3M Durashield

[Lin]

Roger,
I am interested in using this product, too. However, my paint was just applied in October. Is there a period of time that should pass prior to installing Durashield? I want the protection but don't want o create problems with my finish.

Lin Rose
1960 BT7 in restoration
1959 Bugeye

 

[vagt6]

I bought some to apply to the front of my MINI S since I'd collected a few stone dings in the front.

Here are what the somewhat lengthy instructions say:

Not to be used on painted bumpers or re-painted surfaces.

Check surface condition (e.g. for flaking paint, paint chips). If you have the slightest doubt about the integrity of the paint work, do not proceed.

This would seem to be rather restrictive. I didn't use it on my MINI because the car is about 2 years old and the paint is not perfect (stone chips). Taking these instructions literally, you would only use it on cars that have not been repainted (!). Also, the paint has to be unblemished, which I interpret to mean no cracks, chips, dings, etc.: it has to be smooth, unblemished paint (not a respray, either).

I wish I'd known this before I purchased the tape (from Griot's Garage). It ain't cheap.

I ended up applying it to the tank of my motorcycle to protect it from scratches from my tank bag. Works great.

I'd say proceed with caution, and think carefully before you buy a lot of the stuff for your car. I'd suggest to contact 3M's help line, or discuss it with someone who has in-depth experience with the product.

 

[Bugeye58]

Mark, I think the reasoning behind the caveat not to apply it over anything but perfect paint is the fact that if you have to remove it fo rany reason, chances are the paint is going to start to lift at the point of the blemish.
Painted bumpers fall into the same category.
I've applied the stuff to some pretty ugly surfaces and never had any problem with the product.
Jeff

 

[AUSMHLY]

Hi Lin,
The film installation requires a lot of stretching and tacking, then lifting back off the area and doing it again. In short, as long as your painter did all the right things and you let the paint cure about a month, then you should be okay.

I highly recommend you have a professional install the product. The better the guy, the better the outcome.

My installer told me that if I removed everything; grill, badge, headlight, directional's and bumper he would wrap the edges. Much more difficult to wrap the edges than simply cut the film where it meets the grill as an example. If your guy is really good, he can install one piece, not sections because of the difficulty at the curves. Applying the film means stretching it and tacking it down. Then moving to another area, work on that area then lift the previous area that was tacked down. Pull here, stretch here, tack here, lift here, stretch here, etc etc.

Here's some photos showing the skill needed for this project.

Photo 17 shows where I marked the film to be cut on the top of the bonnet. Photo 22 shows the end result. Look very closely and you can see the film edge.

Good luck and you'll be happy after it's installed.
Roger