Clear Bra Maintenance

[SCMountaineer]

My 2018 came with the Toyota accessory paint protection film on the hood, mirrors, etc. I had it on another car seven or eight years back, and the edges collected wax and dirt, and overall just looked "dull" within a year. Is there something I should do (or not do) to keep that from happening again? (Or should I just have it taken off)

 

[J.F. Sebastian]

I have my wagon in for a clear bra right now and know enough about these to comment I think.

I have seen people use a soft toothbrush and spray-on cleaner to do the edges if they get wax and/or dirt on them. Remove stuff like car wax from edges immediately and don't let anything sit on the edges for long, even dirt build-up if you can avoid it. Light action back and forth linearly along the edge, pressing downwards and being careful not to press "into" the edge, then wash. I would think that if care is taken not to wash and wax perpendicularly and directly into edges of the bra it will keep the edges cleaner for longer?

I have heard that people actually ceramic coat their bras but otherwise you can use the same wax product on the bra that you use on the rest of the paint. I know sealant can be purchased specifically for clear bras and this is applied and buffed off like wax after a wash. During application care is taken not to touch the edge with the applicator/sealant. Application is started just about on the edge and then drawn away from the edge into and towards the given panel you're working on. Apparently if you're really careful applying and buffing the sealant/wax the edges can stay looking good for a long time. My manufacturer (Xpel) sells proprietary sealant which is applied and removed like a waxing product after every wash ideally.

The care of bras is pretty simple but they do require some care to stay looking good. There are lots of YouTube videos that cover care of clear bras also.

Oh and by the way, leave it on and see how you like it. From what I understand the newer materials in use are day and night compared to stuff just a few years old. If it bugs you sometime down the road it can be removed easily.

I have seen tests performed with various things at various speeds being shot at panels covered with 3M, Xpel, etc. and the abuse a mere 10 mil or so of film can take without going through to the paint verges on magical but looking forward to finding-out first-hand myself.

 

[Beer Hounds]

If anyone has any suggestions how to remove stains from a clear bra I am currently in need. I have already tried rubbing alchohol, mineral spirits, cleaning wax and soap and water. As of now nothing is working, and the next step is removing it and starting over.

 

[J.F. Sebastian]

I'm told anything that stains paint should be removed ASAP or it'll etch into the clearcoat of the bra. Do you seal your bra after washes? If you've tried all those things (Goo Gone?) then it looks like machine polishing if someone knows how or replacing the panel. If it's just a stain maybe learn to live with it because your paint is still protected?

After a few weeks and two different "certified installers" later, I have very mixed feelings about getting my full wagon done and despite the protection, not at all sure it was worth the time, stress and expense.

 

[Beer Hounds]

I'm told anything that stains paint should be removed ASAP or it'll etch into the clearcoat of the bra. Do you seal your bra after washes? If you've tried all those things (Goo Gone?) then it looks like machine polishing if someone knows how or replacing the panel. If it's just a stain maybe learn to live with it because your paint is still protected?

After a few weeks and two different "certified installers" later, I have very mixed feelings about getting my full wagon done and despite the protection, not at all sure it was worth the time, stress and expense.

Im thinking I am screwed. I have tried the Goo Gone as well, that actually worked to remove whatever it was the got on my paint, but would not help on the clear bra. I am thinking once they are stained there is not much you can do.

 

[TexasToyota]

Clear Bra

If anyone has any suggestions how to remove stains from a clear bra I am currently in need. I have already tried rubbing alchohol, mineral spirits, cleaning wax and soap and water. As of now nothing is working, and the next step is removing it and starting over.

I think it depends what brand it is. If it's XPEL, I think it's pretty durable. In their video they put lacquer thinner or acetone on spray paint and it comes right off. XPEL bra video

Pretty sure their warranty covers staining so check if its XPEL, if the stain won't come off they'll replace it parts and labor for FREEEEEEE

 

[J.F. Sebastian]

Having looked-over some other detailer/tinter/tuner forums a bit, and perhaps this is a function of the rapid gain in popularity of these products but there are a lot of ongoing complaints about Xpel work done/"certified" installers being unsatisfactory...

Their warranty does not cover staining that I'm aware of.

I got fairly lucky from reading others' experiences but between the plotted panels and the installation, it's easy to see how some "installers" really make a mess, especially on a complicated 3D job like our 4Runner front bumpers.

My experience involves both (all) the "certified installers" in my town and knowing what I know now, I wouldn't do it again. In fact, I think stripping the vehicle and Line-X'ing it like Land Rover guys for a bit more money is probably a much better option for a vehicle like this, especially if it gets off-road much.