What do people think of Clear Bra Paint Protection?

Educ8r · 01-19-2009, 09:37 PM

Thanks! I have a Canon XTi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

wow.. very nice Alex. I am loving it! They did a really good job.

Price is great too.

BTW, off topic, what kind of camera are you using? It takes some vivid images.

zhound · 01-19-2009, 10:21 PM

What is the difference between Xcel and 3M Clear bra?

semtex · 01-20-2009, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zhound

What is the difference between Xcel and 3M Clear bra?

First, it's Xpel, not Xcel. Having said that, the installer who did my car told me that Xpel used to get their film from 3M, but weren't really satisfied with the quality of it and kept pleading with 3M to make some changes. 3M basically said nah, it's fine the way it is, so about a year ago or so, Xpel gave 3M the boot and started manufacturing their own film, which is a much better quality than what 3M was providing (according to the installer). So if I'm understanding things correctly, prior to all this, 3M and Xpel film were the same thing, as Xpel was just licensing 3M film and putting their own name on it. But now they are two truly different products.

rbratton · 01-20-2009, 08:29 AM

XPEL is a company out of San Antonio that makes patterns and their own paint protection film. They used to market their patterns and use 3M film, but a few years ago they improved on 3Ms film and started making there own film. Both films are clear coated and look very nice, but the XPEL film has less orange peel texture to it and seems to install easier with less defects. My installer told me that the XPEL film has a adhesive that is more forgiving which results in less mistakes and blemishes during the install. I've had XPEL film on my last two cars and I think it looks a lot better. I've also had Venture Shield film and the XPEL film just seems to look the best.

I'll take some more pictures of my car tonight, but I noticed red car above didn't have the film wrapped around the edges on his hood. Installers that use XPEL patterns have the option to do that so be sure and ask them when you schedule your install.

dad · 01-26-2009, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by semtex

Here are some pics of my Z after having the ClearBra installed this afternoon. I'm pleased with the results. Cost was $387, including 6% sales tax and installation. It took the guy a little over 2 hours, and he came out to me to do the installation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Educ8r

Pretty good job, $470 with lifetime warranty.

What about waxing that part of the car, and sun fade?

rbratton · 01-26-2009, 09:25 PM

You wax it and care for it just like you would the paint on your car. It has an automotive clear coat on the exterior of the film so you treat it the same, you just can't use abrasives. As far as sun fade goes, it doesn't affect the way the car fades. It will however keep the paint from oxidizing.

dad · 01-26-2009, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbratton

You wax it and care for it just like you would the paint on your car. It has an automotive clear coat on the exterior of the film so you treat it the same, you just can't use abrasives. As far as sun fade goes, it doesn't affect the way the car fades. It will however keep the paint from oxidizing.

Thanks

!

HTP AutoWorks · 01-27-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbratton

XPEL is a company out of San Antonio that makes patterns and their own paint protection film. They used to market their patterns and use 3M film, but a few years ago they improved on 3Ms film and started making there own film. Both films are clear coated and look very nice, but the XPEL film has less orange peel texture to it and seems to install easier with less defects. My installer told me that the XPEL film has a adhesive that is more forgiving which results in less mistakes and blemishes during the install. I've had XPEL film on my last two cars and I think it looks a lot better. I've also had Venture Shield film and the XPEL film just seems to look the best.

I'll take some more pictures of my car tonight, but I noticed red car above didn't have the film wrapped around the edges on his hood. Installers that use XPEL patterns have the option to do that so be sure and ask them when you schedule your install.

You are correect. Xpel is a much better film than 3M. I wont install 3M due to the amount of orange peel in it. It looks terrible on the car. I strictly use Ventureshield, Xpel, and ClearMask AR now. All three films are good films... although I do beleive VentureShield and ClearMask AR havea better, smoother finish.

WShade · 03-03-2009, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbratton

XPEL is a company out of San Antonio

Really!

In the backyard and I did not know it.

LiquidZ · 01-19-2009, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Educ8r

Thanks! I have a Canon XTi.

Cool! I just got a Canon XSi. I'm loving the quality. I just have to learn how to use the thing effectively.

mattkim85 · 01-20-2009, 12:31 AM

i seriously had no idea there was such a thing

Educ8r · 01-20-2009, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiquidZ

Cool! I just got a Canon XSi. I'm loving the quality. I just have to learn how to use the thing effectively.

I was thinking about getting an XSi, there is so much you can do with the camera. I am by no means a professional but I enjoy taking pictures.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattkim85

i seriously had no idea there was such a thing

I didn't either, until I came to this forum.

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01-19-2009, 10:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
zhound Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Tallil, Iraq Posts: 6 Drives: Currently walking Rep Power: 18	What is the difference between Xcel and 3M Clear bra?

01-20-2009, 08:29 AM	#4 (permalink)
rbratton Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Vine Grove, KY Posts: 89 Drives: 2009 370Z Rep Power: 18	XPEL is a company out of San Antonio that makes patterns and their own paint protection film. They used to market their patterns and use 3M film, but a few years ago they improved on 3Ms film and started making there own film. Both films are clear coated and look very nice, but the XPEL film has less orange peel texture to it and seems to install easier with less defects. My installer told me that the XPEL film has a adhesive that is more forgiving which results in less mistakes and blemishes during the install. I've had XPEL film on my last two cars and I think it looks a lot better. I've also had Venture Shield film and the XPEL film just seems to look the best. I'll take some more pictures of my car tonight, but I noticed red car above didn't have the film wrapped around the edges on his hood. Installers that use XPEL patterns have the option to do that so be sure and ask them when you schedule your install.

01-26-2009, 09:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
rbratton Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Vine Grove, KY Posts: 89 Drives: 2009 370Z Rep Power: 18	You wax it and care for it just like you would the paint on your car. It has an automotive clear coat on the exterior of the film so you treat it the same, you just can't use abrasives. As far as sun fade goes, it doesn't affect the way the car fades. It will however keep the paint from oxidizing.

01-20-2009, 12:31 AM	#11 (permalink)
mattkim85 Base Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: los angeles, ca Age: 40 Posts: 230 Drives: 09 Z34, 08 AP2 Rep Power: 18	i seriously had no idea there was such a thing