3M Clear Bra

ard5040 · 06-17-2016, 09:11 AM

Having front bumper, hood, and fenders painted. Bumper shaved, hood and fenders sanded and primed to remove stone chips. My question is how long should I wait to have clear bra installed. I'm doing the bumper and about a foot of the hood and fenders. The shop that's doing it says 3 days after the paint job is finished. Thoughts?

cpie168 · 06-17-2016, 11:22 AM

I would like to know too. Thanks.

Detailed Image · 06-18-2016, 09:52 AM

Consult with your body shop to see how long before the paint is fully cured.

It is typically advised to wait 30-90 days before applying a wax or sealant, I would assume the recommendation is similar for applying a clear film, but the painter would have the best information for you.

-Zach

1QuikWS6 · 06-20-2016, 06:14 PM

Just had new m3 hood, m3 fenders, and mtech front bumper painted and installed.

I plan on getting the 3m clear bra also.

I was told by my shop (that sends out cars for clear bra installs regularly), and the certified 3m installer in my area that you should wait minimum 2 months after new paint before installing

Hacksaw · 06-30-2016, 06:04 PM

Follow the advise of 3m as they provide that as a good rule of thumb. You want the paint to finish the off gassing and curing process. There is always some shrinkage and it's not a 100% set period of time.
This info comes from the paint manufacturer themselves. Most body people if they are reasonably compentent will let you know when it's safe to begin waxing and upkeep. That should be based on the manufacturer though.

Weather, temperature etc all have a play in it.

I cannot see how 3 days is enough time for that process to run the course. Make sure they warranty their work, including the paint under the film.

Detailers Domain · 07-09-2016, 07:19 PM

here is something you should consider when picking your body shop, make sure they cover the work they do, as at our shop we make sure customers with resprays sign a waiver, making sure that if the film pulls paint the responsibility is on the owner of the car. Hence we make sure our customers get a written guarantee from their body shop or they use the two that we recommend, as they will respray the panels if we pull the paint while installing film, it has happened, it does happen. Just make sure you are covered.

06-17-2016, 09:11 AM	#1
ard5040 Captain 419 Rep 656 Posts Drives: 2017 X3 xdrive35i, Macan S Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Westchester, NY iTrader: (1)	3M Clear Bra Having front bumper, hood, and fenders painted. Bumper shaved, hood and fenders sanded and primed to remove stone chips. My question is how long should I wait to have clear bra installed. I'm doing the bumper and about a foot of the hood and fenders. The shop that's doing it says 3 days after the paint job is finished. Thoughts?
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06-17-2016, 11:22 AM	#2
cpie168 Major 173 Rep 1,117 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 328i 6MT ZSP BSM Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: K/W and GTA, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (1)	I would like to know too. Thanks.
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06-18-2016, 09:52 AM	#3
Detailed Image 360 Rep 5,052 Posts Drives: Detailed by Detailed Image Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Albany, NY iTrader: (5)	Consult with your body shop to see how long before the paint is fully cured. It is typically advised to wait 30-90 days before applying a wax or sealant, I would assume the recommendation is similar for applying a clear film, but the painter would have the best information for you. -Zach
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06-20-2016, 06:14 PM	#4
1QuikWS6 No 55mph 1622 Rep 8,476 Posts Drives: F32 435ix MSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blitzburgh, PA iTrader: (113) Garage List 2022 BMW M440ix Vert [0.00] 2015 BMW 435ix MSport [0.00] 2000 Pontiac Trans Am [0.00]	Just had new m3 hood, m3 fenders, and mtech front bumper painted and installed. I plan on getting the 3m clear bra also. I was told by my shop (that sends out cars for clear bra installs regularly), and the certified 3m installer in my area that you should wait minimum 2 months after new paint before installing __________________ F32 435ix//MGM//M Sport-Prem-Tech-Driver Assist-Lighting-Cold Weather-Dyn Handling Pkgs//M4 Black Lthr Int w/M4 Alum Blade Trim//HK w/Bavsound Stg3//763M//M4 Euro LCI Tails//M4 Mirrors w/CF Covers//AWCarbon CF F/R Spoilers-Side Splitters-Diffuser 6WB/ID6 HU+HUD/IND M4 Alcantara Armrest//PURE S2 Turbo//AA FMIC+DP//ER CP+TIC//3.5bar TMAP/TS DV//AWE Tuning Exh w/Blk Tips//Turner MS CF Intake//BM3 Cary Jordan Tune//MPerf Diff//PrecRW Ignition Kit
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06-30-2016, 06:04 PM	#5
Hacksaw Private First Class 25 Rep 116 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Join Date: May 2016 Location: SA TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i [0.00]	Follow the advise of 3m as they provide that as a good rule of thumb. You want the paint to finish the off gassing and curing process. There is always some shrinkage and it's not a 100% set period of time. This info comes from the paint manufacturer themselves. Most body people if they are reasonably compentent will let you know when it's safe to begin waxing and upkeep. That should be based on the manufacturer though. Weather, temperature etc all have a play in it. I cannot see how 3 days is enough time for that process to run the course. Make sure they warranty their work, including the paint under the film. __________________ '11 BMW///335i Sedan Black Sapphire Metallic\|Dakota Blk Lthr\|Sport Seats\|M Sport Sus PKG\|Nav\| '02 BMW ///M3Imola Red\|Blk Cloth\|6M\|TFS CSL TUNE - MSS54HP\|CSL Rep Airbox\|Euro Headers\|StopTech ST-40 BBKs\|Kirk 4pt Bar\|CF CSL Trunk\|GC Race F/R Sways\| Last edited by Hacksaw; 06-30-2016 at 06:14 PM..
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07-09-2016, 07:19 PM	#6
Detailers Domain BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 1997 Rep 6,916 Posts Drives: 20 M2C / 22 X3MC Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (24)	here is something you should consider when picking your body shop, make sure they cover the work they do, as at our shop we make sure customers with resprays sign a waiver, making sure that if the film pulls paint the responsibility is on the owner of the car. Hence we make sure our customers get a written guarantee from their body shop or they use the two that we recommend, as they will respray the panels if we pull the paint while installing film, it has happened, it does happen. Just make sure you are covered.
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