Waxing and 3M bra

[sm30]

My new car might be arriving this week. I want to get that 3M clear bra applied and do a wax before the snow and salt comes.

Should I get the car waxed first then get the 3M bra applied?

Or do the 3M and then get it waxed?

Thanks.

[tht1gurl]

I wouldn't worry about waxing it first since you're getting it new. However, if you're OCD about it, clean the car first. You should be able to put the bra on then wax it in the future.

I'm also providing tips I've found in the forum regarding installing the bra, how the lines look, etc.

These posts are from a thread titled '2011 Camry Se bugs ruining my paint'
2011 Camry Se bugs ruining my paint
2011 Camry Se bugs ruining my paint

'Anyone have 3M Clear Bra installed?'
Anyone have 3M Clear Bra installed?
Anyone have 3M Clear Bra installed?

http://www.squidoo.com/vehicle-clear...tion-explained

[MothersPolish]

If there is any paint correction to be done, you want to do that before applying the bra, since the bra will "seal in" any defects. If the paint is in good condition, then you shouldn't have to worry about it.

But the bra installer will then remove any wax from the bra area with isopropyl alcohol or another appropriate wax remover for best adhesion.

In other words, you'll at the very least want to re-wax the front after the bra is installed.

[sm30]

When you say paint correction are you reffering to stone chips, scratches etc.?

If so I am getting a new car so I don't think that will be a problem.

Anyone know of a 3M or similar installer in around Brampton or Mississuaga area?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by MothersPolish

If there is any paint correction to be done, you want to do that before applying the bra, since the bra will "seal in" any defects. If the paint is in good condition, then you shouldn't have to worry about it.

But the bra installer will then remove any wax from the bra area with isopropyl alcohol or another appropriate wax remover for best adhesion.

In other words, you'll at the very least want to re-wax the front after the bra is installed.

[MothersPolish]

Paint correction is a little technical -- sorry about that.

I mean removing any light surface scratches that show in certain light -- often called spiderwebbing or swirls.

"New" cars that have sat at the dealer and/or have been "detailed" by the dealer staff can exhibit such problems, and they may be obvious up front or after their products wear off.

When you get it home, use some isopropyl alcohol on a soft microfiber towel and wipe it across a section of the car to remove any wax or glaze they may have applied during prep -- that will reveal if there are any issues with the paint that should be polished by a reputable detailer before the bra is installed.

Even a "new" car should generally be clayed and and examined for the need to be polished. You'd be amazed at how some dealers take care of their stock, and contaminants get on the paint during transport as well as while it sits on a lot.

[eyezack87]

Tip of the wise for after the installation. Use a wax that has ZERO coloring added to it. The plastic will slowly take the color of whatever wax you use on it. Although you can use that to your advantage by using a wax that offers the same color as your car. IE blue car = blue wax

[sm30]

Anyone know of a 3M or similar installer in around Brampton or Mississauga area?

[MothersPolish]

Some of the major suppliers such as Xpel have recommended installers. We recommend Xpel as part of our headlight restoration program.

Star Shield Armor is one used by Lotus, and they may have an installer near you.

3M also has a certification program, so it shouldn't be too hard to find