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  1. #1
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    New car protection, clear bra? coating?

    Hello,
    I just purchased a new WRX and want to keep it looking nice for some time to come. I was considering a clear bra on the front, but they are pretty expensive. I was also thinking that a good coating should help protect not only the front bumper, but the entire car. It would also be less expensive and I could do it myself.

    Would one be better than the other? Are there any good coatings that can be applied easily without a garage? My main concern would be dew the following morning. I can plan with the weather for a good time to install, but the next day will usually have dew (gotta love NY)

  2. #2
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    Re: New car protection, clear bra? coating?

    A coating will not prevent bug etching and rock chips (bug etching causes most of the permanent sandpaper feel you get in time). There is a 3M spray-on protectant film that has been reviewed here. Still though, nothing will protect like a clear bra.

    From now on, I will always have a clear bra installed on front bumpers that have large flat swaths of painted surfaces - Especially if it is going to be on the interstate/highway more than not. I would recommend one if this is the case with your car.

    It can be helpful to look at older cars the same make as yours to see how it has worn with time.

  3. #3
    Super Member jamesboyy's Avatar
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    Re: New car protection, clear bra? coating?

    It depends on you and if you have the money to spend if you do then I would get a paint coating like opti coat pro to apply on the whole car with clear bra installed onto the bumpers and such
    but if you don't have the money then its best if you get a paint coating

  4. #4
    Super Member FUNX650's Avatar
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    Re: New car protection, clear bra? coating?

    Regardless of their chemical make-up;
    (and with neither product being bullet proof):

    -A Coating will provide a "thickness" of:
    ~ 1.5-3.0 microns (0.08 mils).

    -PPF (clear bra) will provide a "thickness" of:
    ~203 microns (6.0-8.0 mils).

    Which "thickness" would you choose
    for your purposed action?


    Bob
    "Be wary of the man who urges an action in which he himself incurs no risk."
    ~Joaquin de Setanti

  5. #5
    Regular Member chrislorl's Avatar
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    Re: New car protection, clear bra? coating?

    Yes and Yes... Why not do it right and protect your investment.

  6. #6
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    Re: New car protection, clear bra? coating?

    Thanks. Is $400 a good price for a clear bra?

    Not a pic of the front, but here is what my car looks like.


    attached is another pic showing what the front looks like (not my car)
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails New car protection, clear bra? coating?-wrxsti13-licenseplate2-jpg  

  7. #7
    Super Member swanicyouth's Avatar
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    $400? You get what you pay for. That's pretty low.

  8. #8
    Super Member FUNX650's Avatar
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    Re: New car protection, clear bra? coating?

    Quote Originally Posted by soloz2 View Post
    Thanks. Is $400 a good price for a clear bra?
    If it's an XPel PPF clear-bra product...then: Yes.
    Otherwise: No.

    Bob
    "Be wary of the man who urges an action in which he himself incurs no risk."
    ~Joaquin de Setanti

  9. #9
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    Re: New car protection, clear bra? coating?

    I was quoted 400 for 3M clear bra, partial hood, fender tips and bumper. This is the same guy who tinted my previous car and the sunroof on my wife's Forester XT. He works out of his garage, but does pretty good work.

  10. #10
    Super Member FUNX650's Avatar
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    Re: New car protection, clear bra? coating?

    Quote Originally Posted by soloz2 View Post
    I was quoted 400 for 3M clear bra, partial hood, fender tips and bumper. This is the same guy who tinted my previous car and the sunroof on my wife's Forester XT. He works out of his garage, but does pretty good work.
    Sounds good...

    But I would go full hood if I were you.
    If not:
    The first blemish/paint-chip to the hood will be
    exactly 18 1/2" from the front. (Murphy's Law, et al)

    Bob
    "Be wary of the man who urges an action in which he himself incurs no risk."
    ~Joaquin de Setanti

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