Repainting front end - Clear protection film or no?

[Bob the Noob]

So my front end is getting repainted and I was wondering what everyone thought about clear protection films?

Are they hard to wash/keep clean? Any types of detergents to stay away from? don't wax/polish over them?

big question: Should I bother? I can only guess that the new paint will be a little more durable than the factory stuff.

[donkeyGT]

Bob don't know much about protective coatings..But make sure your paint is totally cured before putting anything on it. Ask your painter what he thinks..I would think a month or two depending on the tempuratures where the car is sitting.

[SRG963]

Have you seen these self healing films?

Cool N Lite® CrystGard™ protection film
http://www.coolnlite.com/index.htm
X0cu348ei9g

XPEL Protection Film - ULTIMATE
https://www.xpel.com/products/xpel_ultimate_paint_protection_film.asp

[Bob the Noob]

Oh, that's nice...

[MongosG8]

Wow.. That product looks impressive

[Kermit]

That's some cool stuff!!

As for getting a clear bra or not, I have it and am happy with it. I will say that you will need to be careful if your going to wax the car. I made the mistake of not taping off the edges of my bra and got some of the paste on the edges. Now you can see where the bra starts. :( Good stuff over all but just need to do some prep work if you want to wax the car. :)

[GXPaycheck]

Expel on my SS. Great stuff! They have their own brand of polish/wax you can use on it.

[matts88yj]

Xpel on the G8 and it has saved my front end a couple of times that I know of and countless times that I don't know of. Just so everyone knows you don't have to use their polish on the film. Any finishing or fine polish will be just fine to use on it including sealants, glazes and waxes. If you do get some build up on the edge then take a good microfiber towel and use your fingernail to get the excess off from the edge. Also when you apply, be sure to do by the edge last so there isn't as much product to be built up against the film.

[4d00rv3tt3]

That's some cool stuff!!

As for getting a clear bra or not, I have it and am happy with it. I will say that you will need to be careful if your going to wax the car. I made the mistake of not taping off the edges of my bra and got some of the paste on the edges. Now you can see where the bra starts. :( Good stuff over all but just need to do some prep work if you want to wax the car. :)

i can completely agree with this, we have them installed on a lot of higher end Bimmers at our shop to protect the paint, only problem ive seen with them is the dirt buildup at the edges over time and in addition to that if you get wax in there it leaves a line in your hood. we have had some come in with a clearbra type material thats been on there a long time and it looks hideous. scratches, faded etc. ive always wanted to take it off and see what the paint looked like. i thought about getting it done after i get my front bumper fixed/ re-painted. most likely ill get the front bumper, entire hood and both front fenders done to prevent future rock chips and wear at excessive speeds:thumbsup:

[mass835]

I too had to get my front end repainted. Rock chips in the paint and flaking clear coat. Rediculous. I would recommend the clear bra. A friend had one on his car and you could not tell it was there. Buy high quality product though. Some tend to yellow from the sun over time

[GXPaycheck]

XPell doesn't yellow ;-)

[gr8lover]

I have venture shield on my car since day 30..... about 6 years ago.... still looks good... except for a 2-3 areas where I scrapped up on a curb and it ripped a bit... I will be removing mine this spring... and then deciding on what to do with it.. loved my cover..

[RWD-V8]

If you have the front bumper cover off the car, wrap it with the material of choice around all edges with the kidneys and fogs out. (avoids cut edges)

I'm going to get mine repainted with a shop that has done this several times with good results. I purchased a spare one to have painted because the shop wants to let the point out gas for 90 days before wrapping it.