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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?
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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...
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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.
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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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.
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.