Any Cons using clear bra / protective film? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

CoV · 10-13-2012, 08:24 AM

Regardless of cost, I am wondering if there are any disadvantages of having a quality protective film installed at key areas on an Inferno Orange Metallic Camaro. I live on a gravel road. I am seriously considering having this installed before driving a newer Camaro too much.

Will this stuff not fade or start to look bad?

What about the effect when tending to the paint, like polishing etc? ie the paint will still look good with this stuff over it??

Would removal / replacement later on ruin the paint job?

Should I completely avoid the hood if there are vinyl stripes installed?

What are the best brands that I should consider having installed by a professional?

Any advice or feedback is greatly appreciated... thank you in advance!

allmotor · 10-13-2012, 08:33 AM

The only con I can think of, and it doesn't bother me at all, is that on summit white, if you look real close, you might see a little dirt build up along the lines of the film. You would have to be looking for it to notice it. I did the gill. rockers, full front, mirrors, 1/4 front fenders and 1/4 hood for around $1200.00 professionally installed.

You should seriously consider 1/4 flares all around. Difference maker!

zkdreads · 10-13-2012, 08:34 AM

besides the cost. NONE!

ToolFan66 · 10-13-2012, 09:04 AM

None!!

Jeff63 · 10-13-2012, 09:36 AM

I have it on my IOM with no problems. You can wash and wax normally.
No you shouldn't put it over the stripes.
It can be removed without any harm to the paint.
It's a great product. mine covers the front bumper, mirrors and quarter panels. Cost was $550.00. Done by B&L Auto Decor near Sacramento Cal. 916-214-8468. Great people.

twmotox · 10-13-2012, 10:10 AM

I did mine myself and my car is summit white. You can hardly even see it unless you look really close. Looks great

Vipercar · 10-13-2012, 11:50 AM

There are no negatives. Have the whole front, including all lights, side mirrors, handle cups, gill area and the door sills done. Still looks great and not one chip or mark. Well worth the cost.

ENV US · 10-13-2012, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twmotox

I did mine myself and my car is summit white. You can hardly even see it unless you look really close. Looks great

Where did you get the material?

EM9IRE · 10-13-2012, 01:13 PM

I chose the clear bra and haven't regretted it one bit. I also plasti dipped the bottom lip which I tend to have to touch up from time to time but that doesn't bother me. If I didn't get the clear bra I'm sure I would be applying Summit White touch up paint more than I would like, btw the paint code for Inferno Orange Metallic is WA502Q

MBS · 10-13-2012, 01:20 PM

I think all women should wear clear bras

Mirror D · 10-13-2012, 07:42 PM

Make sure that you go with either Xpel or Suntek film. Xpels film is warrantied up to 10 years against yellowing and Suntek, 5 years. 3M being the cheapest and crappiest film. It will generally yellow within 2-3 years and has the thickest orange peel look too it.

ihaveacamaro · 10-13-2012, 08:32 PM

It doesn't look as good as paint. It won't be as glossy. There is a shade color difference in panels that have paint vs clear bra.

Rhyder · 10-13-2012, 08:35 PM

Ive been told that after youve had the car 10 years or so, the paint that is not covered is faded more than the paint that is.......I guess thats a con.......

Mirror D · 10-13-2012, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihaveacamaro

It doesn't look as good as paint. It won't be as glossy. There is a shade color difference in panels that have paint vs clear bra.

Then your using the wrong PPF. Xpel and Suntek are thin enough, while still offering protection, that it is more glossy and better shows the paint. If you fully wrap panels even from a few feet its hard to tell a difference. Maybe after a number of years you will slowly notice a difference. But really...even if you spent $1500 to wrap a front end for 3-5 years of protection. That is an awesome investment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhyder

Ive been told that after youve had the car 10 years or so, the paint that is not covered is faded more than the paint that is.......I guess thats a con.......

Yes, if you do not protect half a panel that is uncovered, if you removed it after 10 years, you will notice a difference. If you maintain your paint through those years, the difference will not be anything a few hours a professional detailer cannot fix.

