3M Paint defender kit
 

Anyone try the 3M paint defender kit on the rear fender flares? This is a new product that you can spray on a clear film to protect the paint from rock chips and other road trash. It can be peeled off if needed.

There are a couple of recent threads on this.

Mesa Dave brought this stuff to my attention and I'm thinking I'll give it a try.

I did some research and I think im gonna give it a try and see how it works on my trip this weekend.

Update with your results please!
 

Please update with your results. I'm interested to know if the stuff can help protect. An important aspect is peeling it off after it's been pelted with rocks and sand.

Thanks,
Xack

I have it on the work bench, but haven't applied it yet. :rolleyes: Been busy. %/

Here's the manufacturer's info. 3M Paint Defender System: Benefits - 3M Auto Text and video stuff.

David

I've used something similar but it comes in black and it was from Griot's. Had it on for over 2 years and decided to remove it with no problem at all, just peeled up an edge and off it came. I reapplied it a little thicker this time and it's still on.

There are quite a few detailed reviews on Amazon, and they are mostly positive.

My major concern over this type of temporary product is if you do get a stone hit that fractures the paint through the film, when you pull the film off, will the chipped paint come off with it? If so it seems all this does is postpone the inevitable touch up. Can anyone comment on any experience with this?

How long can the 3M Paint Defender be left on the paint - a couple years?

Hi Dan,

I have been reading about this product and 3M states protection for "at least a year". I didn't see any specifics about a maximum time it can be left on but that wording implies it should last that long and maybe longer, so I called 3M and was told that after about a year, it will start to yellow. I asked if the yellowing was due to age or sun exposure and the rep I spoke with wasn't sure (I appreciated the honesty). We both guessed that sun exposure would be the biggest cause of yellowing. So, it is likely that it would look good longer on Cobras since they typically aren't daily drivers. Only time will tell since it is a new product.

I had a film installer recommended by XPEL come and look at my car and he's working a quote up for their "self-healing" film for my fender flares and doors. He's concerned about all the curves in the front, so I'm thinking of using this 3M product if positive reviews keep coming in. You are right to be concerned about still getting stone chips. I watched test videos on both XPEL and 3M's site where a machine pelted the products with gravel. The XPEL protected surface had no marks after they peeled off the film, the 3M Paint Defender protected surface had a few nicks, but looked significantly better than the half of the test surface with nothing on it. 3M publishes that Paint Defender provides about 80% the protection of films.

Regards,

Kevin

3M Auto SuperShield Transparent Paint Protection
 

Had 3M SuperShield Film professionally installed on my Backdraft Cobra about 3 years ago. No yellowing as of 5000 miles. Watched installation.
Some of the curves were a real challenge even by a seasoned installer. No stone nicks from my Goodyear Billboards. Very happy with the product. Hard to tell it's even there. Auto SuperShield handled the installation in Boca Raton, Florida. At the time they traveled around the United States doing applications at dealers. http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...s/IMG_2067.png

OK

I am applying the 3m spray defender. Here is what I have learned so far. Cost $30 ish. Spray plus handle. I did not buy the mask and tape kit. I learned the product tends to drip and spit at the nozzle. So after the first clump hit the car is started wiping the nozzle. The can sprays thick so watch for sags! It also seems milky my car is dark blue but two hours in seems a funky blu-ish color. Gonna post pics and then tommorw show the result. I am doing this tonight. The base paint on the car is Toyota Lexus Mica blue and is polished down to near perfect. So we will see the qualty/flattness of the coat in a bit. pics to follow

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/pict...ictureid=10124
note the milky stripes
http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/pict...ictureid=10123

So the results will be posted in the am. I am doing this in 85degrees and 40% humidity according to my shop gauges. Gotta love south Texas

3M Paint Defender Kit
 

Just had EXPEL installed on my Cobra. Turned out great but very important to use a very experienced installer.

I want something on front of Backdraft 874. Luckily, the leading edge of rear fenders was already protected by dealer-installed 3M.

A local installer has done paint protection on lots of more expensive cars but I am leaning towards buying a kit from Jay at Vintage and letting local guy do it.

Any caveats or warnings?

Thanks,

Russell

Ok here is what I learned about the 3m paint defender spray can stuff. Its spray can splatters, goes on milky and rather thick does not seem prone to run or drip. The product claims 4 hrs to dry. It took almost 10 in 80 degrees and 35-40% humidity. But the slow drying time allowed the orangepeel look to flow out. When you remove the tape edge the plastic/rubber wants to come up with the tape. It leaves a rough edge. I let that sit for an hour then wiped with a microfiber towel and the rough edge came right off. It seems about a half as thick as the 3m vinyl sheet stuff I have used in the past. The edge is not as noticeable. I also had a test panel that I sprayed and then I tore some (not all) of the paint defender and recoated. I wanted to see if the paint defender stuff could be touched up. The answer was yes. Overall result is a very clear, smooth surface. I have no idea how long it will last or what it can take as far of abuse-but will update in a week or two.