Bootcamp is not something that sounds appealing to me. So when the email came in from 3M asking if I’d like to attend their own automotive bootcamp, I was skeptical at first. Once I was assured that I would not be required to preform push-ups while being berated, I agreed to hop on a plane bound for Minnesota. It was certainly worth the trip because I learned a lot about a company which is responsible for, well, pretty much everything. Especially with regards to my favorite subjects… cars.
The 3M Automotive Bootcamp is a two-day event that allowed a handful of folks who write about cars to experience a variety of products. The result? I left amazed by a few things:
- 3M makes many things… I mean many many many things.
- Bondo smells so good that I want to create a candle scent based on it.
- It’s very easy to restore headlights and fix scratches.
- The new Paint Defender kit is brillaint.
What does that all mean? Hop the jump for an explanation…
The idea behind the so-called bootcamp is to assemble a group of automotive journalists in the same place and then fill their heads with visions of product. Typically, that would be a fairly mundane affair when actual driving and vehicles aren’t involved. The folks at 3M understand this and that’s why they make their event hands on… hence the bootcamp portion.
After learning a bit about the company, I was lead to a section of a building that looked very much like what you might find in a well-equipped body shop. Different rooms splintered off of a main room, and each room was focused on a different aspect of 3M’s automotive products. Up first was the rather delightful topic of Bondo. Now, the word bondo has become very much like the word band-aid. The technical term is body filler, and the product that everyone knows is from the brand Bondo (which was purchased by 3M).
In the Bondo room, I was assigned to a station that had a body panel on a stand, and a portion of its paint was sanded away. There was a decent size dent and I was going to fix that issue. Typically this involves preparing the body filler, marveling at just how hot it gets from the chemical reaction between the two compounds, and then remembering to actually apply it to the car and stop smelling it. I did this, waited the relatively short period for it to cure and then I set to sanding. There were two choices here: the standard grab the sand paper holder and set to work or utilize the new holder, which also happens to connect to a hose that connects to a vacuum. Why was that the better option? Far less mess, because all of the sanded Bondo was being sucked up through holes in the sander holder and on into the vacuum.
After I learned that I am addicted to the smell and warmth of Bondo, it was time to move on to the other stations. These included demonstrations and hands-on fun learning about repairing small cracks in windshields, restoring headlights, removing scratches in paintwork, restoring wheels, fixing busted taillights, and a variety of other activities that your average DIY automotive enthusiast knows or should learn. The most interesting part I found was just how easy it is to undertake some of these tasks.
Sure, some of them seem daunting at first, but the 3M instructors really helped explain everything in simple terms. Not only that, but that same level of explanation is actually something that 3M is proud of when it comes to the actual instructions shipped out with all of their products. Each step is explained clearly and there are pictures as well. If a compound changes color, the instructions will have already told you to expect that to happen. If a piece of glass or plastic hazes over when a liquid is applied, that’s covered. You have no reason to think you’re doing anything wrong… unless it’s not covered in the instructions.
Day one of the bootcamp was filled with tons of product demonstrations but each was actually really enjoyable for anyone who loves diving into the maintenance and care of their vehicle. If we could do an all-Hooniverse reader trip to 3M, I’d make that happen in a heartbeat because I know you’d all love it. It’s like a short summer camp for enthusiasts.
The real magic happened on day two, however, as that is when we were treated to a hands-on demonstration of the newest product from 3m. It’s called the Spray-On Paint Defender, and it’s essentially a clear bra that you can install yourself. Not only that, but you can knock out the main part of the job in about 15 minutes if you’re quick… and it will turn out perfect every time.
If you wanted a clear bra of your own, this would require a trip to a body shop, paint booth, or possibly your local dealership. The process takes forever, and the cost is high. 3M is turning this around and making it remarkably easy. Even I could do it.
The Spray-On Paint Defender kit consists of the material itself, a quick bit of wax to clean the panel, and a easy spray handle so you don’t get tired from holding down the spray button. All of that can be purchased separately or in one package along with a masking setup.
First things first, you use some plastic wrapping and a bit of tape to clear off the area that are looking to coat. Use a second strip of tape to create a clean line. After that, apply some of the wax then hit it quick like Miyagi. Now it’s time to spray on the paint protection. Going back and forth in slow sweeps, you cover the entire hood. It takes three coats, and there is no need to wait in between each successive coat application. Knock all three out back-to-back-t0-back.
That’s it!
The liquid will self level so your protection will have an even layer. Now you just have to let it dry for around two hours (depending on ambient temperature) and your vehicle now has a clear bra. If you don’t like it, you can simply peel it off. No, not with knives or razors. FInd an edge, get a fingernail under there, and peel the entire thing off in once piece. To say I was blown away with the quality of the product is an understatement. It’s a tough protector that you can apply in your driveway, and you can do so easily.
The folks at 3M say the defender is good for up to one year. That’s not because it breaks down, mind you. It will keep on protecting for a long time, it can start to yellow after a years time though. Peel it off and apply a new one.
Here’s a video that explains it better than I do above:
[youtube width=”720″ height=”405″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi3hJYmtKR4[/youtube]
So what I thought would be a rather boring trip to a cold part of the country turned out to be rather excellent. I got to play with Bondo, talk cars with folks who are way (WAY) smarter than myself, and check out a surprisingly cool new product.
I’m also glad there were no push-ups and yelling involved…
[Disclaimer: 3M flew me to St. Paul, put me up in a hotel, and fed me tasty food. We also went to a Twins game… where it was necessary to be wrapped in blankets because it was very cold. I ditched the blankets in favor of good old alcohol.]
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