[drmdvl]

( I apologize, cannot figure out why mobile version shows pictures but desktop has links??)

Just wanted to add a quick review of this spray on clear bra system. There are a lot of mixed reviews online, but most of the long terms are positive. I know nothing will protect like clear bra - but I hate the way it looks on my vehicles so I opted not to get it when I bought the car. 3M states this product is rated 5/10 for protection and longevity compared to conventional clear bra 7/10; mainly because it is only guaranteed to provide "at least" 1 year of protection before it should be replaced.

For the every day DIY'er this is a really easy product to use, especially if you do your homework and watch the 3M videos. It does go on easy and peels off easy. Best of all - it's cheap!
HOWEVER, I turned the project into a major PITA because Im so OCD... more on that later.

Started by correcting road chips in my bumper with Dr Colorchip (a reasonably good system)then moved on to a detail, minor paint correction, and sealant.

Short version of detail:
Wash
Clay
Porter Cable
Meg's Microfiber pads
D300
D301
IPA Wipedown
Blackfire Wet Diamond

[img]https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/...412babf4_b.jpg[/img]detail 1 by scott horton, on Flickr

[img]https://farm1.staticflickr.com/528/1...9cfb7d0a_b.jpg[/img]detail 3 by scott horton, on Flickr

[img]https://farm1.staticflickr.com/404/2...1460b7e3_b.jpg[/img]detail 4 by scott horton, on Flickr

[img]https://farm1.staticflickr.com/421/2...6a04c87c_b.jpg[/img]detail 5 by scott horton, on Flickr

[img]https://farm1.staticflickr.com/319/1...00833508_b.jpg[/img]detail 6 by scott horton, on Flickr


I let the paint and sealant cure and got to work on the project.
Tips:
1. do it in an enclosed space - so dirt and debris don't fly into your wet spray and dry into your clear bra.
2. use the wax included in the box, it will help you remove the coating easily down the road - it did for me!
3. skip the sprayer - the can alone is fine
4. It dries in about 2-4 hours, but doesn't cure for 1-4 days so don't get it wet.
5. the initial orange peel look is normal - don't freak, it does dry clear.
6. Don't overspray or move too fast - it will run if too heavy and dry with a matte finish if too lite.
7. PDC works just fine with the spray.
8. It takes practice - practice on scrap or something like a Frisbee.

Attempt #1

[img]https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/...1eef94b0_b.jpg[/img]spray 1 by scott horton, on Flickr

Masking

[img]https://farm1.staticflickr.com/357/1...17e9c650_b.jpg[/img]spray 2 by scott horton, on Flickr


Okay - so here's the OCD in me. The clear bra turned out surprisingly good. Most would be happy with it. But the masking lines were driving me crazy. Notice the air dams and around the tow cover / headlight washers...

[img]https://farm1.staticflickr.com/532/2...a3cf5095_b.jpg[/img]spray 3 by scott horton, on Flickr

[img]https://farm1.staticflickr.com/527/2...9eab3695_b.jpg[/img]spray 4 by scott horton, on Flickr

A nasty little run that dried into a crease ...

[img]https://farm1.staticflickr.com/542/2...901052ac_z.jpg[/img]spray 5 by scott horton, on Flickr


So, I ripped it all off (and it did come off easily as advertised), and pulled / disassembled the bumper for a clean spray.

[img]https://farm1.staticflickr.com/338/1...fa6a2444_b.jpg[/img]respray 1 by scott horton, on Flickr

[img]https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/...ffefcf4c_b.jpg[/img]respray 2 by scott horton, on Flickr

Reassembled and pretty darn satisfied

[img]https://farm1.staticflickr.com/349/2...1bec84b9_b.jpg[/img]respray 3 by scott horton, on Flickr


A little scrape from rough handling during the reinstall... oh well. But also a good comparison picture between the dried finish and the fender which is not wrapped.

[img]https://farm1.staticflickr.com/391/2...8f79b8f5_b.jpg[/img]respray 4 by scott horton, on Flickr

[img]https://farm1.staticflickr.com/295/2...717f465e_b.jpg[/img]respray 5 by scott horton, on Flickr


Overall, I think I will be pretty happy with the product. I will do some follow up in about 1000 miles and in several months to see how it holds up.
Pros: The film I pulled off seemed pretty decent. It really stretched before it tore. I think it will do a fairly good job protecting from minor rock chips and sandblasting. Also, this is a rather inexpensive DIY.
Cons: It would be a lot easier to just pay someone to put on some real clear bra but I'm not a fan of the way it looks and it costs more - Id rather re-spray every couple of years.

BTW thanks turbotoy4me for your help!

[cpie168]

Excellent review! Thank you!
The spray does seem to enhance the gloss; is that true in person?

[drmdvl]

Originally Posted by cpie168

Excellent review! Thank you!
The spray does seem to enhance the gloss; is that true in person?

It does add a very slight reflective quality at certain angles. The slight matte / orange peel finish in some spots has also continued to clear up as it cures. You definitely cannot tell by just looking that it is coated in plastic.

[turbotoy4me]

Great review.
Your application looks great.
Interested to see how it holds up through the winter.

[SHEEDI]

Nice work, did you look into 3m self healing clear bra?

[drmdvl]

Originally Posted by SHEEDI

Nice work, did you look into 3m self healing clear bra?

I didn't. But I have seen xpel. Pretty cool technology! I really am liking this 3M system because I cannot see any edges like you do on clear bra.