Originally Posted by sharding

I use Raggtopp. 303 has a product that is supposed to be pretty good too. I've never used the Griot's product Force-1 linked too, but I have a lot of other stuff from Griot's and have overall been happy with it.

Originally Posted by ronlarshammer

What is best method to care for weatherstripping?

Originally Posted by Jon'sS5

Sounds like a great color combination. I have a brown top on my Glacier White and really like it.

I hear lots of good things about 303 protectant. However, I asked the technical team at 303 a question regarding application, and got this detailed reply. 2011 is pretty new, I would think.

Synopsis: They do not feel a new top needs protectant.

Here is the reply:


HI Jon, thank you for the inquiry about your personal vehicle.

It the topping is “new” it does not need to be treated with anything, nor is doing so recommended. This applies to ALL outdoor fabrics.

Here’s text which will explain. Also answers your question about temperature, I believe, but if you have any questions after reviewing the following, please contact me.

Thank you for contacting 303 Products, Inc.
………………………………………………………………………………………

ALL* outdoor fabrics, INCLUDING automotive fabric convertible topping, come new
with a protective “fluoropolymer” fabric finish put on at the mill. The reasons
for this protective chemical finish are THREEFOLD:

1) To resist soiling. Treated fabrics stay cleaner much longer before soiling
(than untreated fabrics), and clean up easier when finally soiled.
2) To protect against indelible stains. Stains that otherwise would be
indelible, are usually quite easily removed from fabric because of this finish.
3) To provide and maintain water repellency.

No matter what type of outdoor fabric you have or what company manufactured it,
the protective fabric finish will diminish over time. Eventually routine care,
“cleaning and re-treating”, is required. An informed person will know when to
do this by observation....noticing the lessening and, if not done then,
inevitably the complete loss of water repellency. It is best to clean and
re-treat when diminished water repellency is first noticed. Don’t wait until
there’s no water repellency at all.

Diminishing water repellency is also the time at which when one starts to notice
soiling. Diminishing water repellency....often accompanied by the onset of
soiling….these are indicators that it is time to clean and “re-treat” the
outdoor fabric.

So, should one “treat” outdoor fabric when it is new? NO. It is not
recommended or necessary.