Best wax for clear bra -- synthetic or carnauba?

[astro13rm]

Here are some shots (slow modems will take a while)...



As you can see, the bra isn`t as shiny and reflective as the paint itself. The entire car has a fresh coat of Klasse All-In-One. If the situation is such that there are lots of reflections, one can definitely see the bra. If you are looking from the direction that doesn`t lend itself to reflections, you can`t really see it. I would say that about 75% of the time, you can see the line created by the bra.



If you can`t stand the line at all and it would drive you nuts, you should get the whole hood wrapped. It personally doesn`t bother me but I can understand that it might bother other people.



Some before shots... (before the wash/clay bar/wax)



http://www.fototime.com/A90AF182BB008A8/standard.jpg



http://www.fototime.com/F3FD13451703BD8/standard.jpg





And some after shots...



http://www.fototime.com/D691799C60937B8/standard.jpg



http://www.fototime.com/EC078EEAF929B5E/standard.jpg



http://www.fototime.com/B22A84B6B5540A7/standard.jpg



http://www.fototime.com/55D6410724B5366/standard.jpg



http://www.fototime.com/123BEE5853E4115/standard.jpg

[chrisx]

That film doesn`t look as clear as it should. Here are some pics of the film on my car. Bonnet, bumper, headlights, foglights and side mirrors.





http://img348.imageshack.us/img348/7915/img0397medium0rr.jpg



http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/5548/img0396medium3ph.jpg

[Rob Tomlin]

I agree that the clear bra doesn`t seem to be as clear as it should be in those previous pics. I assume that was NOT the 3M material?

[astro13rm]

The material that was used on my Accord is the Durashield product by Avery.

[Yakuza70]

I would highly recommend a clear bra, especially if you drive on the freeway frequently. Here are some pics of my black TL: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2059734/1 . I`ve noticed you can see the bra line more when the car gets dirty.

[astro13rm]

That film doesn`t look as clear as it should. Here are some pics of the film on my car. Bonnet, bumper, headlights, foglights and side mirrors.







Any ideas on how I can get it clearer? Will continuing to wax it help?

[chrisx]

Any ideas on how I can get it clearer? Will continuing to wax it help?



That is the way the film comes. My supplier got the new film which came out just over a year ago (here in Australia) and the old film looked like what you have on your car. It was cloudy and not as clear. I don`t think there is anything you can do about it as it is in the composition of the film when it is made. I guess the lighter colour of the car makes it standout also. You will only notice it when there is a reflection over the whole hood and you are close enough to see the detail. Some of your shots from the distance you can`t really tell but with the closeups you can.

[astro13rm]

I guess the good part, then, is that it doesn`t really bother me. I mean, it`d be awesome if it was super clear but whatever. I can live with it.... I know, I know -- some of you purists probably think I`m nuts, but for now, it`s a great trade off to keep my paint nice. In 5 years, when the Air Force sends me somewhere else a little more populated, I can get it reapplied if I so desire. I`m sure by that point, the clear bra will be pretty beat up by debris anyway.

[chrisx]

Yeah as with most things there is something that you need to trade off.

[Ron Harris]

Here is what I would suggest.



The 3M film has built in Orange Peel along with a clear coat. This clear coat is worthless if you take proper care of your cars finish. I have used different films and patterns for the clear bra. I would recommend you use Venture Film cut to an Expel Pattern. The Venture is optically clear than other films and has no orange peel and a longer warranty. It is easier to install also.

[Rob Tomlin]

Here is what I would suggest.



The 3M film has built in Orange Peel along with a clear coat. This clear coat is worthless if you take proper care of your cars finish. I have used different films and patterns for the clear bra. I would recommend you use Venture Film cut to an Expel Pattern. The Venture is optically clear than other films and has no orange peel and a longer warranty. It is easier to install also.



Do you have a link to possible dealers for Venture film in Southern California? All the places I have contacted out here do the 3M material.

[Ron Harris]

Rob You will have to contact Venture tape and find out there dealer list in your area.

[Rob Tomlin]

Thanks Ron.

[r12rex]

I would highly recommend a clear bra, especially if you drive on the freeway frequently. Here are some pics of my black TL: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2059734/1 . I`ve noticed you can see the bra line more when the car gets dirty.





what clear bra do you have yakuza? as far as clarity goes...it looks pretty good. also, how is it holding up? thanks. :)





Rob, I live in So. Cal also...what dealers do you know of that does 3M material? BTW. I`m located in O.C. Five minutes away from knotts berry farm. Do you (or anyone else for that matter) know of shops that sells and installs clear bras?

[Rob Tomlin]

Most of them are small companies....even sole guys who work out of their house and will come to yours. I want mine done inside though so there wont be any danger of dust or debris getting under the tape.