Clear bra + plastx

[eric96ser]

I cleaned up a friend's M3 last weekend, and the previous owner had a clear bra installed. I was able to get most of the swirls out of the paint, but the bra is covered in them. Can Plastx be used by hand or machine on a clear bra, without damaging it? The paint is a dark blue, and the swirls really stand out on the front of the car.

[Mike Pennington]

Re: Clear bra + plastx

We would really recommend talking with the Mfg of that particular clear bra.

Typically, they recommend NOT using any type product that has an abrasive in it. This would include PlastX....

We have seen this concern come up in person, on the phone, and at the events we attend, and have really not found a product that can actually remove swirls w/o hazing the clear bra material....

Mike

[eric96ser]

Re: Clear bra + plastx

Oh well, thanks for the info Mike.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Clear bra + plastx

My cousin is the head of a division involved with the Clearbra and he told me that yyou should be able to treat the Clearbra like paint.
That said, there is obviously some serious variations between one paint and the next! Heh, and one thing that clearbras have that make them very tricky to work on is their elasticity.

I actually have one I installed on my lower front spoiler, but I haven't tried working on it yet (can't see a need to, yet). Once I do, I will report my findings on MOL

[jmakado]

Re: Clear bra + plastx

I have had good luck using PlatiX on clear masks. Living up in gravel land we have all our cars full frontal wrapped in the stuff. Always 3m but not sure what level...if they even have different 3m clear mask products? The only hazing I have seen is when using a terry towel or terry applicator. I use microfibers all wadded up with just a flat spot on the mask itself to try and keep the pressure even and low. I work PlastiX with very fast passes until it goes clear, then remove. How did I end up doing it this way? I have no clue but it worked once so I just keep doing it! If in doubt, do a small test spot.

[jmakado]

Re: Clear bra + plastx

Here is my Gf's car that has a 24" clear mask on the hood and front fenders. The entire from bumper is also wrapped in clear mask. After I finished the car the mask stood out like a sore thumb PlatiX took care of that!



Here is a shot showing how hazy and dull it was before. Tough to see a distinct line of where the mask is since the car is wet but look at how hazy the clouds are on the front of the hood compared to the area near the windshield and you'll get the idea. The tree reflection on the drivers side of the hood is also a pretty good indicator.

[eric96ser]

Re: Clear bra + plastx

Great, thanks for the info. Being that the car is a dark blue, the swirls in the clear bra really stand out.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Clear bra + plastx

You don't even know it's there!

[JLTSX07]

Re: Clear bra + plastx

Ok, I'm not sure if anyone's tried this, but the 3M clear bra installer that did my two cars recommends taking Isoprohyl (sp) alcohol and spraying it on the clear bra. Once you spray it, let it evaporate on it's own. Do this a couple of times if need be, and something in the alcohol fills in and reducies the scratches/swirls. I've done this once, and it did make a difference. You guys might want to give it a shot, it's certainly not going to hurt anything!

Jeff

[Armadadad]

Re: Clear bra + plastx

I've been thinking about the clear bra from some time now and from the research I've done,all the installers (I've talk to 3) I've spoken to have said the exact same thing, Isophohyl Alcohol usually does the trick. Although I havent forked over the dough to have it done, Im sure thats the way to go....

[Garage Troll]

Re: Clear bra + plastx

Just though I'd share my experience.

I had posted a question similar to this in Detailing 101 and even took it a step further.

I tried M205 and got out most of the swirls but they still stood out in the sun. So I decided to try ScratchX 2.0 by hand. I figured that the worst that would happen is that it would haze and I would have to replace it which I would do anyway with all of the swirls so it was no loss. I noticed some left over polishing marks after the ScratchX 2.0 so I followed it up with the M205 by hand again and I got 95% of the swirls out. I then used the 3M sealant recommended by the Mfg. By the way this is a 3M Scotchguard clear bra.

Just my .02 even though 3M doesn't recommend using any compounds on the bra. But, hey, what the heck are you supposed to do, have swirls part way up the hood?