1) When a clear bar is applied, say on the hood, is it typically applied just up to edge of the hood, or does it wrap arouund to the underside so there are no lines visible?

2) I was surprised at the pics on this post: https://g35driver.com/forums/showthr...ight=clear+bra - particularly here and here . Why are there seams across the hood like that....and do they dissappear?

3) Finally, if products like Zaino build up and preseve the paint, how is it that they can still be used effectively on top of a clear bra film?

Many thanks

 

It's applied to the hood and wraps around and underneath. No it does not dissapear, but is is a damn sight better than what drivers used to use to protect the front of the car: http://www.colgancustom.com/home/images/2_2.jpg

Even though it's a "clear" product, you're still going to see where it starts. Your area of concern images just show where the clear bra "starts" on the hood. ie. they usually go up about 12 inches on the hood, so the clear bra will start 12 inches up, go down, and wrap around the edge.

It is not reccommended to wax the clear bra. Wax up to it, then when it's time to polish the wax off, use a good cloth and/or microfibre cloth to remove the wax buildup at the edge of the clear bra.

 

Ahhh, so one would not see those lines if the full hood was done - correct?

What about the fenders..are they ever installed where most of the fender is done so that one only sees lines at the edges?

About the wax etc, I see there are many opinions in this. Per this post, the suggestion was made to "Just wax/polish/zaino over it to get the best life out of the film."

 

From my experience,

1) It depends on the kit. The XPEL kit for the 07G does not wrap around the edges of the hood. However, if the installer is good, they can do a custom job and do the whole hood, around edges, rocker panels, etc. Not sure about other kits. Lines WILL be visible (unless they start doing things like shoving the film between body panels?).

2) Lines show up on the hood because the stock kits do not normally cover the whole hood. No, they will not dissappear. It is caused by the thickness of the film. Maybe one day, someone will figure out how to cost effectively bevel the edges and make a ton of money!

3) My 3M installer says to wax on top of the film, just don't hit it to hard with a buffer or anything abrasive for obvious reasons.

Lines WILL be visible on the fender as well or anywhere the film ends. One thing to keep in mind .. the lines are only noticeable if you are "looking" for them. To get them to show up on pictures actually takes a little bit of work.

The color of the paint also affects how visible the lines are. I've also noticed the lines show up more when my car is dusty.

As others have said, the experience of the installer makes the biggest difference between a good job and a bad job. I've seen some dealer installs that looked downright awful with seams all over the place and trapped air bubbles, etc. If you get a chance, check out your installers previous work or go to someone who is highly recommended.

 

1) When a clear bar is applied, say on the hood, is it typically applied just up to edge of the hood, or does it wrap arouund to the underside so there are no lines visible?

This depends on the installer and on the kit design. Many installers prefer not to wrap edges because it's more labor intensive and there is a greater possibility of the kit lifting if not installed properly. Personally, I try to wrap ALL edges possible.

2) I was surprised at the pics on this post: https://g35driver.com/forums/showthre...ight=clear+bra - particularly here and here . Why are there seams across the hood like that....and do they dissappear?

With a pre-cut hood kit, either standard of extended, you will have a horizontal line through the middle of the hood. If this bothers you, I can do a custom hood install, which covers the entire hood. However, this would cost much more.

3) Finally, if products like Zaino build up and preseve the paint, how is it that they can still be used effectively on top of a clear bra film?

You should ask what type of film your installer is using. Many companies offer Paint Protection Films with built in Clear Coat which can be waxed. A film with clear coat should be treated as your vehicles painted surfaces.

I hope I was able to answer some of your questions. I've also attached pics of some of a couple of my recent installs so you can see what I'm talking about. The Jetta has a complete kit, hood, fenders, mirrors and front bumper and the FX has complete front bumper. Before choosing an installer, make sure to see some of his work....the installer makes a HUGE difference!!!
















Thanks,

 

When I contacted my dealer re. the clear bra,he informed me they do not recomend nor install them,said that "They made the paint fade weird" apparently they've had other problems but he wasn't specific.Has any one out there heard of any problems.I've used the 3-M product on customers vehicles though only on wear areas usually behind wheelopenings. I've never had any problems.

 

Poll added...

 

Hmmm, you have to remember what the product's purpose is. It protects the front of your car from rock chips and scratches. You will have a line in the hood, but from 15 feet away you wont see it. And if you compare it to a leather bra... well you see what I mean. I have one on all three of my vehicles. None of them have yellowed or created any other problems to the vehicle. What they have done is keep the front of my cars from looking like they have ran through a sandblaster. So look at the money I have saved from not having to repaint my IP or from not having to replace my headlights (they are covered too) to keep the car looking brand new. Think about it...

 

Went with 3M clear bra - front bumper only. Don't like to see visible film edge lines on the hood/fenders. Selected 3M latest generation instead of Venture Shield because of the lower maintenance (3M top clear coat is way more difficult to scratch) . Went with front bumper only because it's where 95% of paint chips happened but clear protector will be destroyed in the case of a minor accident . Bought the 3M pre-cut bumper kit on eBay and had it installed locally (total $350). Still satisfied after 3 month.