Video · DIY Builds & Mods
How to Prevent UV Damage and Fading on Your Kayak
I show the cheap way I protect my kayaks from UV damage, fading and cracking, using 303 Aerospace Protectant.
What’s in this video
Kayaks are usually HDPE, HMWPE, LDPE or glassed composites like fiberglass and carbon fiber. Many have UV inhibitors built in, but they just aren’t very effective. Look on craigslist and you’ll see tons of faded used kayaks. I worked in plastics and rotomolding for marine products, and fading is a sign the plastic is degrading and losing flexibility, which is why faded kayaks often crack.
303 Aerospace Protectant is one of the cheapest things you can do to keep a kayak looking good and lasting longer. Spray it on and wipe it down with a rag. No oily residue. I’m not sponsored by 303, I just like the product.
Quick takeaways
- Built-in UV inhibitors in kayak plastic aren't very effective on their own.
- Fading means the plastic is degrading and losing flexibility, and that leads to cracks.
- 303 Aerospace Protectant goes on with a spray and a wipe and leaves no oily residue.
Gear from this video
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