Water-based UV protectant for vinyl, rubber and plastic

303 Aerospace Protectant

SKU 303AERPRO473 Ask a question

Ask a question

We reply by email, usually the same working day.

Notify Me When Back in Stock

£19.99

Only 2 left

Size 473ml

Earn 19 HQ Rewards points How it works

303 Aerospace Protectant £19.99
Click & Collect: Ilkeston · FreeMost eligible orders are ready within 5 minutes during opening times. Please wait for your collection-ready confirmation before travelling. Click & Collect: Ilkeston Not available for this option. Options that can be collected show it here. How it works

The 303 Aerospace Protectant is a premium UV protection and surface dressing designed to preserve, restore and protect vinyl, rubber, plastics, fibreglass and exterior trim surfaces against fading, cracking and environmental damage. Originally developed for demanding marine and aerospace environments, this advanced protectant is widely trusted by detailers, boat owners and automotive enthusiasts looking for long-term surface protection without greasy residue.

  • Water-based formula free from silicone oils
  • Dries to a clear matte finish
  • Helps prevent fading, cracking and drying
  • Blocks up to 98% of UV with consistent use
  • Anti-static, repels dust, smudges and staining
  • For vinyl, rubber, plastic and fibreglass
  • Reapply every 30 to 45 days
  • Available in 296ml, 473ml and 946ml
Read the full description

Full Description

The 303 Aerospace Protectant is a premium UV protection and surface dressing designed to preserve, restore and protect vinyl, rubber, plastics, fibreglass and exterior trim surfaces against fading, cracking and environmental damage. Originally developed for demanding marine and aerospace environments, this advanced protectant is widely trusted by detailers, boat owners and automotive enthusiasts looking for long-term surface protection without greasy residue.

Unlike traditional silicone-heavy dressings that leave oily finishes and attract dust, 303 Aerospace Protectant uses a water-based UV screening formula that restores a clean, factory-fresh appearance while helping prevent oxidation, drying and colour fading caused by prolonged sun exposure.

Suitable for both automotive and marine environments, this versatile protectant can be used across dashboards, trims, rubber seals, tonneau covers, vinyl roofs, engine bay plastics, marine seating, inflatable boats and outdoor equipment.

Key Features

  • Premium UV surface protectant
  • Helps prevent fading, cracking and discolouration
  • Non-greasy factory-style finish
  • Safe on vinyl, rubber, plastics and fibreglass
  • Marine and automotive compatible
  • Repels dirt and staining
  • Silicone oil and petroleum distillate free

Technical Information

Specification Details
Product Type UV protectant and surface dressing
Formula Type Water-based protective coating
Finish Natural satin / OEM-style finish
UV Protection Yes
Silicone Free Yes
Petroleum Distillate Free Yes
Surface Compatibility Vinyl, rubber, plastics, fibreglass, trim
Application Method Spray and wipe

Performance Characteristics

  • Helps block damaging UV exposure
  • Restores colour and surface appearance
  • Prevents drying and cracking over time
  • Repels dust, dirt and staining
  • Leaves surfaces clean without greasy residue
  • Helps prevent inflatable materials sticking during storage

Suitable Surfaces

  • Dashboard plastics
  • Exterior trim
  • Rubber seals and weather stripping
  • Vinyl seats and tonneau covers
  • Fibreglass surfaces
  • Marine seating and boat interiors
  • Inflatable boats and water sports equipment
  • Outdoor gear and accessories

Recommended Application Method

  1. Clean the surface thoroughly before application
  2. Spray directly onto surface or applicator towel
  3. Spread evenly across the area
  4. Buff lightly using a dry microfibre towel if required
  5. Reapply periodically for continued UV protection

Applications

  • Automotive interior protection
  • Exterior trim restoration
  • Marine detailing and maintenance
  • Rubber and vinyl conditioning
  • Outdoor equipment protection
  • Caravan and motorhome detailing

Benefits

  • Long-term UV protection for vulnerable surfaces
  • Non-greasy finish ideal for interior use
  • Helps maintain factory-fresh appearance
  • Safe across a huge range of materials
  • Suitable for automotive, marine and outdoor environments
  • Trusted by professionals and enthusiasts worldwide

HQ Suggests (Tips & Insights)

  • 💡 Excellent for maintaining black exterior trim without creating an overly glossy finish.
  • 💡 Ideal for convertible roof seals and rubber weather stripping.
  • 💡 Works particularly well on dashboards exposed to strong sunlight.
  • 💡 Regular application helps reduce long-term fading on marine seating and vinyl.
  • 💡 Always apply to clean dry surfaces for best durability and finish quality.

The 303 Aerospace Protectant is available now at our Ilkeston detailing store, where our team can advise on trim restoration, UV protection and interior detailing products. We also provide fast, reliable UK-wide delivery for enthusiasts and professional detailers.

More in Plastic & Vinyl Protectants.

Tracked UK delivery, or collect eligible orders from our Ilkeston store.

