3M Paint defender
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Larz
- Moderator
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- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2013 8:55 pm
- Car: 2019 Q70-L RWD
- Location: Ft Lauderdale, Florida
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Re: 3M Paint defender
Well after 90 views, no responses so you, sir may be the very first one in here to try it! If you do this project, please post some pictures and include any install tips you learned whilst applying it. Thanks !
Re: 3M Paint defender
Will do.
Re: 3M Paint defender ...TRIED IT
Well I tried it.
Drove to Autoquest and picked up the 3M Paint Defender Kit. Read the directions and had to wait about 8 hours for the hood to cool off.
Point one: buy the product a day before
Read the directions a couple of times, watched the video and a couple of You tube pieces also...
I am not an expert nor am I a klutz but the result is not what I hoped.
I do not have a smooth nor a uniform finish. I applied the product inside with my garage door opened as I had to have the car half in and half out of the garage as it is a real tight space. I recommend a totally enclosed space. There is no way this can be accomplished outside. I read and re-read the directions and although there are sections that are smooth there are other sections of the hood that are dimpled (like the skin of an orange). The directions stated you have 10 minutes to re-do spots you missed.
Clogging: I tried not to keep having the spray on and off often as the directions say that is a way to avoid the spray getting clogged. However, a blob about the size of an eraser ended up in two different places and I had to clear the spray by blowing on it to avoid any build up.
Too bad you cannot apply a second coat like when you paint a wall to correct sections and shape it up. I think a second coat would have fit the bill with this product but you cannot do that as you have 10 minutes to respray and if you are doing this for the first time there is no way to "get it right" at least for me. Maybe after curing the appearance may improve. I will not be driving the car for a couple of days. If need be I'll update. Bottom line is I cannot recommend this for the average DIY'selfer.
I wanted extra protection for an upcoming one week business trip around the state and I hope I still get some protection. Right after the trip I am going to remove it as it doesn't look good.
The concept is a good one but there is no way for an average do it yourselfer to get the finish our cars deserve IMO.
Drove to Autoquest and picked up the 3M Paint Defender Kit. Read the directions and had to wait about 8 hours for the hood to cool off.
Point one: buy the product a day before
Read the directions a couple of times, watched the video and a couple of You tube pieces also...
I am not an expert nor am I a klutz but the result is not what I hoped.
I do not have a smooth nor a uniform finish. I applied the product inside with my garage door opened as I had to have the car half in and half out of the garage as it is a real tight space. I recommend a totally enclosed space. There is no way this can be accomplished outside. I read and re-read the directions and although there are sections that are smooth there are other sections of the hood that are dimpled (like the skin of an orange). The directions stated you have 10 minutes to re-do spots you missed.
Clogging: I tried not to keep having the spray on and off often as the directions say that is a way to avoid the spray getting clogged. However, a blob about the size of an eraser ended up in two different places and I had to clear the spray by blowing on it to avoid any build up.
Too bad you cannot apply a second coat like when you paint a wall to correct sections and shape it up. I think a second coat would have fit the bill with this product but you cannot do that as you have 10 minutes to respray and if you are doing this for the first time there is no way to "get it right" at least for me. Maybe after curing the appearance may improve. I will not be driving the car for a couple of days. If need be I'll update. Bottom line is I cannot recommend this for the average DIY'selfer.
I wanted extra protection for an upcoming one week business trip around the state and I hope I still get some protection. Right after the trip I am going to remove it as it doesn't look good.
The concept is a good one but there is no way for an average do it yourselfer to get the finish our cars deserve IMO.
-
Larz
- Moderator
- Posts: 2894
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2013 8:55 pm
- Car: 2019 Q70-L RWD
- Location: Ft Lauderdale, Florida
- Contact:
Re: 3M Paint defender
I'm sorry to hear that after all your hard work it didn't work out as you hoped. I remember reading somewhere that products like these work best only on a surface that has been completely re-surfaced (not the word I'm looking for). It has to be in pristene condition like when a body shop does a wet sand, a clay bar, and polish and then sprays it with a professional sprayer.
I was contemplating using one of those protective films but decided not to as it will lock-in whatever imperfections are present when it's applied. I was hoping this product would be different.
I was contemplating using one of those protective films but decided not to as it will lock-in whatever imperfections are present when it's applied. I was hoping this product would be different.
Re: 3M Paint defender
At least I will be able to remove it when done. If not I can assure you 3M will be on the hook for a new paint job.
I took pretty good care of the paint job. I have had the car since Jan 1 ( 2013 M37). Only one small chip on the hood. Regular Meguiars system of compounding. polishing and waxing. The area looked pretty good after the waxing with the 3M supplied wax.
I think what we as owners need to do is "demand/expect" a more durable paint job from the factory. The law requires a 2.5 mile crash sustainability on the bumpers. It's not there!!! Sometimes a little kiss on a bumper causes an annoying blemish.
The manufacturers are going as "thin" as they can. Will not be too long when compounding, polishing and waxing will be good for only so many times before you polish the paint job away. Let's boycott
I took pretty good care of the paint job. I have had the car since Jan 1 ( 2013 M37). Only one small chip on the hood. Regular Meguiars system of compounding. polishing and waxing. The area looked pretty good after the waxing with the 3M supplied wax.
I think what we as owners need to do is "demand/expect" a more durable paint job from the factory. The law requires a 2.5 mile crash sustainability on the bumpers. It's not there!!! Sometimes a little kiss on a bumper causes an annoying blemish.
The manufacturers are going as "thin" as they can. Will not be too long when compounding, polishing and waxing will be good for only so many times before you polish the paint job away. Let's boycott
Re: 3M Paint defender UPDATE
After 2 months I decided to remove the film...OUCH!!!!
This does not remove like the website and literature lead you to believe. If you apply it correctly it might come off in one piece but if not and IMO most DIY'ers will not , it is a real challenge to take all those little pieces off. Anyone interested in a half can
A good idea but not, I repeat NOT for the average do it youselfer.
This does not remove like the website and literature lead you to believe. If you apply it correctly it might come off in one piece but if not and IMO most DIY'ers will not , it is a real challenge to take all those little pieces off. Anyone interested in a half can
A good idea but not, I repeat NOT for the average do it youselfer.