Clearbra on white cars.. yay or nay?

[lapisia]

I'm waiting to install my clearbra on my repainted hood/bumper on my CPO but I'm having second thoughts, a) because it's really expensive to get full as I don't want lines (got quoted about 1500 for full hood, bumper, and fender) and b) not sure how it will look on white cars. Anyone who has got clearbra on white cars can chime in with your experience / thoughts and maybe some pics?

I mean at the price they quoted me..I can get the hood and bumper repainted like 3 times. So my question is, is it worth it and should I do it on a white car?

PS. the film is going to be suntek..anyone have thoughts on the film?

[brandon]

I very much regret not doing on my white GTI. Do it! The lines aren't that terrible btw.. if you decide you don't want to go full hood/fender.

[kidtran]

I got it done on my glacier white, but $1500 seems a little steep, I would shop around. I paid just over half of what you're being quoted for hood,fender,bumper, mirrors, headlights, fog light. Can't see the line unless you're a few inches away. No regrets.

[SinCityA6]

I have a clear bra on my Ibis A6 going on 4 years. It covers the front bumper, front of the hood, front part of the quarter Panels and mirrors. I really don't mind the lines since I know protects the front. My only concern is that over time it is yellowing. One day, I will have to peel it and redo it.

From this photo, you can't tell it is there....



This photo shows the line and the slight color difference...

[jfabes]

i won't own a new car w/o it. i have suntech on my ibis and 3m on our alpine white x35d. the line doesn't bother me and it can only be seen at certain angles. the only issue with the white is that if it does start to discolor at all, you will notice it. just get a good film with a yellowing warranty and a good installer and you will be fine.

[wwhan]

I have full front end on Ibis white, Ventureshield. Looks like new after three years, No yellow. Cost was $1200.

Had a major rock hit the hood, which caused a blemish on the hood PPF. Recently had the hood redone looks like new ($450).

[brooklyn86]

If it makes you feel better, I paid $2100 for a full install of Xpel clearbra. They were the only installer in the area and while they weren't known to have the cheapest prices, their flawless Yelp record and free loaner car won me over.

Yea it sucks to drop that much especially right after getting the car but now I'm worried free about rock chips.

[Schadenfreude]

I have the full front end plus mirror caps, door edges and area behind the rear wheels on my Ibis S4. I wish I had gotten wrapped the day I got the car. I have one tiny chip that on the front end before getting the 3M installed. Overall I'm very happy with it and it has saved my car from damage a few times.

[camoto]

Glacier white here with clearbra and you can only see it when the car is filthy-- which is no different from my last car which was deep sea pearl blue.

Do it.

[helix139]

Go for it. My installer has it on his white M3. You can't tell it's there.

[mcoomer]

I paid $1834 after tax for Xpel Ultimate. Did the full hood, bumper, fenders, behind the rear wheels, door cups, head lights, fogs, etc. If your install is good you won't be able to see it unless you really look for it. If you do decide to do half the hood and fenders I don't think the lines are that bad as long as you keep the car clean. I've seen a couple at the dealer that looked really good but I've seen some with dirt and/or wax buildup that were easy to spot. Whichever you choose, get something on it before the rocks find you.

Mike

[helix139]

I have a clear bra on my Ibis A6 going on 4 years. It covers the front bumper, front of the hood, front part of the quarter Panels and mirrors. I really don't mind the lines since I know protects the front. My only concern is that over time it is yellowing. One day, I will have to peel it and redo it.

Yellowing is caused by contaminants getting embedded in the pores of the bra. It can be prevented by regular cleaning with a clear film cleanser and then protecting with a clear bra sealant. Xpel and Premier PF1 are good options.

Yellowing can also be caused by using petroleum-based cleaning products on the bra, such as Plexus

[MrFunk]

I think it looks horrible.
But adds protection of course. You decide which is most important.

[wwhan]

I think it looks horrible.
But adds protection of course. You decide which is most important.

If done properly, people cannot even tell, it is there.

[tsaktuo]

I had my hood and front bumper done for a fairly decent price...$600 CAD. There is a bit of a matte finish on the hood and bumper, but no big deal. If I could do it again, I'd probably try plastidipping it with the gloss clear.

[Wilbur]

If done properly, people cannot even tell, it is there.

IF you do entire panels. I ALWAYS spot that annoying line.

[RickFLS4]

I have Xpel Ultimate on bumper, headlights, 1/3 hood and fender, luggage strip, door cups and door strips. Together with window tint all aound was about $1,000. Ibis white. Yeah there is a seam but just keep it clean. Used 3M on other cars and didn't have any yellowing or other issues and this is my first with Xpel. I do mostly Turnpike driving so it is essential for me whether I like it or not. However, having it on the car / having a seam doesn't bother me at all and I don't think anyone notices unless I point it out.

[MrFunk]

If done properly, people cannot even tell, it is there.

