Plastic Protectant Sprays

[The Spaceman_imp]

Two manufacturers have told me that typical plastic "protectant" sprays like Armor-All these bleach the color from their plastics and cause more harm than good.

The Givi rep at Daytona was adamant about it; he looked at me like I was peeing in his flower bed when I started spraying some Mother's on new side-bags they'd just installed. Then he said their products would look better and last longer if I just washed them.

I coated my last bike with the stuff right after I got it. I did everything down to the hoses and cables with the stuff. I did notice over the years that as soon as the spray coating wore off, the plastic, especially the roto-molded plastic like the case shells, looked faded. Other parts like rubber hoses looked ok though.

As a test, I've decided not to use the stuff on the CB or my new Mini Cooper. If it starts looking really awful without it, I'll start using it again.

Has anyone else heard that these chemicals are more harm than good?

you don't need chemicals to protect the look of your bike/accessories. they do more harm than good. Most plastic products now incorporate "anti UV elements," a few micron chem dressing worn out quickly. All reside on the quality of parts to keep look new

Wax is no longer applicable on top of clear coat on paint, especially 2 parts poly-urethane, but it still sells due to marketing

FWIW I bought a new car in 2000. It's never been waxed. It's never been garaged but has been kept outdoors under a cover. The paint looks as good as the day I took it home, minus the few inevitable minor scratches from parking.

FWIW I bought a new car in 2000. It's never been waxed. It's never been garaged but has been kept outdoors under a cover. The paint looks as good as the day I took it home, minus the few inevitable minor scratches from parking.
This is the third or fourth time I've heard that clear-coated cars don't need wax. The problem is: I've seen lots of newer cars with the clear coat gone and faded paint remaining. FL does have pretty brutal sun; maybe other areas aren't as hard on the finish. I'll keep waxing my bikes and cars regardless. I like the way they look when waxed, and the wax makes it a lot easier to wash off love-bugs and other crap.

I'm about to peel off my first attempt at using 3M Defender spray. After a few months it looks like crap. I still have a full can and about 1/3 can, so I'll try again and see if a heavier coat works better.