3M Spray Clear Bra Review
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3M Spray Clear Bra Review
Let me first start off by saying I originally didn't want to do the spray on since I haven't heard many positive things about it. Over the winter I bought a roll of Xpel clear bra to protect my chin spoiler. Since it's painted, I've seen and heard from people saying that it gets chopped to hell with rocks when you drive it. I probably drove my car 3-4 times without any protection on the chin spoiler and I already have 2-3 small chips.
So when the weather reached the recommended temperature for the install, I tried to install the Xpel myself. I bought a roll of the stuff, not a custom fit piece. Long story short, I did a crappy job and wasted $40. I removed and hard to throw it away. I was not a happy camper.
I then went to my plan B, 3M Spray Clear Bra. I figured for something like the chin spoiler, this might be a good solution for protection. The can comes with a tube of wax, spray can, and instructions.
I masked off the entire front of my car except for the chin spoiler. I thoroughly washed the spoiler and applied the wax that it came with. 3M recommends waxing for easy removal, if needed. (The life of the clear bra is at least a year).
You then spray the crap on your car at a steady pace, without stopping the spray between coats (which they recommend at 3). You wait a couple of hours and park it in the sun to fully cure.
Here is right when I finished spraying and took the painters tape off. It's still wet, so naturally it doesn't match the car
Here's a close up of the clean line I was able to achieve with pulling off the tape while it was still wet
Another angle
This was the following day. The spray dried and became totally clear.
Different lighting
Up close
Even closer. I may have sprayed a little too heavy in this one area, causing it to run a little. I was concerned that I would have to respray the spoiler, but it only takes 20 min to do, so it wouldn't be the end of the world
Here it is totally dry. I was impressed how clear the bra looks out of a can
I pulled it out of the garage to test it in the sun. Looks good to me!
You can see the run in the chin spoiler clearly in this picture. Although it looks obvious, it was very hard to take a picture of it. Once it fully dried, most of the time I couldn't find it even though I knew where it was. I still have plenty of spray left in the can, so I could spray it one or two more times if I need to.
Here she is at the first show of the season on Sunday. Can't even tell it has a clear bra.
I recommend this product for doing something small like this. I'm not sure on bigger projects like the hood, but it seems perfect for something like this. I'll give an update later on to see how it holds up and how it protects.
Here's the video on removing the clear bra:
So when the weather reached the recommended temperature for the install, I tried to install the Xpel myself. I bought a roll of the stuff, not a custom fit piece. Long story short, I did a crappy job and wasted $40. I removed and hard to throw it away. I was not a happy camper.
I then went to my plan B, 3M Spray Clear Bra. I figured for something like the chin spoiler, this might be a good solution for protection. The can comes with a tube of wax, spray can, and instructions.
I masked off the entire front of my car except for the chin spoiler. I thoroughly washed the spoiler and applied the wax that it came with. 3M recommends waxing for easy removal, if needed. (The life of the clear bra is at least a year).
You then spray the crap on your car at a steady pace, without stopping the spray between coats (which they recommend at 3). You wait a couple of hours and park it in the sun to fully cure.
Here is right when I finished spraying and took the painters tape off. It's still wet, so naturally it doesn't match the car
Here's a close up of the clean line I was able to achieve with pulling off the tape while it was still wet
Another angle
This was the following day. The spray dried and became totally clear.
Different lighting
Up close
Even closer. I may have sprayed a little too heavy in this one area, causing it to run a little. I was concerned that I would have to respray the spoiler, but it only takes 20 min to do, so it wouldn't be the end of the world
Here it is totally dry. I was impressed how clear the bra looks out of a can
I pulled it out of the garage to test it in the sun. Looks good to me!
You can see the run in the chin spoiler clearly in this picture. Although it looks obvious, it was very hard to take a picture of it. Once it fully dried, most of the time I couldn't find it even though I knew where it was. I still have plenty of spray left in the can, so I could spray it one or two more times if I need to.
Here she is at the first show of the season on Sunday. Can't even tell it has a clear bra.
I recommend this product for doing something small like this. I'm not sure on bigger projects like the hood, but it seems perfect for something like this. I'll give an update later on to see how it holds up and how it protects.
Here's the video on removing the clear bra:
Last edited by Dfink114; 4/13/14 at 12:31 PM.
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Yup. Exactly.
#7
I Have No Life
Fink nice job! I was always wondering about this, and now I know. I have a spot on my Acura I want to try, and also the headlights on my mustang I'd like to get covered.
Where do you recommend buying the stuff?
Where do you recommend buying the stuff?
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Thanks for the write-up fink. I was thinking of this stuff for my F-150 when I take it across the country in August. Looks like I'm good to go now.
BTW, I saw it a Wally World this weekend for 22 bucks if anyone is interested.
BTW, I saw it a Wally World this weekend for 22 bucks if anyone is interested.
#10
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#11
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#13
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...well it does look a like a pretty tasty prodcut
OP, thanks for posting this. You did a good job applying it minus a few minor glitches that could happen to anybody! I'm looking forward to hearing how well it works and holds up. Could be the answer to my quest for paint protection.
John
OP, thanks for posting this. You did a good job applying it minus a few minor glitches that could happen to anybody! I'm looking forward to hearing how well it works and holds up. Could be the answer to my quest for paint protection.
John
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I'm in Jersey and it's required. I guess I've just been lucky....for now.....I do have the fold away plate, but it doesn't clear the chin spoiler. I'm sure if I lower the bracket it could work, I just haven't done it yet.