Armorall questions

[robertearl]

Does armorall really do any good as far as helping vinyl to not crack or does it just make it look shinny and make you feel better?


Reb

 

[Teken]

If you had asked this exact same question 10 years ago, my suggestion would be to run . . . And use another brand, because their old stuff once it wore off turned anything it was applied to brown!

Now, there new stuff is pretty decent. But keep in mind do not use their one specific product on your dash board which has a high sheen, as it will make you go blind might quick!

Regards

EVIL Teken . . .

 

[sgrammel]

I'd still run. There are far better products out there.

 

[Matt M PA]

I know there's lots of conflicting reports....but as a retentive detailer....

For years, ArmorAll was oil based. Recently, the white bottle regular old ArmorAll went to a water base.

IMHO....an oil based rubber, vinyl or plastic product is not good for what they are supposed to protect.

Aerospace 303 is likely the best product of it's type. They have all sorts of test results on their site, and it is widely known as the leader. Zaino also makes a very good tire dressing that is also water based.

So, to answer the question more directly. I'd avoid any oil based products. Some believe the oils actually harm the plastic/vinyl/rubber over time and cause dryrot and cracking.

A product like 303 has a UV guard, and is beneficial. I'd suggest that the "normal" white bottle ArmorAll is safe, and likfey a help too....but the others with oils...I'd avoid. They only make a shine. Again....IMHO.

 

[kartracer23]

I like 303 as well. You can get it at boat stores - just be ready for sticker shock. And, whatever you do, clean the plastic / vinyl first - 303 is not a cleaner, but a dressing. It will last so much longer on a clean surface than a dirty one.
303 claims to have UV protection. Does it? I dunno. Has never screwed any of my stuff up though. I'm not real keen on it for leather, but most other surfaces it's ok. It can get a bit slick. I prefer the Zaino Leather products for seats (but they're not really leather anyway).

 

[SGKent]

back in the 1970's I used Armorall. My dashes cracked before my friend's did who didn't use it. Someone said use Lemon Oil. Don't people use oil to cook? It didn't work either, besides, every lemon oil bottle I've ever had that was vinyl or plastic hardened - so did the Armorall containers. So now we do the best thing - we park in the shade where ever and when ever possible.

 

[Zrexxer]

I have no idea how it's formulated or it's relative merit compared to all the thousand other products out there, but I've been using Meguiar's "Natural Shine" Vinyl & Rubber Protectant, and I've been happy with it. It's not so greasy-shiny-glossy looking as some of the competition, and it's readily available at a number of local sources. Just my $0.02.

 

[Scout Driver]

Seen and heard too much bad about Armor-all over the years. Everything from discoloring to cracking. Myself, I use Meguiar's Natural Shine. Meguiar's Gold Class Protectant will do the same job, just with more gloss. We have used the Meguiar's in everything from our show cars to our tractors and combines. Great product line.

Scott

 

[sinjin]

303 protectant all the way. Love the stuff. No scientific results other than my opinion. Works well for me. Never used it on leather tho.

 

[Matt M PA]

I too like Zaino's Leather products....very good indeed.

In most cars, the leather is spray dyed....and you could use 303. (One way to find out is to allow a drop of water onto the leather. If it sinks in....it's not spray dyed)

 

[rwhite692]

Another vote here for 303 protectant, hands down it is the best stuff. I have never seen anything near as good at protecting vinyl and rubber from the elements.

The guys at Disney use it exclusively on all of the vinyl seating and the rubber tubes on the flume / typhoon lagoon rides, etc, they have tested everything to increase the lifespan of vinyl and rubber items that are constantly exposed to the sun and determined 303 to be the best.

Read more here:

http://www.303products.com/shop303/index.cfm/category/65/303-aerospace-protectant.cfm

 

[HOTFR8]

I used to use Armor All but have to say I changed over to 303 years ago and find it a far better product.

 

[SILVERPLATE]

Thats a product I do not allow in our garage. While everyone has something they really like we are Zaino users.

 

[mikevango]

armorall can also become moldy.

 

[Daves69]

http://www.303products.com/

 

[cravingspeed]

303 also has free samples, just pay for shipping.

http://www.303products.com/shop303/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.display&page_id=34

 

[JOECOOL]

I agree with not allowing it in the garage. Years ago I was preparing a 63 split window Corvette for paint. My daughter and her boyfriend decided to clean up his car and pulled it next to my garage . with both garage doors open they washed waxed,vacuumed, and armoralled inside and out. They used the Corvette to rest and dry their towels and containers . I ended up stripping the whole car after trying everything possible. The fisheyes were unbelievable.
Armorall, teflon tape,and chopsaws are not allowed on my property period.

 

[rburke65]

Why not a chop saw??

 

[Auzivision]

I’ve had decent luck with Lexol Vinylex, but will definitely try the 303 products. I love Zaino for tires and leather as well as for polish and sealant.

Another little know secret is Rejex. Great from rims and lower sections for keeping brake dust, bugs, and tar at bay. It’s not the glossiest (like Zaino or Groitts products), but it last much longer and offers better protection.

http://www.rejex.com/

 

[Stuart in MN]

I used to use Armor All all the time back in the 1970s, and I don't recall ever seeing any long term damage from it. I can tell you that using it on a motorcycle seat is not a good idea - that stuff is slippery. Nowadays I generally use Lexol, but I agree that 303 is as good or better.

 

[Zrexxer]

Why not a chop saw??

Why didn't I think of that! MUCH better than Armorall for your dash!

 

[nate379]

I usually just use a rag with Windex, Fantastic, 409, etc, etc on my stuff. I have no desire to make it look like I smeared butter all over the dash.

 

[porschedude996TT]

I have used Armor-All for years. Used it on a Car Bra for a year or so and sent it back under a warranty for a de-lamination problem. The outer skin of the vinyl came loose from the cloth backing. They said I had used Armor-All on the product. At the time they didn't warn people about it and they gave me a new Bra. New one had a warning on the outer plastic wrap that said "Use only Formula 303". I bought some and have used on most everything I own that requires dressing. Except my salad...LOL

 

[rwhite692]

I usually just use a rag with Windex, Fantastic, 409, etc, etc on my stuff. I have no desire to make it look like I smeared butter all over the dash.

303 Protectant is used to mitigate the effects of Ultraviolet light degradation of UV sensitive materials. None of the cleaning products you mention provide UV inhibitors. If 303 is used sparingly, you do not get the overly wet appearance that you are seeking to avoid.

 

[nate379]

Not too worried about it. I wipe down the dash maybe once a year so the dust, wood chips, bugs, etc do a pretty good job of keeping the UV away

 

[bazzateer]

At first glance I thought this was going to be about 'amoral' questions!

Sadly I was mistaken.

 

[stinkythings.com]

Perfect timing for this topic. I was going to find a detailing forum to research vinyl protectants. You guys did the work for me..


From what I remember reading years ago, Armor All was used as a release agent for plastic from its mold. It left a nice shine and it was inexpensive.. hence the birth of Armor All.

 

[mikeceli]

In 1986, I applied Armol-All to the UNCRACKED dash of my 1965 lincoln.

Two weeks, or so, later the dash was cracked. I never used AA again.