Secure checkout
  • Apple pay
  • Diners club
  • Discover
  • Google pay
  • Klarna
  • Maestro
  • Master
  • Paypal
  • Shopify pay
  • Unionpay
  • Visa

Key features

  • UV Protectant
  • Water-Based
  • Matte Finish
  • Silicone Free
  • Anti-Static

The Drivers HQ

Expert Notes

303 Aerospace Protectant is a water-based UV protectant for vinyl, rubber, plastic, gel coat, fibreglass, carbon fibre and finished leather. It dries to a clear matte finish rather than a wet shine, which suits dashboards, door panels, tyres and trim, and it is also used on boat seats, spa covers and patio furniture. 303 states it blocks up to 98% of UV radiation with proper, consistent use, and its anti-static finish repels dust and staining. The formula contains no petroleum distillates, alcohol, mineral oil or harmful silicone oils. Apply it to a clean, dry surface out of direct sunlight, then wipe completely dry, as it does not air dry. Pair it with a trim or interior cleaner and clean microfibre towels, and reapply every 30 to 45 days.

Perfect For / Suitable Surfaces

  • Dashboards and door panels
  • Tyres and exterior trim
  • Vinyl convertible tops
  • Vinyl boat seats and interiors
  • Hypalon inflatables and wetsuits
  • Spa covers
  • Outdoor patio furniture
  • Motorhome EPDM rubber roofs

Caution: Not for clear plastics, gauge panels, headlights, unfinished leather such as suede, canvas, fabrics or flooring. Keep overspray off glass, where it can leave cloudiness.

Technical Specifications

Product Type
UV Protectant
Brand
303
Available Sizes
296ml, 473ml, 946ml
Formula
Water-Based, Silicone-Free
Free From
Petroleum Distillates, Alcohol, Mineral Oil, Silicone Oils
Finish
Clear Matte, Non-Greasy
UV Blocking
Up To 98% With Proper, Consistent Use
Compatibility
Vinyl, Rubber, Plastic, PVC, Gel Coat, Fibreglass, Carbon Fibre, Finished Leather
Not For
Clear Plastics, Unfinished Leather, Canvas And Fabrics, Flooring, Gauge Panels, Headlights
Reapplication
Every 30 To 45 Days
Coverage
About 40 Sq Ft Per 473ml Bottle
Application Method
Spray On, Wipe And Buff Completely Dry

How To Use

Application

  1. Clean the surface and let it dry fully before applying 303 Aerospace Protectant.
  2. Work out of direct sunlight and lay a drop cloth under the item to catch overspray.
  3. Spray directly onto the surface or onto a clean microfibre towel.
  4. Spread it evenly, then wipe the area thoroughly and completely dry, as it does not air dry.
  5. Give it extra buffing to improve bonding, repellency and durability.

Aftercare

  1. If streaks appear, too much product was used, so remove the excess with a damp towel and buff dry.
  2. If streaks show after rain, wash the area with hot water, let it dry fully, then reapply and buff it completely dry.
  3. Reapply every 30 to 45 days to keep up UV protection.
  4. Remove any overspray on glass with hot water, a soft brush, then soap and water.
  5. Store the bottle closed and upright, away from heat and frost.

Top Tip: Buff until the surface feels dry to the touch, because leftover product is what causes streaks later.

Performance Benefits

  • Helps prevent fading and cracking
  • Restores lost colour and lustre
  • Repels smudges, soiling and staining
  • Reapply every 30 to 45 days
  • Treats vinyl, rubber and plastic
  • Spray on and wipe dry

Frequently Asked Questions

What sizes does 303 Aerospace Protectant come in?

It is available in 296ml, 473ml and 946ml bottles, which are the 10oz, 16oz and 32oz sizes in the 303 range. Every size holds the same water-based protectant.

What finish does it leave?

303 Aerospace Protectant dries to a clear matte finish with no oily or greasy residue. It restores colour and lustre without leaving a shiny film.

Which surfaces can I use it on?

303 lists vinyl, plastic, synthetic and natural rubber, PVC, finished leather, gel coat, fibreglass and carbon fibre. On a car that covers dashboards, door panels, tyres and trim.

Where should I not use it?

Do not use it on clear plastics, gauge panels, headlights, unfinished leather such as suede, canvas, other fabrics or flooring. 303 does not recommend it on fabrics because it is a water-based formula.

How long does one application last?

303 recommends reapplying every 30 to 45 days to keep up protection against UV. Wiping it completely dry and buffing well improves bonding and durability.

Does it contain silicone?

No, 303 states it contains no harmful silicone oils, petroleum distillates, alcohol or mineral oil. It is a water-based formula.

Why has it left streaks?

Streaks mean too much product was applied or it was not fully buffed in. Wash the area with hot water, let it dry fully, then reapply and buff completely dry.

Is it the same as 303 Automotive Protectant?

Yes, 303 states the protectant formula is the same and only the label changes with the market it is sold in. The benefits and application method are identical.

