MAXISTYLES
New member
I just found out about this product. 3M Auto: Products for People Who Love Cars looks awesome and I’m glad it’s from 3M. If this works there is no need for expensive clear bra. Has anyone used this product yet?
Spray-On Film Paint Protection!
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Leesburgcapsfan
New member
Interesting, wonder what the long term effects are?
I would imagine after a few years you could potentially see a difference in color in your paint between where it is and isnt.
I would imagine after a few years you could potentially see a difference in color in your paint between where it is and isnt.
Whiplash Willy
New member
That looks pretty sweet, but why do they say it only protects for up to 1 year. I wounder how it protects compared to the clear bra sheets, it seems thinner. Something to keep an eye out on..
MAXISTYLES
New member
Just ordered a can from Amazon. I will do my side mirrors first to see how easy it is and and how it looks. Once completed, if I'm happy with the outcome I will apply it to the front end. I'll probably end up getting carried away with it.
Renegad44
New member
3M installer told me to use one of those "Magic Erasers" to remove finger nail scratches from under the door-pulls, claims it won't harm paint, not sure how it will work, haven't had a need to use one yet.
Anyone tried this yet?
That does look like a nice product.
MAXISTYLES
New member
I wouldn't use magic eraser on any part of my truck, way too abrasive. I once used a magic eraser on the front door of my house that's painted semi-gloss and it scratched the tihs out of it. I think some cleaner wax will take care of your problem under the door handles.
eddiebx
New member
You're gonna end up spraying the entire car
ound:Please do post reviews once you've gotten to try it out, I am very curious if it will dry close to crystal clear and smooth like how it seems in the videos.
eddiebx
New member
I am not too anal when it comes to paint correction, but what I usually do is just use some of those very light abrasive "scratch remover" compounds in that areas and it get's rid of most of the finger nail markings. I'm talking about anything you can find off the shelf, like the 3M brand scratch remover. Then follow up with your choice of wax.
MAXISTYLES
New member
I don't think it will result in difference in the color of paint since the product is clear.
Renegad44
New member
Cool, thanks guys. Funny thing is my 2011 LE came with the 3M inside the door-pulls, and on the door edges. My wife's 2013 ES350 didn't. It did have full front end (3M) treatment, but door edges and door pulls, no 3M.
jascotx
New member
Last weekend I applied the spray on 3M Paint Defender film to my wifes car. Pretty straight forward, really. Just follow the instructions. I used the little trigger handle, and thought it was easier to maintain a smoother application rate. The few things I did learn are:
1. Don't spray heavy coats or try to build up a specific spot. This stuff seems to have some tendancy to liquify once applied, and will create runs as a result.
2. When you get to about half a can, the spray can creates this foam that will ultimately get on to the cars surface. The natural tendancy is to get it off ASAP, and I made the mistake of using my finger. DON'T do that. The instructions say to leave it alone, but if you just can't (like me) then blow it off with just a strong breath. You won't get it all, but what's left will liquify/blend. Obviously, its best to catch the foam before it hits the paint...if you can.
3. This stuff takes about a full 24 hours to dry. Just because it turns clear doesn't mean it has dried. So, don't touch it. My advice, prep (wax) and spray a test spot on the vehicle. Spray it last and use this spot to touch when you just can't resist the impulse to test it. Don't worry, if you use the wax as directed, the film comes off VERY easily. All you need is a fingernail. I removed my first attempt from a hood in about 10 seconds. Might explain why they say its only good for a year.
4. Durability-wise, can't say too much. I have the Xpel film on my 4Runner, and like it. It appears that the spray on Defender film is about half the overall thickness. Probably better than nothing at all, and I will stop there. Can't say more until it has been on the car for a while.
5. Don't try to apply additional coats over the dried film. I tried it, and it didn't go too well. Maybe I should have gone over the whole surface..but, just touching up a spot won't work.
6. Can't overstate it...DON'T TOUCH WHEN NOT FULLY CURED...for all of you fellow anxious people out there.
7. Would I do it again....yes. my opinion is that it will be worth the money and time invested. Is it better than the Xpel? No. But, you have to consider the cost difference too. I'm sure with some use someone smart will figure out a better application procedure that allows the spray to compete with the conventional films.
8. Overall, I was fairly impressed with the spray. Not hard to apply or remove if you aren't satisfied.
Hope this helps.
1. Don't spray heavy coats or try to build up a specific spot. This stuff seems to have some tendancy to liquify once applied, and will create runs as a result.
2. When you get to about half a can, the spray can creates this foam that will ultimately get on to the cars surface. The natural tendancy is to get it off ASAP, and I made the mistake of using my finger. DON'T do that. The instructions say to leave it alone, but if you just can't (like me) then blow it off with just a strong breath. You won't get it all, but what's left will liquify/blend. Obviously, its best to catch the foam before it hits the paint...if you can.
3. This stuff takes about a full 24 hours to dry. Just because it turns clear doesn't mean it has dried. So, don't touch it. My advice, prep (wax) and spray a test spot on the vehicle. Spray it last and use this spot to touch when you just can't resist the impulse to test it. Don't worry, if you use the wax as directed, the film comes off VERY easily. All you need is a fingernail. I removed my first attempt from a hood in about 10 seconds. Might explain why they say its only good for a year.
4. Durability-wise, can't say too much. I have the Xpel film on my 4Runner, and like it. It appears that the spray on Defender film is about half the overall thickness. Probably better than nothing at all, and I will stop there. Can't say more until it has been on the car for a while.
5. Don't try to apply additional coats over the dried film. I tried it, and it didn't go too well. Maybe I should have gone over the whole surface..but, just touching up a spot won't work.
6. Can't overstate it...DON'T TOUCH WHEN NOT FULLY CURED...for all of you fellow anxious people out there.
7. Would I do it again....yes. my opinion is that it will be worth the money and time invested. Is it better than the Xpel? No. But, you have to consider the cost difference too. I'm sure with some use someone smart will figure out a better application procedure that allows the spray to compete with the conventional films.
8. Overall, I was fairly impressed with the spray. Not hard to apply or remove if you aren't satisfied.
Hope this helps.
MAXISTYLES
New member
About $25.00 and you can probably do 2 bumpers.
MAXISTYLES
New member
I think it works good for what it is. Prep work was and is always a PITA. I rushed the spraying part somewhat and made few mistakes but, I can always just peel it off. I don't think this product will protect from larger stones but it will definetely prevent road rash and bug damage. Few shots of my mistakes attached. 3rd photo is to show that it's completely clear, no mistakes in that area.
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eddiebx
New member
I have a question for you guys that have used this...say if you didn't care about how it looks, do you still need to prep it carefully before spraying? I was thinking this could come in handy if you're going to go out on a long road trip, just spray it on and peel off all the dead bugs when you're done. But if prep work takes forever, it might be faster to just wash off the dead bugs, lol.
