DarthRider
08-26-2006, 07:30 PM
First, "303 Aerospace Protectant" (Link below). This is the stuff TorqueMonster Jeff told us about a while back when I was looking for UV protection for synthetic bike surfaces. There is really no way to tell how this works in the long run without elaborate testing, so I am more than willing to take Jeff''s word that it protects as it says. Here's what I do know:
It looks milky (like Armorall). You can spray or wipe it on, I use disposable foam paint brushes to waste less and avoid over-spray. I used it on all plastic and rubber on the Speedy. After it soaks in a drys, you wipe off the residue and it leaves a nice, nearly "wet-look" shine. It does not streak, even on instrument faces and shiny surfaces. The sheen looks much like Armorall or any of the black engine surface brighteners but does not have an oily or sticky residue.
On the new Sargent's saddle, it left it shiny too, but not slippery like Armorall. Tire sidewalls are black & shiny.
The instructions say it should be re-applied every 5 weeks or so. I applied it to Hoochie Mama! 6 weeks ago and it looks like I did it yesterday. But the bike has only been ridden maybe 10 times since then.
I would recommend this product as a detailing aid even without the UV protection. I've used dozens of things and this is as good as any and better than most for just "looking good."
I found the "303" at a large RV center but it is available on-line and from boat dealers also. I also applied it to 4 tires on my camper and 3 tires on my utility trailer. Best guess is the 32 oz. bottle will be ~6 month supply for 3 bikes and cost $20.00 at the high-priced RV center. If I continue to like it (I'm sure I will!) I will order the largest size next time and use it on many other things, like patio furniture, car interiors, camper body, and the cat.
I will take it on faith that it is protecting the surfaces as claimed. Hey, I was told it's good stuff by a rocket scientist!
Five stars!
The next is the spray-on, no-rub sun-blocker recommended by Wild Will. He recommended Banana Boat brand I believe, but all I could find was a very similar product by Coppertone. I got the kid's version as the SPF rating was higher. I have Vitiligo and must be VERY careful of UV exposure and was very concerned about my recent trip to Sturgis...3400 miles on the bike, plus 8 days standing on asphalt, in & out of direct sun all day...lots of exposure.
I won't use anything that is greasy. Period. This aerosol product goes on wet and dries very quickly with only a thin, transparent, non-oily "film" on your skin. You never have to touch it so it's quick & easy to re-apply during the day. This is the first one I have ever used *properly* for those reasons.
I was able to stay my (now) natural "light pink" rather than "dark pink" the whole time with this. I used it 14 straight days and still have some left, so it is economical, it cost under $9.00.
I sprayed it on my arms, neck, ears & hands but not in my face.
It claims both UVA & UVB protection, and I'm sure by now we all know better than that, but I'll take good UVB and a little UVA protection over nothing anytime! I carried it in the tankbag and used it every time we stopped and I "de-geared".
Four stars.
Last is L'oreal Comfort Max After Shave Balm with SPF 15 sun blocker. I bought this just as a creme after shave conditioner but took it on the Sturgis trip too. Each morning I'd start out with a liberal coating over all neck, ear & face surfaces. Rubs in quick, non-greasy and the smell is nice but not strong or real long-lasting. I re-applied several times a day.
On the road I carried it in a handy tank bag pocket and at every stop I would wash my face and reapply. I never did get the usual combination sun/wind burn I have *always* gotten before! Cost was under $5.00 and I have most of the bottle left.
SPF 15 is not a lot but I *used* it...and I'll take it.
Five stars!
Has anyone seen any research on the SPF protection of tinted helmet face shields? There must be some but I have no idea.
I hope we all are paying attention to protecting our skin from UV exposure. I've heard reports of FDA approval of a European Rx sunblocker that truly blocks UVA as well as B. There are no standards for UV product labelling in the US and many claim UVA protection but actually have none.
http://www.303products.com/tech/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=428&CFID=2591040&CFTOKEN=21766466
http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/90752542-L.jpg
http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/90752543-L.jpg
It looks milky (like Armorall). You can spray or wipe it on, I use disposable foam paint brushes to waste less and avoid over-spray. I used it on all plastic and rubber on the Speedy. After it soaks in a drys, you wipe off the residue and it leaves a nice, nearly "wet-look" shine. It does not streak, even on instrument faces and shiny surfaces. The sheen looks much like Armorall or any of the black engine surface brighteners but does not have an oily or sticky residue.
On the new Sargent's saddle, it left it shiny too, but not slippery like Armorall. Tire sidewalls are black & shiny.
The instructions say it should be re-applied every 5 weeks or so. I applied it to Hoochie Mama! 6 weeks ago and it looks like I did it yesterday. But the bike has only been ridden maybe 10 times since then.
I would recommend this product as a detailing aid even without the UV protection. I've used dozens of things and this is as good as any and better than most for just "looking good."
I found the "303" at a large RV center but it is available on-line and from boat dealers also. I also applied it to 4 tires on my camper and 3 tires on my utility trailer. Best guess is the 32 oz. bottle will be ~6 month supply for 3 bikes and cost $20.00 at the high-priced RV center. If I continue to like it (I'm sure I will!) I will order the largest size next time and use it on many other things, like patio furniture, car interiors, camper body, and the cat.
I will take it on faith that it is protecting the surfaces as claimed. Hey, I was told it's good stuff by a rocket scientist!
Five stars!
The next is the spray-on, no-rub sun-blocker recommended by Wild Will. He recommended Banana Boat brand I believe, but all I could find was a very similar product by Coppertone. I got the kid's version as the SPF rating was higher. I have Vitiligo and must be VERY careful of UV exposure and was very concerned about my recent trip to Sturgis...3400 miles on the bike, plus 8 days standing on asphalt, in & out of direct sun all day...lots of exposure.
I won't use anything that is greasy. Period. This aerosol product goes on wet and dries very quickly with only a thin, transparent, non-oily "film" on your skin. You never have to touch it so it's quick & easy to re-apply during the day. This is the first one I have ever used *properly* for those reasons.
I was able to stay my (now) natural "light pink" rather than "dark pink" the whole time with this. I used it 14 straight days and still have some left, so it is economical, it cost under $9.00.
I sprayed it on my arms, neck, ears & hands but not in my face.
It claims both UVA & UVB protection, and I'm sure by now we all know better than that, but I'll take good UVB and a little UVA protection over nothing anytime! I carried it in the tankbag and used it every time we stopped and I "de-geared".
Four stars.
Last is L'oreal Comfort Max After Shave Balm with SPF 15 sun blocker. I bought this just as a creme after shave conditioner but took it on the Sturgis trip too. Each morning I'd start out with a liberal coating over all neck, ear & face surfaces. Rubs in quick, non-greasy and the smell is nice but not strong or real long-lasting. I re-applied several times a day.
On the road I carried it in a handy tank bag pocket and at every stop I would wash my face and reapply. I never did get the usual combination sun/wind burn I have *always* gotten before! Cost was under $5.00 and I have most of the bottle left.
SPF 15 is not a lot but I *used* it...and I'll take it.
Five stars!
Has anyone seen any research on the SPF protection of tinted helmet face shields? There must be some but I have no idea.
I hope we all are paying attention to protecting our skin from UV exposure. I've heard reports of FDA approval of a European Rx sunblocker that truly blocks UVA as well as B. There are no standards for UV product labelling in the US and many claim UVA protection but actually have none.
http://www.303products.com/tech/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=428&CFID=2591040&CFTOKEN=21766466
http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/90752542-L.jpg
http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/90752543-L.jpg