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I applied 3M Paint Defender last year on the IS and it worked really well in preventing any chips in the front bumper. I didn't like the finish as it was grainy or with the texture of orange peel since it was my first time applying it. I peeled it off and re-applied it much more uniformly for a seamless look.
All taped up where I don't want the spray-on film.
Applied 3M Paint Defender in three continuous coats at a rate of 1 ft per 2 seconds, at 8 inches distance. Has a slight milky look when wet.
After 2 hours drying time. Looks seamless and high-gloss like OEM clearcoat!
Can you tell where the film ends on the front side bumper? I can't!
Even up close it's very difficult to tell!
Last edited by corradoMR2; Jun 7, 2015 at 07:12 PM.
Very nice build! I really like the creativity. When most people get creative with diy mods. They tend to make a ride look crappy. Bravo on the results. How much longer are you keeping her?
I applied 3M Paint Defender last year on the IS and it worked really well in preventing any chips in the front bumper. I didn't like the finish as it was grainy or with the texture of orange peel since it was my first time applying it. I peeled it off and re-applied it much more uniformly for a seamless look.
All taped up where I don't want the spray-on film.
Applied 3M Paint Defender in three continuous coats at a rate of 1 ft per 2 seconds, at 8 inches distance. Has a slight milky look when wet.
After 2 hours drying time. Looks seamless and high-gloss like OEM clearcoat!
Can you tell where the film ends on the front side bumper? I can't!
a couple of questions about that paint protector. first off, nice job! so...you can't peel it off? is it like plastidip? last question, is there a texture to it or is it smooth. if there's texture, it's difficult to tell in you pics.
@akshunj - Thanks. Agreed. Wheels change the car for the better IMO.
Originally Posted by cp2
a couple of questions about that paint protector. first off, nice job! so...you can't peel it off? is it like plastidip? last question, is there a texture to it or is it smooth. if there's texture, it's difficult to tell in you pics.
thanks and again, great job!
Thanks. Yes it's somewhat like plastidip where you can peel it off but it's a little stickier so harder to pull and remove.
When fully dried, it looks like paint protection film - very smooth and glossy, only visible at the edges where you taped up, from up close.
But, it takes practice using the right speed and distance. I applied it for the first time last year and was ok, but not great since it had "orange peel texture" spots because I applied it too thin and some spots had drip overrun since I applied it too thick.
For 24$ though well worth it, even if you mess up one can and buy a second can. I would recommend you check the youtube videos on it.
Downside: It supposedly does not last as long as the more expensive dedicated films, only 1-2 years.
Last edited by corradoMR2; Jun 18, 2015 at 06:24 PM.
I didn't know you colored the stitching...that's clutch! I like it better than the red stitching on the red gut cars! I may go purple w/ mine...haha. can I ask what marker you used?
@Megatron I used a Bic Mark It permanent marker (see here). It did fade somewhat after almost two years but I recently re-applied it on the steering wheel and shifter. Takes just 20 mins and a steady hand.