10-13-2012, 08:24 AM	#1
CoV Drives: 2010 SS IOM & 99 SS Black 6M's Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: The Deepest Pits of Hell Posts: 117	Any Cons using clear bra / protective film? Regardless of cost, I am wondering if there are any disadvantages of having a quality protective film installed at key areas on an Inferno Orange Metallic Camaro. I live on a gravel road. I am seriously considering having this installed before driving a newer Camaro too much. Will this stuff not fade or start to look bad? What about the effect when tending to the paint, like polishing etc? ie the paint will still look good with this stuff over it?? Would removal / replacement later on ruin the paint job? Should I completely avoid the hood if there are vinyl stripes installed? What are the best brands that I should consider having installed by a professional? Any advice or feedback is greatly appreciated... thank you in advance!

10-13-2012, 08:33 AM	#2
allmotor movin' down the motorway Drives: Summiit White 2SS/RS/M6 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Palmetto Fl and Peabody MA Posts: 740	The only con I can think of, and it doesn't bother me at all, is that on summit white, if you look real close, you might see a little dirt build up along the lines of the film. You would have to be looking for it to notice it. I did the gill. rockers, full front, mirrors, 1/4 front fenders and 1/4 hood for around $1200.00 professionally installed. You should seriously consider 1/4 flares all around. Difference maker! __________________ 417 stroker - Florida Speed and Power

10-13-2012, 08:34 AM	#3
zkdreads Drives: 2010 Camaro LS V6 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 2,784	besides the cost. NONE! __________________ C-LO or Sonic "Without Struggle there is no progress" I am your best nightmare!

10-13-2012, 10:10 AM	#6
twmotox Drives: 2013 Camaro 1LT RS Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Winter Haven, Florida Posts: 308	I did mine myself and my car is summit white. You can hardly even see it unless you look really close. Looks great __________________ Loyalty above all else except honor!

10-13-2012, 08:32 PM	#12
ihaveacamaro I like teeth. Drives: #198 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Posts: 4,817	It doesn't look as good as paint. It won't be as glossy. There is a shade color difference in panels that have paint vs clear bra. __________________ . Please check out my youtube detailing channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/roshan517 "When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will be successful."

10-13-2012, 09:04 AM	#4
ToolFan66 Drives: 2011 2SS 6.2L W/RS package Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 3,008	None!!

10-13-2012, 09:36 AM	#5
Jeff63 Drives: 2012 LT RS IOM Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Calif. Posts: 25	I have it on my IOM with no problems. You can wash and wax normally. No you shouldn't put it over the stripes. It can be removed without any harm to the paint. It's a great product. mine covers the front bumper, mirrors and quarter panels. Cost was $550.00. Done by B&L Auto Decor near Sacramento Cal. 916-214-8468. Great people.

10-13-2012, 11:50 AM	#7
Vipercar Drives: 2010 IOM 2LT/RS Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Oshawa, Ont Posts: 499	There are no negatives. Have the whole front, including all lights, side mirrors, handle cups, gill area and the door sills done. Still looks great and not one chip or mark. Well worth the cost.

10-13-2012, 01:13 PM	#9
EM9IRE Drives: 2011 Convertible 2LT/RS Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Phoenix Posts: 52	I chose the clear bra and haven't regretted it one bit. I also plasti dipped the bottom lip which I tend to have to touch up from time to time but that doesn't bother me. If I didn't get the clear bra I'm sure I would be applying Summit White touch up paint more than I would like, btw the paint code for Inferno Orange Metallic is WA502Q

10-13-2012, 01:20 PM	#10
MBS Drives: 2010 rs 2lt Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: wisconsin Posts: 2,497	I think all women should wear clear bras

10-13-2012, 07:42 PM	#11
Mirror D Drives: Silverado Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Dallas, GA Posts: 41	Make sure that you go with either Xpel or Suntek film. Xpels film is warrantied up to 10 years against yellowing and Suntek, 5 years. 3M being the cheapest and crappiest film. It will generally yellow within 2-3 years and has the thickest orange peel look too it.

10-13-2012, 08:35 PM	#13
Rhyder Drives: 2012 45 Anniversary Vert Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: atlanta Posts: 2,511	Ive been told that after youve had the car 10 years or so, the paint that is not covered is faded more than the paint that is.......I guess thats a con.......