3M Paint Defender Spray

[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..

 

[tom w]

just received the film from 3m . I watched the video and it looked pretty easy . The guy didn't cuss not one time! going to try my fenders first.

 

[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]

update on paint defender.....

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]

3M defender spray

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.....?