A.  This is a particularly appropriate question since latex (natural rubber) quickly degrades when exposed to UV light and ozone.

Yes, 303 Aerospace Protectant is the most effective UV screening and anti-ozonant protection for latex rubber.

Clothing used by kayakers and other white-water enthusiasts employ latex rubber seals at the cuffs and collar. Since 1991 Kokatat, one well known manufacturer, has treated the latex seals on their clothing with 303 Aerospace Protectant and have recommended it to their customers, even packing a sample of the product in Kokatat retail packages.

"Fit To Be Tied" is the California company that supplied the latex clothing used in the Batman movies (remember Cat Woman’s outfit?). Also, their black latex backdrops provided the dead flat-black background used in so many Batman movie scenes. Since 1989, "Fit To Be Tied" has treated all their latex merchandise with 303 Aerospace Protectant…again for the product’s lustrous, non-oily cosmetics and unparalleled UV screening and anti-ozonant properties.

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Q.  What is the Shelf Life of 303 Aerospace Protectant?

A.  If 303 Aerospace Protectant is protected from freezing it will retain its effectiveness 5 years or longer.  (It is best to store most surface treatment products at room temperature).

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Q.  Is 303 Aerospace Protectant safe for Plastic Windows?

A.  YES. Actually, better than just “good”, 303 Aerospace Protectant protects and dramatically extends the life of this clear vinyl windows.

On the vinyl windows in your convertible top, SUV soft-top, or boat enclosures, `303’ is the best thing you can do for plastic windows!

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Q.  What's the right way to maintain the plastic windows in my soft-top?
 
A.  The material used for the `plastic' windows in convertible tops, soft-tops, boat enclosures, etc. is a specialized type of vinyl called `Pressed Polished Sheets', or 'pressed poly'.  The material is actually two layers of non-colored vinyl laminated together under intense pressure and high heat.  This process squeezes out all the impurities and renders it perfectly clear.

This material is soft and easily scratched and is not made in rolls but in sheets, which are separated by paper.  Also known as `sheet goods', finished stock is always gently rolled and then stored and shipping standing vertically, never laid down. Pressed poly is known by its gauge - 20 gauge is made from two 10 gauge pieces, 40 gauge from two 20 gauge pieces, etc.

On clear vinyl plasticize loss and UV exposure cause embrittlement, yellowing and failure.  Like all vinyl, clear vinyl contains plasticizers (to keep it soft and pliable) and UV stabilizers (to retard UV degradation)

Clear vinyl loses its plasticizers much more rapidly than top-coated vinyl.  An UV protection added in the manufacturing process is less effective each day. Consequently, if clear vinyl windows on a vinyl soft-top are not properly cared for, they can fail within 2-3 years while the vinyl top itself will last for years longer.

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NOTE: We have attempted to include the most commonly asked questions re: Aerospace Protectant.  In the event you have an inquiry not covered in this forum or instruction sheet please contact us at contact us and we will respond directly to you. We are very interested in answering ALL questions, so please do not hesitate to ask!