Armor all or not?

I want to armor all my dash and door linings, but I like the matte finish they have. Is there anything you guys know of that will not make the material all shiny, or what do you use?

 

just noticed we have a "detailing" forum - sorry!

 

Armor All is shiney at first...but never stays shiney. Atleast, never did for me.

 

NO!

Armor-All is death to vinyl. When I bought a tonneau cover for my last truck, they specifically disclaimed warranty if it was ever armor-alled. Wife had the armor-all treatment done at a local car wash and within months the soft parts on the dash had cracked. That was aside from the fact that they did a leather steering wheel making it difficult to steer. They also did the steps on the running board which made it dangerous to stand on them.

Armor-all is intended to use on rubber, though why anyone would want to lubricate their tires is beyond me. I prefer the traction that the tire manufacturers designed into the rubber compound.

Besides, a nice shiny dash will reflect in the windshield and obstruct vision. There's a reason it is a nice flat texture. If you want something to protect other vinyl surfaces, use something intended for vinyl like 303.

 

+1 for the 303.
Armor All will not do anything good for your car except make it REALLY shiney for a few days....Then it'll still be greasy and start to make a cracked faded mess out of your dash.

 

They do make an armor-all that has a Matt finish.

I prefer not to us it though, I bought a mini California duster, best thing since sliced bread.

 

Why would you even think of using armour all on a tonneau is beyond me. They make specific products for covers (eg. tonneau tonnic). I use armour all in every vehicle I have owned and have never had any problems. I also use 303 aero on the dull finishes or anything that may sit in the sun. As for tires, you make it sound like your armour all your tread?! Using it on the outter walls won't affect your "traction compound". It will however start turning your tires that ugly brown color.

 

I use it on everything. Its just a matter of keeping up on it after you apply. And never put it on your steering wheel

 

I didn't. Just sayin'.

Again, not me. One time when we got our Miata serviced, the dealer slopped enough tire dressing on the tire to get on the tread. Next spirited turn, the rear stepped out a lot more than I expected. It certainly did affect traction, but probably the result of sloppy application.

 

X2. Been using it for years (20+?) and never a problem. Apply evenly and work it in with some elbow grease. A second application on virgin surfaces helps too.

 

Damn

 

303.

I use it on my access cover when I wash my truck too.

 

I never use armorall anymore. I prefer Turtle Wax interior car care now.

 

Here, take a look - not just rubber.
http://www.armorall.com/products/vi..._id=8&main_group=1&category_index=protectants

Where to Use:
Dashboards
Vinyl Seats
Door Panels
Consoles
Tires/Trim
Bumpers

Never trust anyone else to put that stuff on your vehicle. Do you really know for sure it's ArmorAll?

I've used ArmorAll on my tonneau covers, dashes, etc for years without any problems.

 

What is this 303 you speak of?

 

http://www.303products.com/

(Hint: Google is your friend. )

 

303. I wouldnt dare let a bottle of armor-all anywhere near my truck. It has bad news written all over it.

 

damn guys - I didnt mean to start a fight!

 

303 and plexus

 

I used that crap on a vinyl bench seat once a long time ago. I couldn't even drive the truck until I cleaned it off. I would jump in and slide all the way to the passenger seat.

I don't like the look it leaves either, all oily and greasy looking.
It looks to me like the owner is trying to hide something.

Like when I go to used car lots and the engine compartments look like they have been sprayed with Pam. It's obvious they were filthy before.

I use soft rags and plain water on my dash and interior and Simple Green on the engine. I prefer the flat look of the stock interior.