a few years ago and didn't bother using it all up.
 
Thanks for the replies, and after a little more reading, I got to thinking, ya know, I'll never know what its like if I don't try it, so I dropped a jug of 303 in my Amazon cart (ordering other things to).
So soon I'll finally give the 303 a try, and sound like less shine the better.
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
However, I remember other threads in this forum recommending products even better than 303.


Id sure like to know what is better for UV than 303...
 
I've seen but not used 303, I think the gloss/durability are OK.

I prefer CarPro PERL myself. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, is very inexpensive and lasts a while.
 
Originally Posted By: The Critic
I've seen but not used 303, I think the gloss/durability are OK.

I prefer CarPro PERL myself. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, is very inexpensive and lasts a while.


I couldnt care less about gloss or "durability" of a look. I care about UV... Any insight there???
 
I tried 303 awhile back and wasn't impressed at all. Left it stored for about a year,then opened it up and it smelled like spoiled food or something. I prefered my old Formula F2-1 and Armor All over the 303.
 
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: The Critic
I've seen but not used 303, I think the gloss/durability are OK.

I prefer CarPro PERL myself. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, is very inexpensive and lasts a while.


I couldnt care less about gloss or "durability" of a look. I care about UV... Any insight there???


Kayak owners use nothing but 303. I figure they ought to know.
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Between the two, I prefer 303. It is less greasy/shiny and doesn't stink as badly as Vinylex.

However, I remember other threads in this forum recommending products even better than 303. Unfortunately, I don't recall what they were at the moment. Maybe someone will chime in with some recommendations...

Adam's Super VRT. One of the best car care products I've used. It works great on tires and exterior plastic/vinyl trim, stands up to weather, and isn't sticky (polymer based).

As for what Kayak owners do, that's surprising because 303 holds up very poorly to water.
 
Originally Posted By: gofast182
Adam's Super VRT. One of the best car care products I've used. It works great on tires and exterior plastic/vinyl trim, stands up to weather, and isn't sticky (polymer based).

The manufacturer's page makes no mention of any sort of UV protection, though.
 
I was a 303-user until I tried SCG Dash Away. Dash away blows it away in every aspect -- except shine (and that's a good thing). 303 doesn't clean well at all, and the smell is unpleasant. It's tough to measure the actual "protection". Dash Away doesn't mention it, but I inquired, and it does also have UVA/B protection.

I used to like Megs Quick Interior Detailer for "quickies". I didn't like Duragloss. It was too shiny, and the scent was too strong.

To OPs question, if mail ordering, I wouldn't get either. I'd try something from Autogeek.
 
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Well I got my email confirmation today that the 303 (and other things) shipped. I'll try it, and if I don't like it (should be okay), then I'll hunt for another product to try.
 
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I couldnt care less about gloss or "durability" of a look. I care about UV... Any insight there???


According to 303's web site it has UV protection in the formulation. I use it on many applications and believe in it. And our sun is murder on soft materials.
 
I've used Vinylex on interior plastics, and it's not too shiny or slimy. Generally I prefer Meguiar's Natural Shine (formerly "Clean, Shine, & Protect"), which is also water-based.

That said, I had an Amazon gift card, so as part of another order I picked up a 32-oz. bottle of 303. I'll try it on the Regal's tires and outside trim pieces this weekend.
 
Originally Posted By: BobS
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I couldnt care less about gloss or "durability" of a look. I care about UV... Any insight there???


According to 303's web site it has UV protection in the formulation. I use it on many applications and believe in it. And our sun is murder on soft materials.


yes, 303 does. Doesnt mean it is the best at it. Always looking for improvement!
 
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