3M Paint Defender Spray

[HogAir]

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..

Just for reference, the hot water used in that video was to speed up the healing time for the video. It's heat that heals it. I have not needed anything to heal mine but some time in the sun. This past weekend my wife did a pretty good test on mine and after 15 minutes parked in the sun you couldn't see it at all . When I watched him put it on it defiantly stretches around curves better that the Harley or 3M stuff I had on the scoot.

[Jerry/MD]

Well, received the 3M Defender Spray today and fenders are done. Gotta say the process is pretty easy. Take your time and mask per the instructions and all is good. Now I have full coverage along the edges the film could not protect. All in all, this method is far easier than the film. Time will tell how it holds up to abuse.

Jerry

[GARYD]

Thanks, Jerry for the review. I've used the 3M film before, but would really like to try the spray on stuff.

[Jerry/MD]

Thanks, Jerry for the review. I've used the 3M film before, but would really like to try the spray on stuff.

GARYD,
I am really impressed with the appearance of the spray on finish. Looks like a nice heavy clear coat over the paint...and the natural color shines through. Plus, no tall edges like the film. I also found it much easier to apply. It does take some prep due to the masking...but I found the whole process quicker than the film. I merely followed the written directions and got good results.

I'm wondering if the 3M film I ordered based on your recommendation was the wrong stuff. Sure seemed thicker and harder to work with than the material I had from Motorcycle Armor. Normally I'm a pretty patient person, but that stuff had me totally frustrated.

Jerry

[john6858]

GARYD,
I am really impressed with the appearance of the spray on finish. Looks like a nice heavy clear coat over the paint...and the natural color shines through. Plus, no tall edges like the film. I also found it much easier to apply. It does take some prep due to the masking...but I found the whole process quicker than the film. I merely followed the written directions and got good results.

I'm wondering if the 3M film I ordered based on your recommendation was the wrong stuff. Sure seemed thicker and harder to work with than the material I had from Motorcycle Armor. Normally I'm a pretty patient person, but that stuff had me totally frustrated.

Jerry

It's been 3+ months and mine is holding up well. I clean it and even wax it and still looks like the day it was applied. I like the results thus far. No evidence of any penetration in the film from debris or critters.

[GARYD]

GARYD,
I am really impressed with the appearance of the spray on finish. Looks like a nice heavy clear coat over the paint...and the natural color shines through. Plus, no tall edges like the film. I also found it much easier to apply. It does take some prep due to the masking...but I found the whole process quicker than the film. I merely followed the written directions and got good results.

I'm wondering if the 3M film I ordered based on your recommendation was the wrong stuff. Sure seemed thicker and harder to work with than the material I had from Motorcycle Armor. Normally I'm a pretty patient person, but that stuff had me totally frustrated.

Jerry

3M film comes in different thicknesses. The stuff I had was not very thick and I only applied it on flat surfaces like the face of the fender and the side panels. I had no problems at all, but did not want to try any compound curves. With the spray on, I think I will try compound curves.

The longest I had the film on was about 5 years on my 03 Ultra. It was still clear as glass up until I sold it.
I used a toothbrush to clean the wax from the edges of the film so you can't see where the film begins.

A lot better then covering up all that gorgeous paint with a leather bra don't you think???

[pcombe]

I hate the stuff

[Jerry/MD]

Figured I would chime in with some additional info and observations:

1. Make sure the 3M Defender Spray is FULLY DRY before attempting to clean. Don't ask me why, just take my word for it. I would allow at least 5 days.

2. Make sure you use the 3M wax that comes in the package before spraying. It makes removal of the covering sooooo much easier. Once again, don't ask me how I know.

3. Isopropyl alcohol works nicely for removing any residue that does not peel off. Once again.....

It appears the old adage "the third time is the charm" is true. Yep, reworked twice before I got the results I wanted. Now to see how it holds up over time.

Jerry

[ELVISTO]

Thanks for the information Jerry,
It's warmed up enough here in the UK for me to give it a try,

[screwball]

A thought.... After reading all the posts a question popped into my head. Wouldn't a rock capable of chipping through a layer of clear coat and a layer of paint go through what amounts as another coat of clear??? I don't know, just a thought in my mind.

I originally bought the fender and faring bras for wife when she got the '09. She thought they looked good. After about a month she wanted them off.

[trikermutha]

a large rock may penetrate the coating but all the little sand blast marks on the fender paint will help with the fender protection coating...

[john6858]

It has been almost 1 1/2 years since applying the spray and have just got around to redoing all the areas I sprayed the first time. The front fairing had me a bit concerned as there was quite a bit of road rash but when I peeled off the coating(and came off pretty easily) the fairing looked brand new with no problems. The spray did its job superbly. I will continue to use this product. On a side note, since I applied it the first time the second time went off without a hitch with taping off and reapplying the spray.

[1dn5up]

Found this old thread .....

[cScjhb]

Thanks for digging this up. I'm surprised we don't hear more about this. It would be interesting to know the experience for this product after years of use.....?