I was hand washing my car this morning and I just can't take it anymore. The scratches and swirls and chips are driving me crazy. Any advice on products, items needed, and technique would be greatly appreciated.
Scratches and chips in the paint or clear bra? I've used a gentle polish and random orbital on the bra with decent results. But you're not going to fix gouges in the bra. Just be glad it saved the paint and consider it expendable, not holy like the paint.
Yeah the gouges and dents are not what I'm worried about. It is the swirl and scratch marks. I was thinking trying Meguiar's Ultimate Polish with a random orbital and see the results. Everything I have checked out says there are no 'real' products for clean/polishing and waxing clear protectant. Was checking to see if anyone has tried this or similar.
My experience has been that nothing helps much. Eventually it will look pretty bad and you have to ask yourself if a nasty clear bra is better than none at all (or having it redone).
How is your clear bra getting so scratched up and swirled up? Do you live someplace where sand storms are common? I've had clear bras on my last three daily drivers and when sold years later, other than a few rock chips, they are generally in good shape. I Zaino mine just like I Zaino the rest of the car and it keeps things looking good. *shrugs*
I live N. Illinois 1-1/2 hr. from Chicago. My car has been DD for all 4 years, almost 5. Que winter, sleet, snow, slush, salt, highway, dirt/gravel, IL road construction etc. My baby ain't no garage queen
Thanks guys for the information. I will plan on doing nothing. Better to have, then have not I guess.
Anywhere in Chicagoland I've seen rocks bounce off my clear bra at highway speeds and was amazed at the minimal damage to the bra. NOTHING to the underlying paint though
Clear bras should be treated the same as the finish from a detailing perspective. If they have swirls, these can be removed via a polisher (such as a porter 7424) and the right combination of pads and polishes. I would probably start with Meguiars 205 and an orange pad. If that doesn't work, move to Meguiars 105 with a less aggressive pad, and follow that with 205 and less aggressive pad. I would also top it with whatever sealant/wax/LSP you use on the car as a whole.
Just be careful on the bra and start with the least aggressive approach first, moving toward more aggressive if needed. And keep your polisher speed down unless more is required.
My installer specifically said to stay away from products that have petroleum distillates as they will fog/yellow the film over time. I have used zaino on the 3m with good results but I would be careful with anything that cuts.
My installer specifically said to stay away from products that have petroleum distillates as they will fog/yellow the film over time. I have used zaino on the 3m with good results but I would be careful with anything that cuts.
I use a product that my installer recommended -- unmarked so I come back I guess ... I also use Adam's Waterless Wash and Detailing products -- I have no issues with my clear Bra.
When in direct sunlight I can see the swirl marks from washing, weather, etc. I don't know how all these other clear bra's are immaculate. Perhaps I got some cheap knockoff. But... the dealer already had it installed before I bought and have the paperwork. I think I'll just try some Meguiars and see what happens.
I hear ya. Before i had a fender bender and had my front end replaced along with the clear bra, my was looking a little rough and dull and waxing wasn't enough. Best thing to do is talk to a professional detailer to find out what to do. I'm also going to be using Adam's products for the first time tomorrow.
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