trim dressing? tried 303 looks good but...

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BrandonJ

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it rained overnight after i applied 303 to my bumper and top of bed liner. it left streaks down the paint. they came right off but though i like the look i dont want to fight with runoff. whats a good alternative?
 
I've been buying Muc-off tire and trim dressing. It's about $17 for a 16 oz. bottle I believe. I've had no issues with run off. As a matter ah fact, it repels water really well. I couldn't even remove it with a wash.

I was a big fan of UTTG before Muc-off. But the price of UTTG is high IMO. You may want to look into UTTG if it's for personal use. On a business stand point...paying for UTTG just doesn't make sense. But, for personal use...it works great, and probably out lasts Muc-Off. I have not tested that theory though...just a guess. :dblthumb2:
 
I switched from 303 to 1z einszett vinyl rubber care and protectant. It works better than 303 but still far from perfect. It runs on me just not as much and it takes more rain to make it run than 303. I have tried PERL as well but even that ran on me (I'm not sure if I used 1:1 or 1:3 though). Of the three (303, PERL, 1z) the 1z is the best for me. I have heard that UTTG and Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant are pretty awesome.
 
If you are going to use a simple PDMS dressing like 303 you really need to buff it dry to keep it from running. However it's not going to last too long. As noted the UTTG or similar WETS (Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant) will last a lot longer, if the trim is in good condition to start with. Or Opti-Coat 2.0 will be more of a permanent solution (GTechniq C4 or Solution Finish if it's faded). Also, the Meguiar's trim sealant, they keep changing the name, isn't bad, will last for a month or so.
 
Food for thought...

You didn't mention how you applied 303 so with that said I believe the best way to apply these dressings is to spray the product on an applicator (sponge, pad, MF, etc...) and use the applicator to rub the product onto the car parts. It takes a little longer but you wind up spreading the product more evenly.

Also consider timing between when application and damp/wet weather, humidity, etc... I am not sure this is scientifically correct but I believe some products need to dry and then cure before they reach maximum potential for durability.

Lastly, I use Meguiars Ultimate Black Trim Restorer. Does the job well and as I followed my own guidance above, as well as layered the product on the running boards of my friend's GMC Yukon ... no streaking or running when it rained the next day.
 
I would not recommend 303 for exterior if for nothing else just because of the durability when used on exterior trim items.
 
I use PERl 1:1 on exterior textured and smooth trim and tires never runs on me it repels water really good. I'm sure there's a curing time for the PERL before it can get wet never thought about it but I never had a problem and has lasted me over 3 months soo far and still looks like when I applied it. I have never used apc or scrubbed the spots with the PERL applied just washed the vehicle with Meg's gold class and is good.
 
I'll have to give perl another shot at 1:1. It ran on me last time.
 
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