Clear Bra Question

[aakash]

Hey!

My car was recently punched and kicked on the hood and bumper by some, im assuming drunk kids....however, lesson learned....park in a garage.

I plan to get a clear bra put on it or might use the 3m Paint defender system to protect it. however how long do I need to wait in between getting my car back from the body shop with fresh paint, till I can put on the clear bra.

They are giving me a new hood and refinishing my bumper and re-clearing my fenders. all of which I plan to clear bra. - Iv heard great things from this shop.

On a side note: Do body shops spray on thicker paint/clear coat layers? I am assuming that would help with rock chips, however I am worried about paint depth on a repainted surface, as I tend to get the car detailed every month or so.

Thanks!

[spitfire481]

Thicker paint won't do anything for rock chips. Usually it makes them look worse since more material is broken away. You can't keep stacking material either trying to make it thicker. Every paint system has it's mil thickness requirements listed on their tech sheet. Too thick and you can have solvent pop/delamination issues

I wait 2 weeks after paint before we send cars out for clear film. Never had any issues. I've wrapped a bumper of mine 3 days after paint, then removed the film 2 years later and everything was perfect but I'd let it cure in the sun so the solvents out gas for a couple weeks to be safe

[mothespaceman]

Clear bra ALL THE WAY.

I have the XPEL Ultimate on my whole front bumper (planning to finish the whole hood / fenders) and I will never turn back.

Truly an awesome investment.

[Ec1990]

Listen to the shop on waiting since paint goes through an outgassing process.