UVR is a paint film surface's greatest enemy (besides acid rain, bird / bug excrement) causing more damage than any other airborne contaminant and affecting the interior and exterior of a vehicle, the light in this spectral range is responsible for photo degradation. However ultra violet radiation (UV) absorption leads to chain degradation and loss of strength as it breaks the molecular bonds on polymer binder systems (i.e. plastics, paint resin (binder) system and rubber). Once its molecular bond has been compromised materials are more susceptible to oxidation, UVR damage also increases the rate of oxidation. In addition, many pigments and dyes absorb UV and change colour UV inhibitors are often not added to formulas because they are expensive additives and difficult to add to silicone (which most car care products contain). Some companies put a miniscule amount of UV inhibitors in their waxes so that they can claim UV protection. Problem is that you could not get enough UV absorbing chemical in a wax product that would provide beneficial protection at the extremely thin layer that is left on the vehicle. Essentially, the clear coat or base colour coat paint must contain the effective UV protection. No wax that you apply will provide any amount of beneficial UV protection. This barrier is all that stands between the environmental contaminants (ultra violet radiation, acid rain, ozone, industrial pollution, rain, road dirt and tar, etc) and the paint film surface and this renewable barrier is probably less than 0.000001-inch (0.001 Mil) thick. Most natural Carnauba waxes are optically clear (or as near as possible), which will allow ultra violet (UV) radiation to pass through the applied protection. Carnauba wax doesn’t have a natural UV protection, to provide UV protection requires a reflective shield, that blocks sunlight, and then you lose clarity, which we were striving for by using a clear paint surface protection in the first place. •Carnauba waxes, contrary to popular belief and / or marketing do not contain natural UV protection; the oils (usually silicone in most products) make it very difficult to add the UV inhibitors. •Polymers (acrylics, etc) resist UV degradation very well due to their very high light refractive index, which means that the majority of the light spectrum (including UV) is being rejected from the surface rather than being allowed to penetrate into the paint. So they are somewhat immune and absorb very little ultra violet radiation, and hence UV energy does not damage them To provide UV protection there are a few choices, use a UVR protectorate (303™ Space Protectant) on top of the wax, parking the vehicle in the shade away from the sunlight or use a car cover An extract from one of a series of in-depth detailing articles © TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2008, all rights reserved.
Hmm, I'll give the 303 a try on top of the wax! DO you just mist it on wipe, and buff to remove? Kind of like a quick detailer?
[Hmm, I'll give the 303 a try on top of the wax! DO you just mist it on wipe, and buff to remove? Kind of like a quick detailer? ] Product Application (303 ™ Space Protectant) spray product onto a micro fibre towel, gently wipe surface working from the centre outwards, ensuring that the surface is cool to the touch; the surface to be protected should be damp, not saturated with the product. Use a clean, dry cloth and agitate to ensure the protected surface has an even covering. After application allow 60 minutes for product to cure, then using a clean micro fibre towel to lightly buff surface (this product does not air-dry) Streaking (No, not the kind you see at Rugby matches) ensure you are not using too much product; a thin layer is all that's required. Be sure also that your applicator is clean and has not become saturated. In general, a quick wipe down with a microfiber towel should remove the excess and eliminate it
