303 vs DP Interior Surface Protectant - New test

[Angus]

I decided to run an updated comparison test to my original test (link to full write-up) since I may not have allowed for enough cure time before buffing the products in question.

As before, the interior section was cleaned with Detailer`s Pro Series Total Interior Cleaner (link to DP TIC review). I then taped out 2 columns and made a 3 row grid in order to test the difference in cure times/buffing @ 5, 10, and 15 minutes post application.


First up, 303 in wipe form:


Next up, Detailer’s Pro Series Interior Surface Protectant:
DP ISP was given a quick shake before use, and 1 shot was sprayed onto a clean foam applicator pad.:


Starting from the top, I buffed the first row after 5 minutes, second row after 10 minutes and the 3rd row after 15 minutes cure time and then removed the tape:

With flash:


This time around, the results are much closer and far less dramatic then my first comparison. Waiting 5, 10, and 15 minutes didn’t yield any variations. This is a good thing since you wouldn’t want different shades of product appearing after buffing.

There is however, still a difference:


From certain angles, 303 produced a darker finish then DP ISP.

For me the biggest take away is the need to wait at least 5minutes before buffing either excellent product. Since this was the interior of my wife’s car I decided to remove the test area completely and use DP ISP throughout as part of a long term test.

[cleanmycorolla]

Have you ever used a microfiber applicator to apply interior dressing? I may sound crazy but it changes the application process and the looks are different. Maybe I`m crazy but I notice it on my dash. When I use a microfiber applicator everything spreads far more even than foam for me.

[Angus]

Have you ever used a microfiber applicator to apply interior dressing? I may sound crazy but it changes the application process and the looks are different. Maybe I`m crazy but I notice it on my dash. When I use a microfiber applicator everything spreads far more even than foam for me.

You know, I haven`t tried a MF applicator for interior dressings like 303, or DP ISP. I have a few but use them exclusively for leather conditioning products - such as this one:


(pic from my leather conditioner review)

What sort of MF applicator do you prefer? I have another interior dressing review planned - this time BF Interior Protectant vs 303 vs DP ISP. So your tip is very timely.

[cleanmycorolla]

^^ I use those blue microfiber applicator "brick" style ones. Let me try and find you a link to it or something similar.

[dc52nv]

I also prefer the brick style MF applicator for interior dressings. Thanks for your review OP.

[Angus]

Where are you guys finding the brick style MF applicators locally? I stopped into Pep Boys this morning on the way to work and didn`t see any.

[Wors]

Where are you guys finding the brick style MF applicators locally? I stopped into Pep Boys this morning on the way to work and didn`t see any.

Many online detailing stores carry them. AG has a black brick one and smaller blue applicator. Autopia sells a smaller orange applicator

Microfiber Applicator Pads

I am sure Todd could get you the black or blue ones from AG if requested.

[Angus]

Many online detailing stores carry them. AG has a black brick one and smaller blue applicator. Autopia sells a smaller orange applicator

Microfiber Applicator Pads

I am sure Todd could get you the black or blue ones from AG if requested.

Cool, thanks for the tip Wors. I`m amazed this handy and inexpensive product is so hard to find locally.

Todd, just in case you`ve got a extra MF brick applicator laying around... I`d gladly accept it

[Ronkh]

Adding to the micro discussion.......

BIG difference if you wipe off with cotton v. micro. IMHO micro removes too much product where cotton leaves what it needs to. So again IMHO micro would probably spread thinner and more even

[wdmaccord]

I use 200 gsm MF towels folded in quarters for application. I always spray on the MF and not the surface to be protected. Maybe 4-5 shots to prime the MF for the first panel, then 1-2 for each panel after that. Because of the absorbancy of the MF, it does apply more evenly and less thick. This makes final dry buffing very painless and very few high spots to blend.

I don`t like to use the MF pad applicators because I`ve noticed the threads on the edge seem to unravel pretty easily...so the less the washes the better on those...at least in my opinion. I`ve use the indigo, green, and orange from AG/ACC and they all seem about the same.