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Old Sep 15, 2017 | 03:13 PM
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Default Clear Bra question

Hello Everyone!

I just had my 98 Vert painted about 2 weeks ago. I want to get a clear bra installed on but I don't know how long I should wait. I was told I should wait for the paint to settle but does anyone know how long that takes? I had it done by J&D Corvette down in Bellflower, CA and they did an awesome job! Also, do you guys know of any good places/prices around the Los Angeles, CA area?

Thanks again for your feedback. This forum is a real life saver.


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Old Sep 15, 2017 | 03:33 PM
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Not sure there is a "definite" answer as time depends on so many factors. I will say that I applied a clear mask to my front bumper and headlight covers on my factory paint after a few years. One of my headlight masks got a minor scuff a few years after that and I decided just to remove the headlight masks and recover with new material and the removal process destroyed the paint on both headlight covers - so bad that they had to be sanded down to be repainted. We tried everything from heat gun, steam to at least 8 different solvents (including the $30/can 3M adhesive stripper) to get the adhesive off the paint after the film was removed and nothing really phased it. Took almost 8 hours to get it off the headlight covers.

I am sure it depends on the brand/type of mask you used, but mine was 3M and I would say it was permanent in my case. Bumper still looks like new after about 10 years as a DD. This shows mask applied to all 3 panels...



Last edited by Choreo; Sep 15, 2017 at 03:35 PM.
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Old Sep 15, 2017 | 03:53 PM
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Modern base coat/Clear coat paints cure very quickly. You're fine after a couple of weeks. I use Expel Ultra. Some like Suntek. I would put it on before the damage starts.
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Old Sep 15, 2017 | 04:30 PM
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I manage a body shop and enough solvent has evaporated after the first 24 hrs that your safe. We install decals and clear bras a day or two after painting.
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Old Sep 15, 2017 | 04:38 PM
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I'd give J&D Corvette down in Bellflower, CA a call. They should know.
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Old Sep 16, 2017 | 08:55 AM
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Ask the installer of the film what is recommended as a cure time or as an alternative, once you decide on the product, contact the manufacturer using the Contact Us feature and ask them.
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Old Sep 16, 2017 | 10:12 AM
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Old Sep 16, 2017 | 03:08 PM
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I found a local shop who uses XPEL, I sent the manufacturer an email asking how long they recommend I should wait.

Thanks guys!
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Old Sep 16, 2017 | 03:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
Ask the installer of the film what is recommended as a cure time or as an alternative, once you decide on the product, contact the manufacturer using the Contact Us feature and ask them.
I found a local shop who uses XPEL, I sent the manufacturere and email today asking how long I should wait.

Thanks Guys!
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