The Differences Between a Good and Bad Quality Clear Bra Installation

Basics 

Clear bra film, a clear bra, and paint protection film are all names for the same material. It's a thermoplastic urethane film that car detailers can apply to a car. They do this to protect the car's surface from damage. 

What It Does 

The road is full of dangers that can destroy your car's paint job. Gravel can fly up from the road, hit a car's side, and cause the paint to chip. Water and chemicals can hit your car's surface and leave behind stains. 

Paint protection film will protect your car against these dangers. Think of it as a shield for your paint job. It will take all the hits and splashes for your car's paint. 

As a result, your car's paint job can look brand new for years. 

Cleaning the Car 

Your installer should first clean off the car's surface. If they don't, bits of debris can become stuck under the clear bra. This will not look nice. 

Wetting the Film 

After pulling off the film's protective liner, the workers will spray a water solution on it. This will help them guide the film into its proper place. 

Cutting the Film 

Workers will need to cut the film so that it fits the measurements of the vehicle. In some situations, the workers will cut the film to fit after they lay it on the vehicle. In other situations, a computer will cut the clear bra film so that it fits the measurements of a vehicle. 

Smoothing the Film 

Once the workers position the film in the right area, they smooth it out. Doing so ensures that there are no air bubbles or wrinkles. After working the film against a vehicle like this, it should stay down. 

Film Edges 

You shouldn't be able to see the edges of your paint protection film. Expert installers should know how to tuck paint protection film over the edges of your car. Some installers even remove pieces of the car before installation and replace them afterward. 

In addition, the edges of your paint protection film shouldn't be peeling. A high-quality paint installer will know how to get a clear bra to stick in a way that lasts. 

Film Discoloration 

Not all paint protection films are the same. Many are of lower quality than others. One of the ways you can distinguish a high-quality film from a low-quality film is by looking at discoloration. 

Low-quality paint protection films will turn yellowish after some exposure to UV light. A high-quality paint protection film won't do this. If the paint protection installers promised they would only use high-quality clear bra film but used a low-quality film, ask for a refund. 

It's best, however, to make 100% certain that the film installers are using high-quality film before you get it installed. You can do this by looking at the customer reviews of the shop. 

Film Surfaces

The surface of the installed paint protection film should be completely smooth throughout. You shouldn't be able to see it or feel any bumps, bubbles, etc. If you can see and feel these things, something has gone wrong. 

Does the surface of your paint protection film feel rough? If so, the film installers likely forgot to clean the surface of the car before installing the film. You're probably feeling all of the debris that got stuck under the film. 

Bubbles and wrinkles are other issues that you can see and feel on your paint protection film. If you see and/or feel these, your film installer likely forgot to smooth down the film as they installed it.