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Clear Bra alternative. 3M Spray film. Anyone tried this?

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34K views 89 replies 21 participants last post by  Sinned2545  
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#1 ·
I was contemplating getting a clear bra but wasn't attracted to the higher price and potential yellowing. Found this 3M kit that's essentially like clear plastidip. It's only $45 for the complete kit and applying it looks fairly effortless. Would be awesome for roadtrips or trackdays.


Thoughts?



3M 90100 Paint Defender System - 17.5 oz. : Amazon.com : Automotive

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#2 ·
This is very interesting. I've never even heard of such a product. A quick Google search yields no results with respect to any reviews. I'm definitely going to give it a try though at that price point.

The real test of it's protective abilities will be how thick the coating is vs. the regular PPF. One thing is for certain, it can't hurt your chances.
 
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#7 ·
What google did you search? :) I found the top results from a search straight to 3M's product page.

Also "3m paint defender" shows up on Amazon as a #1 Amazon top seller.

Can't wait to buy this and test.
 
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#3 ·
This looks interesting! Probably something similar to plasti dip?
 
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#4 ·
It looks like a good product. Since it sprays out of a can, I'm wondering how much overspray there would be and how hard/annoying it would be to clean that up. It looks like the sheet of film might come off fairly easily. Also, I wonder how hard it is to get an even coating and does the can tip start to clog up after a while like on spray paint? I look forward to seeing the reviews.
 
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#5 ·
Looks pretty interesting, i would be between this and opti-coat 2.0
 
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#6 ·
I saw a can of spray on clear bra at AutoZone. Or pep boys can't remember which about a month ago and wondered about it. I don't think it was 3M and I think it was less expensive.

I'm hoping someone else will try it before I do. The can mentioned taping off anything not to be coated.
 
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#10 ·
E55AMG2 said:
Paging Steve..........
Click to expand...
The stuff Steve and I tried was a film you apply to the car and it failed for both of us. I think it caused damage to his car, I pulled it off mine 10 miles after I pit it on.

Painters tape works ok but is ugly and time consuming to install. I hope this stuff is better but it makes me nervous spraying something on. Maybe I can try it on my spare TA fenders I have and see how it works before applying to my car.
 
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#12 ·
Armor All makes a decent brake dust repellant spray I've used in the past (yes, I'm aware of the oxymoron of using Armor All and "decent" in the same sentence, lol). Have you given that a shot?
 
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#25 ·
Could the adhesion issue have to do with inadequate prep (ie. existing wax/sealants, etc)? Pretty sure you'd want to wipe down the surface with some isopropyl alcohol or similar in order to strip it of any paint work enhancers.
 
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#31 ·
Isn't it redundant to put blue tape over that? Why not just do 2 layers of tape or 2 layers of the 3M spray? I no oonderstaaahnd
 
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#43 ·
Well, I'm a little lost on the bro-mance aspect of this thread (;)) but am anxious to hear about this product - please post results!

I've had 3M clearbra on the M5 for the past 8 years (am very satisfied - no discoloration, etc.) but haven't done the M coupe yet because the previous installer I used is no longer in business and I haven't found an installer that I trust. Ok, I haven't looked that hard either as the coupe is not so much a highway car...but this looks perfect the fact that 3M makes it is reassuring.
 
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#44 ·
I'm very interested in trying this out, but i want to see some real pictures of cars that have this applied and whether or not it is perceptible on the paint. Otherwise opti-coat 2.0 seems like a good diy option
 
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#45 · (Edited)
I just did a quick internet search on opt-coat 2.0...seems a bit more scary to me. "Say goodbye to waxing...Forms a permanent bond with the paint..." This from Autogeek, a detailing store that I purchase from regularly. Hmm....I'll wait on this to be sure.

P.S. Also, this product does not seem to be offering clearbra protection against rock chips, etc., just a durable paint protection against the regular elements.
 
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#48 ·
The reason I brought up opti-coat is because there are few alternatives to paint film that actually offer a layer of protection and opti-coat is one of them. Also I looked at the shipping date for the 3M stuff and it seems to be a few months out.
 
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#50 ·
Wonder how difficult it would be to apply this to the front bumper, probably alot of prep to mask off all the lights, grills, trim etc.

Any place have this in stock right now?
 
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#52 ·
Really in store now? If so thats great i can pick it up and try it out very soon!
 
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#70 ·
Make it happen, yo! Tell me about overspray and how it would work. This can save some $$$
 
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