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3M Auto Paint DEFENDER Invisible Protection CLEAR

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Old Oct 14, 2017 | 02:02 PM
  #1  
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Default 3M Auto Paint DEFENDER Invisible Protection CLEAR

Anybody tried this?

3M Auto Paint DEFENDER Invisible Protection CLEAR






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Old Oct 15, 2017 | 04:45 AM
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Yes, had it on my here (IS) and here (NX) and, below the breakdown. A can is good for two front bumpers.

Pros:
- Will eliminate small chips
- Will last +-1.5 years (including winter)
- Fairly inexpensive ($25 a can)
- Fairly "easy" to apply after some small trial attempts
- If applied right, finish will be smooth and glossy, almost as good as a clearcoat, after it fully cures

Cons:
- After about +- 1.5 years, will start to "yellow" and fade and you will need to remove it and re-add it
- Need to be careful when hand washing your car or edges can lightly lift
- Looks (terrible) spotty translucent milky white when it rains showing on darker coloured cars. However, it will go clear after an hour or so of dry weather.
- If too thin a consistency applied, you will have an orange-peel look and will be difficult to remove in the future. It needs to be applied just enough to the point where it would drip if you add any more.
- Plan for a day to apply this, some cursing , for your first time.








IS after fully cured (a few days later):


Last edited by corradoMR2; Oct 15, 2017 at 04:58 AM.
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Old Oct 15, 2017 | 10:56 AM
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Thanks for the insight.

I will give it a go and see.

Originally Posted by corradoMR2
Yes, had it on my here (IS) and here (NX) and, below the breakdown. A can is good for two front bumpers.

Pros:
- Will eliminate small chips
- Will last +-1.5 years (including winter)
- Fairly inexpensive ($25 a can)
- Fairly "easy" to apply after some small trial attempts
- If applied right, finish will be smooth and glossy, almost as good as a clearcoat, after it fully cures

Cons:
- After about +- 1.5 years, will start to "yellow" and fade and you will need to remove it and re-add it
- Need to be careful when hand washing your car or edges can lightly lift
- Looks (terrible) spotty translucent milky white when it rains showing on darker coloured cars. However, it will go clear after an hour or so of dry weather.
- If too thin a consistency applied, you will have an orange-peel look and will be difficult to remove in the future. It needs to be applied just enough to the point where it would drip if you add any more.
- Plan for a day to apply this, some cursing , for your first time.








IS after fully cured (a few days later):

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Old Oct 17, 2017 | 10:16 AM
  #4  
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Definitely entry level paint protection. While it won't protect as well or last as long as a clear bra, it will protect from smaller road debris.

- If too thin a consistency applied, you will have an orange-peel look and will be difficult to remove in the future. It needs to be applied just enough to the point where it would drip if you add any more.
This is super important. It's about three passes as I recall.

I might be more concerned with the age at this point. Pretty sure that has been discontinued for around 2 years. I'm not sure the shelf life on it.

Last edited by AeroTect; Oct 17, 2017 at 11:50 AM.
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Old Oct 17, 2017 | 01:02 PM
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Film it. Don't spray it.

It's not worth the time, effort or potential poor results. JMO.
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Old Oct 17, 2017 | 02:28 PM
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Thanks everyone.

I don't think I'll want to deal with removal later on which WILL BE A HASSLE.


Originally Posted by lexusnutt
Film it. Don't spray it.

It's not worth the time, effort or potential poor results. JMO.
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Old Oct 17, 2017 | 10:01 PM
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Default Yes Film it!

Clear Bra is the way to go. Watch YouTube and lots of time, patience and practice. You will succeed.
Buy the precut kits on eBay there are a lot of high end brands on eBay. So far I have done 6 cars full front end, mirrors, door cups, a pillar, cab top, and side skirts. I’m pretty much a pro by now I must say. It will get easier as you understand where to begin.
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