HQ Suggests Tips & Insights

  1. Clean the surface first so the protectant can bond properly.
  2. Apply in the shade on a cool, dry surface.
  3. Use a drop cloth when treating items near glass or flooring.
  4. Spray onto a microfibre towel for dashboards and door panels.
  5. Wipe until completely dry, as it does not air dry.
  6. Avoid woven or porous surfaces, which can trap product and streak later.
  7. Set a reminder to reapply every 30 to 45 days.
  8. Available online with UK-wide delivery or from our walk-in store in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.

The Brand

303

303 is a surface protection brand whose story began in 1980, when its founder saw that the aviation and aerospace industry needed a treatment to protect rubber and plastics against UV and ozone degradation. Its flagship Aerospace Protectant was originally engineered to protect aircraft rubber wing boots at high altitudes, and the range now covers protectants and cleaners for everything from cars and boats to outdoor furniture and gear. Since 2012, 303 has been part of Gold Eagle Co., the Chicago company behind STA-BIL, and the brand describes its products as Proven to Protect.

The Drivers HQ stocks 303 for the inside and outside of the car. Plastic, vinyl and rubber protection comes from Aerospace Protectant and Protectant Wipes. For paintwork there are the Automotive Speed Detailer and the Slick Shine Ceramic Detailer, and the Wheel & Tire Cleaner takes care of the wheels and tyres. Leather Cleaner and Leather Conditioner look after leather, and Multi-Surface Cleaner tackles stains.

303 suits drivers who want protection that is easy to apply, as well as detailers finishing off a full valet. After the wash, a quick detailer such as Speed Detailer or Slick Shine adds gloss and keeps the finish fresh between washes. Protectant then goes onto clean, dry dashboards, trim, tyres and seals, and 303 says it dries to a clean, matte finish with no slick residue. The leather cleaner and conditioner suit cars with leather seats.

Buy 303 from The Drivers HQ with tracked UK-wide delivery, or visit our walk-in store in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, where Click & Collect is free. Whether you are replacing a favourite bottle of Aerospace Protectant or putting together a full set of interior and exterior protection, you can order 303 alongside the rest of your detailing kit in one basket, and advice is available before you buy if you are not sure which product suits a surface.

Shop all 303
303 Aerospace Protectant (3 Sizes) - The Drivers HQ

From Aircraft Wing Boots to Cars

303 traces its story back to 1980. In Gold Eagle's announcement of the acquisition, the company explains that founder Dennis A. Praegitzer recognised that the aviation and aerospace industry needed something that did not exist: a protective chemical treatment for rubber and plastics that actually protected against UV and ozone degradation.

That need produced the product 303 still calls its flagship. The brand says Aerospace Protectant was originally engineered to protect aircraft rubber wing boots at high altitudes, and it describes today's formula as water-based and silicone-free, drying to a clear matte finish with no greasy film. The same UV protection is now used on dashboards, convertible tops, tyres and trim, as well as boat seats and patio furniture.

In 2012 Gold Eagle Co., the Chicago company behind STA-BIL, acquired 303 Products, and 303 is now presented on Gold Eagle's website alongside its other brands. The brand says its formulations undergo rigorous internal testing and have built over 40 years of field-tested trust, and it sums up its range with the line Proven to Protect.

303 GRAPHENE NANO SPRAY COATING 473ML - The Drivers HQ

Protectants, Coatings and Fabric Care

303 describes Automotive Protectant as delivering UV protection for a vehicle's rubber, vinyl and plastic surfaces, whether that is the dashboard, trim, tyres or weather seals. It dries to a clean matte finish and repels dust, dirt and stains, and the brand says one application gives protection for up to 30 to 45 days. 303 also stresses buffing it dry with a clean towel, because the product does not air dry.

For paintwork, 303 Graphene Nano Spray Coating is a graphene oxide based coating that the brand says protects for up to 12 months and lowers surface temperature to reduce hard water spots. It bonds without prior paint correction or decontamination, can be applied in direct sunlight and works on glass, wheels and trim as well as paint. Between washes, 303 Automotive Speed Detailer adds gloss, with anti-static properties and UV blockers in its formula.

303 Fabric Guard restores lost water and stain repellency to outdoor fabrics, and 303 says it is recommended by Sunbrella, the outdoor fabric manufacturer. On a car, the brand suggests spraying it on a convertible top's seams to prevent wicking, and it does not recommend it for a vehicle's interior fabrics. The Drivers HQ stocks 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner, which the brand says removes stubborn spots from coffee, oil, grease and ink, and the leather care products for the cabin.

  • Product AdviceAsk for help choosing compatible products and equipment.
  • Trade MembershipTrade Members get 10% off every product except sale items.
  • Shop in StoreBrowse products and speak to the team in Ilkeston.

Best Paired With

Customer Reviews

No reviews yet. Tell other drivers what you think of it.

HQ Rewards members who bought it earn 10 points for an approved review, 20 with a photo or video, whatever the rating. Review policy

    Write a Review

    Your rating

    NOT SURE THIS IS THE RIGHT ONE?

    Ask Before You Buy

    Tell us about the vehicle, surface, equipment or result you are working with. Advice is available before you buy, not only after something has gone wrong.

    Get Product Advice Visit the Ilkeston Store