Clear bra, full hood.

 

You're adding another layer of gloss over paint whose greatest quality is its high metallic appearance. After you consider the cost, isn't a few spot touch ups every 5 years really going to end up costing you the same anyway?

30,000 miles later and there are barely a handful of chips that I haven't been able to buff out by hand. It seems entirely unnecessary.

 

Heres an idea..just dip the whole friggin car in clear plastic.

 

I am in the process of getting the ventureshield clear film protection done on my C2S. I went with 1/3 on the hood.

I have heard ventureshield is a superior product compared to 3M and very transparent. Also lifetime warranty against discoloration. I saw it on a (atlas gray metallic equivalent) RS4 6 months after it was applied and it looked perfect. Very CLEAR, I was shocked. I've had experience with 3M on my guards red 996 GT3 and after about a year it started to look hazy and yellow. Definitely not as clear and nice as the ventureshield.

Good luck.

 

3M bought Ventureshield. The advantage of VS is they can do full hoods.

As with any film, best not to use wax on it as it can discolor the film. Use a sealant or nothing except for Plexus or 303.

I always have paint film on my cars. Saved them numerous times and film looks very clear. No orange peel, no yellowing, just clear.

There was a write-up in on of the Brit mag on paint film. It's in Total 911 November issue.

Also check out the Cargraphic 997 404HP Cab! All from a stock 3.8, not an X51! Very nice!!!

Regards,

Deanski

 

My shop recommended that I use my Zaino products (or any other wax, polish, they didn't specify any 1 brand) directly on the ventureshield. He said that it would actually be good for the ventureshield product. I can get details tomorrow when I pick up the car.

But I'm hearing different from your post and I've read many of your "car detailing" posts/replies with great confidence (you helped me choose zaino over the others) so I'd love to hear your insight about only using specific sealant, plexus, 303, etc... on the ventureshield.

Thanks!

 

Zaino is fine on the film as that's what I use. It's wax or 'nuba' that tends to stain it only temporary as new films are quite unique over old film.

You'll also find out that as it warms, any use of a micro-fiber towel will lint on it as the film gets sticky. Any Zaino work should be done on a cool film. Same for QD work. Washing is no problem, just be careful while over the film with any mitt. A good dense grout sponge like you get at Home Depot also works well.

Any light swirls can be removed with Isopropyl Alcohol.

Once you get the film on, it takes several days for all the water used to wet the paint while applying the film will be gone. It can also take several weeks. So if you see minor bubbles, don't sweat it.

Any other sealants are fine as long as they do not have any abrasive polish in them. I also tape the edge when applying sealants so not to get any in the seam.

Trust me, you'll love the film the time it protects your finish over some very nasty stuff. After having a mud flap skip off the hood at highway speed, I thought my hood was badly damaged. Paint film to the rescue, not a scratch or dent! It took it all and yes it now has a mark on it, but it wears it proud!

One day, I'll remove it and give it to the dealer to show the added protection it offers.

Enjoy your film!!

Deanski

 

I forgot to say, don't use the Zaino until all bubbles are out. Film has a bit of porosity. Sealing it will prevent the water to evaporate out correctly. Give it time to breath.

Deanski

 

Awesome, thanks!

 

My dealer used a company that did 1/3 of hood, 1/3 of front fenders, and the entire front end including lights and floods. They curved the bra so it's less conspicuous. I do not notice it at all. Bugs come right off. My detailer said very smart choice since he mostly works on P-cars. I have 10K miles on my 06 and it looks new. I have to point out the bra to friends... since they do not notice it. I will always do this with future cars.

 

What's that line across the right fender? Will it buff out?

 

As if there have not been enough responses already, would not drive without the clear bra. So much debris on the roads in New England.

 

How much driving will you do? If a lot then you might want to do it. For weekend stuff I'd forget it. The flexible bumper is rather forgiving so rocks bounce off. Sure you'll get a couple of nicks here and there but I don't think it outweighs the expense and the fact that you can notice a bra.

 

I actually think that Porsche should offer Clear Bra as factory option when we order our new car (PAG Bean Counters, please take note, another big $ option to charge customers ).

I think Lotus offers a partial front Clear Bra as factory option, calls it StarShield, on Elise/Exige, and is a popular option.

With best regards,

 

Lotus certainly does and many manufacturers are now adding it as standard. However, it's tiny pieces here and there. Reason for this is paint protection film handling is really an art especially when we are talking about bumper and full fender apps where the curves can make an installation extremely difficult. Paint today is certainly much softer than cars that are oil / lead based from the past. It is a good idea to at least cover the front bumper and portions ofhte hood / fenders. The areas behind all four tires would be a good idea as well especially if you have a darker colored car.