Wrong. I can always tell, unless you clear the entire panel - which degrades the shine and finish.
Listen - you are covering a finished pain surface with plastic film. That is the truth of the matter. You are changing the shine and the appearance of the finish. It wil never looks as good as the naked paint.
That being said - it's job is to protect from rock chips with the most stealth-like application and for that it does an awesome job. If you get tons of rock chips there is no better way to protect.

[S4 00 2.7]

Every new car should have clearbra.

[wwhan]

IF you do entire panels. I ALWAYS spot that annoying line.

I was referring to full hood, without the line, the proper way to do it. I only notice the PPF in the garage, with flourescent lighting. Outside it is not noticeable. The Ibis white reflects well in sunlight.

[brutus27]

IF you do entire panels. I ALWAYS spot that annoying line.

The 'annoying line' looks so some much better than rock chips in my opinion. My OCD can accept a straight symettrical line. Random sized and random location of chips really messes with my mind.
Get the clear bra!
I put 3M on my Ibis White and couldn't be happier. Just find someone good to put it on.

[helix139]

Wrong. I can always tell, unless you clear the entire panel - which degrades the shine and finish.
Listen - you are covering a finished pain surface with plastic film. That is the truth of the matter. You are changing the shine and the appearance of the finish. It wil never looks as good as the naked paint.
That being said - it's job is to protect from rock chips with the most stealth-like application and for that it does an awesome job. If you get tons of rock chips there is no better way to protect.

Modern films like Xpel Ultimate or Avery Nano Fusion do not look noticeably different from properly corrected and sealed paint and do not have a degraded shine or finish. They are optically clear and texture-free and clearcoated just like your paint. When you get the entire panel done nobody is going to be able to tell it is there unless they know it is there.

[dr bryan]

If it hadn't been repainted already I'd recommend it. But since you have, why not just save the cash and have it re-sprayed if it gets bad?
I have full hood, full bumper, full fenders, mirror caps and some other little stuff but I put it on when car was new in hopes of not having to repaint. That with window tint ran me $1350. I've had ventureshield and 3m's clearbra installed on white S4s. Both have yellowed slightly. I have polished them with random orbital and the yellowing goes away almost completely. I think they are just a little porous.

Last year I had to replace the rear bumper piece because someone rear ended me in a drive through. Basically tore a hole in the clear bra and left a slight indentation. I just took the insurance money and installed a new piece using expel ultimate which has not yellowed at all!!!

I'd go with expel ultimate or avery nano fusion if I had to do it again. At the time I couldn't find a local installer though so best of luck to you if you decide to blow your $1500.

[Wilbur]

The 'annoying line' looks so some much better than rock chips in my opinion. My OCD can accept a straight symettrical line. Random sized and random location of chips really messes with my mind.
Get the clear bra!
I put 3M on my Ibis White and couldn't be happier. Just find someone good to put it on.

That line stands out more than little chips to me. I spot that instantly and hate it.

[Wilbur]

Modern films like Xpel Ultimate or Avery Nano Fusion do not look noticeably different from properly corrected and sealed paint and do not have a degraded shine or finish. They are optically clear and texture-free and clearcoated just like your paint. When you get the entire panel done nobody is going to be able to tell it is there unless they know it is there.

Agreed. Full panel is the way to go for sure. I LOVE to wash, clay, polish, wax etc. and I hate the thought of doing all that to a sheet of plastic. I'd rather see the odd chip AND the results of my handiwork.

[helix139]

[/B]

Agreed. Full panel is the way to go for sure. I LOVE to wash, clay, polish, wax etc. and I hate the thought of doing all that to a sheet of plastic. I'd rather see the odd chip AND the results of my handiwork.

As I said above, clear bra still requires some maintenance. Remove the polish step and replace the clay step with a film cleaner (done prior to washing) and seal instead of wax. You get the added benefits of being able to work on it and no chips.

[MrFunk]

No one PREFERS wearing condoms to not.
This is a silly debate really...
One feels/looks better than the other which offers a percentage of protection.

[jfabes]

those that hate the clear bra line, its better than no clear bra at all. so when i sell my "clear bra lined" car on here next year, you can tear it off and the front end will look like a new car. so, your welcome :)

[lapisia]

You guys have convinced me to clearbra the full hood and bumper. I figured since I had repainted the hood it would suck to see it chip again.

Now my question is, I have a few minor chips on one of the fenders that I didn't bother getting it resprayed. Should I still clearbra this or just leave the fender? Is it worth braing it up even though its already got some imperfections already? If I don't bra the fenders I save $500. Do the chips hit the hood/bumper more and not that much on the fender?

PS. I read the nonfactory paint will crack when I remove the clearbra, is that true??

[helix139]

You guys have convinced me to clearbra the full hood and bumper. I figured since I had repainted the hood it would suck to see it chip again.

