3M Paint Defender Spray

[hapbob]

Garyd
I was just thinking why not use spray instead of film. I would have a real mess trying to put the film on and around all stuff on bike. This spray looks like it would be so much easier and if it protects then why not use it?
A so called no-brainer?
Hap

 

[GARYD]

ThumbUp

Garyd
I was just thinking why not use spray instead of film. I would have a real mess trying to put the film on and around all stuff on bike. This spray looks like it would be so much easier and if it protects then why not use it?
A so called no-brainer?
Hap

That's what I said earlier, the spray looks interesting and I may give it a try especially on compound curves. Don't know if I like all the pre-spray preperation like John mentioned. We'll just have to wait and see. But I will buy some. ThumbUp

 

[tom w]

I would be very interested in your results as mine is bare now and im trying to make up my mind which to use. film or spray

 

[john6858]

I would be very interested in your results as mine is bare now and im trying to make up my mind which to use. film or spray

The spray costs 25 plus tax and other prep(tape, cover sheeting etc is about 15. This covers where you want it and is much less expensive. You do have your time in it but I don't mind that. To me it was a no brainer!

 

[woodmnctry]

John --- several questions since u r now the lead "Sprayer"
Did u take the lowers off to spray them? -- would seem this would be the easy route on that part --- could also add the quick detach kit while I was doing this part.
Next question --- I am assuming several light layers will get the desired results --- that being to equal or exceed the mill thickness of the applied film material ---- not sure how one judges that???---
Also --- do you have to do in one day? and drying time between coats or just keep going with successive passes till u "feel" thick enough do understand the "do not overspray --orange-peel will result.
I am all over this spray concept as have not previously been thrilled with several "professional" film installs.
Dang -- 15 degrees and snowing here in CO
GO BRONCOS

G

 

[john6858]

John --- several questions since u r now the lead "Sprayer"
Did u take the lowers off to spray them? -- would seem this would be the easy route on that part --- could also add the quick detach kit while I was doing this part.
Next question --- I am assuming several light layers will get the desired results --- that being to equal or exceed the mill thickness of the applied film material ---- not sure how one judges that???---
Also --- do you have to do in one day? and drying time between coats or just keep going with successive passes till u "feel" thick enough do understand the "do not overspray --orange-peel will result.
I am all over this spray concept as have not previously been thrilled with several "professional" film installs.
Dang -- 15 degrees and snowing here in CO
GO BRONCOS

G

I did take the lowers off and they were the most labor intensive of all the other sprays as I disassembled them and taped the areas off that were in contact with the elements. Good info on their website to answer most questions. I did spray a bit more then what they stated to give it extra protection. You have a 10 mintute window to spray more applications. In this weather I have let my faring and other parts sit for a week now to "cure" You gotta use it to get experience with it as it does spray different than paint. It is a bit thicker.
http://3mauto.com/products/paint-defender

 

[bobknife]

Any one have problems with scuffing after they have this film applied the stuff harley davidson put on shows scuffs and cannot be buffed out just wondering if this spray is any better than what harley davidson uses? Fenders are all scuffed after very short time and this film harley davidson sells is very easy to boot scuffs and looks like crap due to touching with boots. IS the spray any better with boot scuffs?

 

[john6858]

Any one have problems with scuffing after they have this film applied the stuff harley davidson put on shows scuffs and cannot be buffed out just wondering if this spray is any better than what harley davidson uses? Fenders are all scuffed after very short time and this film harley davidson sells is very easy to boot scuffs and looks like crap due to touching with boots. IS the spray any better with boot scuffs?

I haven't had any issues with scuffing. You can wax the film but you are not supposed to use ammonia based cleaners.

 

[Sloufoot]

Any one have problems with scuffing after they have this film applied the stuff harley davidson put on shows scuffs and cannot be buffed out just wondering if this spray is any better than what harley davidson uses? Fenders are all scuffed after very short time and this film harley davidson sells is very easy to boot scuffs and looks like crap due to touching with boots. IS the spray any better with boot scuffs?

While the film doesn't buff out very well mostly because of what it is made of. It isn't paint, it is a softer form of a plastic or vinyl base. The thickness wouldn't let you buff away much either before there wasn't any film left.
The same with your paint. You can only buff out so much clear coat before there isn't any left. There comes the reason for a replaceable film. When it gets bad enough, replace it . You shouldn't have to replace the paint job unless the injury went through the film whether sprayed on or applied film.:Trike1:

 

[Hap]

Just checking in to see if anyone else has used the spray and like it!

I cant decide between the film and spray.
But I have to get something I think it Tried to scuff fender with boot just sitting on it in garage!
We still have winter here and wonder if it can be applied in 40ish degree temps. I have a heated garage but that's about the temp I keep it at. It can cure for several days...not riding anytime soon around here.
Thnaks for any inputs.
Hap

 

[Mr.Wizard]

Thinking a little more outside the box...

Why not tape off a thin area where the rear fenders meet the body.

Apply a good coat as a barrier to disallow grit, sand and small gravel from becoming an issue.

 

[GARYD]

Any one have problems with scuffing after they have this film applied the stuff harley davidson put on shows scuffs and cannot be buffed out just wondering if this spray is any better than what harley davidson uses? Fenders are all scuffed after very short time and this film harley davidson sells is very easy to boot scuffs and looks like crap due to touching with boots. IS the spray any better with boot scuffs?

I agree with what Sloufoot said.

