Clear Bra Cleaning and Polishing

[wacomme]

I have a 3M clear bra on my 1996 BMW 318ti, red. I've had it for about ten years. It's not yellowing. In the past I used to hand polish and wax the clear bra along with my paint using 3M's Imperial Hand Glaze and One Grand wax — a common practice in its day. Three to four years have now passed with no detailing outside of regular washings. And now I'm using the Ultimate Detailing Machine and Ultima products. After practicing first on my wife's Jeep, I think I have the technique down to clay, clean, polish, and seal the paint. Now I need to work on my Bimmer. Should I clay, clean, polish, and seal the clear bra the same as my paint? In other words, should I use Ultima Elastrofoam for claying, the UDM for applying UPPP, and seal the bra with UPGP?

Michael

[jimmie jam]

i just did my CTS this week. i have a complete front 3M system. clayed with the car, polished with UDM (orange pad) with megs #9 and then applied 845 x 2. just go easy on it. the 3M has a clear coat on it.

[wacomme]

Thanks. I read all about using Plexus only and such. It's nice to know I can treat the clear bra like my paint.

[darkdan]

As a 3M certified paint protection film installer I recommend:

1.) No abrasives
2.) Only dye free synthetic waxes (I recommend NXT 2.0 Paste since it's approved by XPEL, Zaino Z2 works great I hear). Carnauba waxes will stain it yellow.
3.) No Plexus

While 3M PPF and several others might have a top coat, it is only 0.3 mils thick. Yes, that's 0.0003 inches!!!

[snowskate]

I'd also tape off the edges to prevent any lifting or damage. Use the super thin tape, like 1/4" available from a paint supply store.

[darkdan]

Thanks for reminding me. Wax or anything else should be removed from the edge by quick detailer and a microfiber (or quality q-tip).

I'm sure the pros on the board know that. For some odd reason DIYers use their finger nail and then get mad when they take it off a few years later and there's a huge scratch. Did they honestly think their fingernail would not damage paint?

[VroomVroom]

Darkdan, thanks for the info. That's more detail than what I'd heard previously. I have used Menzerna PO85RD (w/ an LC white pad via PC) on mine. The results looked terrific - the effort removed all the light swirling and hazing. What are your thoughts on AIO and/or chemical polishes ahead of sealant?

[loudog2]

Originally Posted by darkdan

As a 3M certified paint protection film installer I recommend:

1.) No abrasives
2.) Only dye free synthetic waxes (I recommend NXT 2.0 Paste since it's approved by XPEL, Zaino Z2 works great I hear). Carnauba waxes will stain it yellow.
3.) No Plexus

While 3M PPF and several others might have a top coat, it is only 0.3 mils thick. Yes, that's 0.0003 inches!!!

So NXT 2.0 liquid is not approved?? Just wondering if there is a difference, I have the liquid NXT 2.0. Why not Plexus? I have been using Plexus and Meg's clear plastic polish. Should I stop using the Plexus?