Now my question is, I have a few minor chips on one of the fenders that I didn't bother getting it resprayed. Should I still clearbra this or just leave the fender? Is it worth braing it up even though its already got some imperfections already? If I don't bra the fenders I save $500. Do the chips hit the hood/bumper more and not that much on the fender?

PS. I read the nonfactory paint will crack when I remove the clearbra, is that true??

Allow the new paint 30 days to cure and you should be fine. Also, just hit the chips on the fenders with some dr colorchip

[au5]

I have full hood, fenders, bumper and front side of mirrors. Custom fit, with full wrap around all panel edges. None of that computer cut stuff. Been on since August and yet to have any issues with yellowing etc...



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Wilbur]

those that hate the clear bra line, its better than no clear bra at all. so when i sell my "clear bra lined" car on here next year, you can tear it off and the front end will look like a new car. so, your welcome :)

I'd go nothing before having that line.You won't get $.02 more for it, especially if you trade it. Ive sold/traded lots of cars over the last 37 years. When you trade it wholesaler usually buys it over the phone. Why would the next owner take it off? Then th ebow will have a totally different finish than the rest of the car.

[lapisia]

I have full hood, fenders, bumper and front side of mirrors. Custom fit, with full wrap around all panel edges. None of that computer cut stuff. Been on since August and yet to have any issues with yellowing etc...



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

which film did your installer use if you don't mind me asking?

[ahcow]

IMHO, do full or do none. I chose not to clear bra because I didn't want the line and I rather just get it detailed and have chips fixed. Also, for $1,500, might as well wrap the damn car. Someone quoted me $1,600 to wrap mine in matte black, located in Markham.

[Wilbur]

IMHO, do full or do none. I chose not to clear bra because I didn't want the line and I rather just get it detailed and have chips fixed. Also, for $1,500, might as well wrap the damn car. Someone quoted me $1,600 to wrap mine in matte black, located in Markham.

I agree with you. To each his own.

[au5]

which film did your installer use if you don't mind me asking?

I used Vancouver Clear Bra. Jurgen is the owner and he did a great job. Came to my place, layed out the wrap, then came back the next morning to fold behind the panels once it had time to cure.

It took a week for some bubbles to go away and anything that remained, he sucked out with a syringe.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[DeutscheAuto]

did the clear bra on my 2010 (dealer installed). After about 2 years it was yellowing however im glad i had it as some car scraped my front bumper very badly while parked - peeled off the clear bra and NO damage underneath! It was time for a new one anyways so it worked out well.

in my opinion definitely worth it - just be ready to change every few years (if you don't take special care to clean it - i did not..). I did not do it on my Esprit when i bought it (i know not very bright!) and two years later the front lip and bumper is riddled with paint chips...

[jfabes]

I'd go nothing before having that line.You won't get $.02 more for it, especially if you trade it. Ive sold/traded lots of cars over the last 37 years. When you trade it wholesaler usually buys it over the phone. Why would the next owner take it off? Then th ebow will have a totally different finish than the rest of the car.

i know how you feel Wilbur and was expecting a quote from you :) there's just certain people on here that you can alway rely on a reply, like LOU with tires and wheels, there is you with the damn clear bra line thing LMAO. I get it, really i do. you don't like the line. well, i don't like rock chips. and aftermarket paint work is not the same quality or finish as oem, so i'll pass on the repaint.

i actually agree on the trade thing, but i never trade my cars. i always mod them and take such insane care of them, they are worth more to a private seller. there's lots of people out there like me, so finding a buyer is easy, just need to be patient, and they do pay more. i would and i do. and i disagree about pulling it off and it being different. and fwiw, i've seen several cars and colors with films removed and i have never seen any color issues, referring to a few years not 10.

[Wilbur]

i know how you feel Wilbur and was expecting a quote from you :) there's just certain people on here that you can alway rely on a reply, like LOU with tires and wheels, there is you with the damn clear bra line thing LMAO. I get it, really i do. you don't like the line. well, i don't like rock chips. and aftermarket paint work is not the same quality or finish as oem, so i'll pass on the repaint.

i actually agree on the trade thing, but i never trade my cars. i always mod them and take such insane care of them, they are worth more to a private seller. there's lots of people out there like me, so finding a buyer is easy, just need to be patient, and they do pay more. i would and i do. and i disagree about pulling it off and it being different. and fwiw, i've seen several cars and colors with films removed and i have never seen any color issues, referring to a few years not 10.

Hey, I'm coming around a bit! I used to hate it altogether! I'm starting to get it now...........................

[MVR 155]

I just had Xpel film applied to my new 2013 S4, it looks amazing and the line is very tough to spot. Im very picky/OCD with my cars and the chips/nicks on the front end of my Acura TL Type S that I traded on this car drove me crazy. I kept after any marks by touching them up but even after spot wetsanding/polishing they were still noticeable to the trained eye. I wish I would have done the film on that car.