I've had a trike since 2012 and many Ultras before that - not once did I scuff the saddlebags or the fenders. Maybe I'm just a bit more careful then most, especially since paying more then $32K for something. I realize a lot of people don't take care of their vehicles, but I do and try to keep them as new as long as possible. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't - accidents do happen.

I've been using 3M film for many years and love it. I buy it by the roll (50' of 24"
x 60" ) for about $50. I cut my own templates so I can make replacement pieces as needed. I just heard about the 3M spray on film. I will try that since it will be easier to cover compound curves a lot better then the film.

Like Sloufoot said, it's easier to replace the film than the paint.
You can't buff out soft plastic/rubber.

Hap, if it's anything like other spray cans, you shouldn't use it below 70*. Make sure you get the new type can. Earlier cans had a spattering problem. There is another thread here that discribes it.


If you want something that will prevent scuffs to the paint, install the %$#@ black fender bras.
Good luck.

 

[hapbob]

Thanks garyD
where can I buy film for $50
i like sound of spray but don't see that many people using it?
i feel the fenders need something and fast while it is new!
hap

 

[hapbob]

Thanks garyD
where can I buy film for $50
i like sound of spray but don't see that many people using it?
i feel the fenders need something and fast while it is new!
hap

Any updates on spray?
i need to do something
thanks

 

[john6858]

Any updates on spray?
i need to do something
thanks

I have mine on now since I posted pics and it is holding up well. I have cleaned it and even waxed it and so far so good. I will continue to use this product. The Harley dealer after looking at my trike is also impressed with it and several of the employees that own bikes are going to use it too. With that said, you need to make up your mind before road rash bites you

 

[HogAir]

Any one have problems with scuffing after they have this film applied the stuff harley davidson put on shows scuffs and cannot be buffed out just wondering if this spray is any better than what harley davidson uses? Fenders are all scuffed after very short time and this film harley davidson sells is very easy to boot scuffs and looks like crap due to touching with boots. IS the spray any better with boot scuffs?

You need to look into either XPEL or SunTek film for your trike. I've had the "Harley Junk" then 3M on mine and had scuffing with both.

Had my next door neighbor, who does film applications for a living, over one night and he put on XPEL Ultimate film on my trike and that was the end to scuff marks. It's self healing. Just leave it in the sun or you can pour warm water over it and the scuff marks just disappear. It works just like their video shows...

 

[woodmnctry]

You need to look into either XPEL or SunTek film for your trike. I've had the "Harley Junk" then 3M on mine and had scuffing with both.

Had my next door neighbor, who does film applications for a living, over one night and he put on XPEL Ultimate film on my trike and that was the end to scuff marks. It's self healing. Just leave it in the sun or you can pour warm water over it and the scuff marks just disappear. It works just like their video shows...

How well did this stuff mold over the round part and fender edges?-- problem we have previously experienced is getting the film (3M type) to mold or contour over the round edges such as the fender edges.
I have purchased and am ready to go with the spray --just need a bit of time and appropriate weather conditions although will be doing the deed inside the shop.

 

[HogAir]

Mine is wrapped from the pin striping on the outside edge around to the inside edge of the fender. My neighbor covers high end cars, Lambo's etc. with this stuff and has been doing it for years. I'm sure his technique has been developed over time. He did the fenders, side covers, and a small section of gas tank where my jeans scuffed the back end of the tank.

I guess I lucked out; as he doesn't fool with bikes and focuses on the high end cars. There is some crazy money spent out there for protecting them...

This film seems to have a lot more stretch than the HD or 3 M stuff that I had on before. Take a look online at the XPEL or the SunTek website. They both have self healing. The SunTek I think is a little less expensive. Here is a link to SunTek:

The scratch healing aspect blew me away when he demonstrated it. It will disappear on it's own in the sun in about 5 to 10 minutes or you can use a heat gun or warm water and speed up the healing process.

As for flexibility around curves, check out this guy wrapping a Porsche mirror.

 

[Jerry/MD]

Mine is wrapped from the pin striping on the outside edge around to the inside edge of the fender. My neighbor covers high end cars, Lambo's etc. with this stuff and has been doing it for years. I'm sure his technique has been developed over time. He did the fenders, side covers, and a small section of gas tank where my jeans scuffed the back end of the tank.

I guess I lucked out; as he doesn't fool with bikes and focuses on the high end cars. There is some crazy money spent out there for protecting them...

This film seems to have a lot more stretch than the HD or 3 M stuff that I had on before. Take a look online at the XPEL or the SunTek website. They both have self healing. The SunTek I think is a little less expensive. Here is a link to SunTek:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJaTGoDIQtU&feature=plcp

The scratch healing aspect blew me away when he demonstrated it. It will disappear on it's own in the sun in about 5 to 10 minutes or you can use a heat gun or warm water and speed up the healing process.

As for flexibility around curves, check out this guy wrapping a Porsche mirror.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciim0TvCjaI

Got totally frustrated with the 3M film yesterday. After fighting it for about 1.5 hours it went in the trash can. I proceeded to order the Defender Spray from Amazon. Should have it tomorrow.

I don't know what material Motorcycle Armor uses but it is far superior to the 3M film. Found it was much easier to install. My only concern was the lack of coverage on the fenders. So, hoping the spray gives me the results and protection I want. Stay tuned.....

Jerry

 

[trikermutha]

you have to have a lot of patience when applying the film. and keep working the soap/water out from under the film.
Looks like the self healing type uses hot water to shrink the film to get the scratches out probably do the same for other films out there..

I used the 3m film and took my time..Do it once the second piece of film is much easier..

Good Luck..