tlarocque

I drive my GT3 on the track and, inevitably, pick up scuffs from the rubber bits that get shot at the car on the track. Although its quite easy to get this off the paint, does anybody have a good solution for removing these scuffs from the clear bra'd portions of the car?

Thanks.

MoeMistry

Menzerna SIP or Power Finish does the trick for us most of the time.

http://www.glisteningperfectionstore...rna/Categories

BBrice

It depends which generation bra you have, some are easily cleaned up with alcohol, some are clear coated in a sense, and some are not polishable.

XPEL

As BBrice said, it depends on the material used. Many can be buffed, some cannot. Do you know what film was used?

BBrice

Xpel, love your website! Looks like you do quality work as well, too bad you're not in the DC area, I could use a good bra installer to recommend to clients.

Todd Helme

As suggested Menzerna SIP and 106ff/fa can work on some clear bra material with pretty good results.

If you are going to polish the clear bra with these I would hope you first have some experience with using a polisher, either an random orbital or a rotary (preferably the former for clear bras).

Use a small pad, and moderate speed (3000 opm or 600-800 rpm), and an open celled foam pad, like a Lake Country Orange. I would not recommend using the white pad as it is a blended foam that will hold more heat (bad with a clear bra).

Before polishing the entire clear bra do a small test section first!!!! Some clear bras will not react well with the sharp abrasives and petroleum distillates in the polish. At the very least nothing good (or bad will happen), at the worst you will permanently damage the coating.

Before spending money on a machine, learning to polish, buying polishes, pads (if any of the above are even applicable) I would start with a simple bottle of diluted isopropyl alcohol) and a soft towel. Spray a test spot with the alcohol, spread, and buff into the coating. On some films this will dramatically reduce or remove the rubber scuffs completely with little cost or effort. Again test a small section first.

If the alcohol doest remove them, then you can either attempt to clean them by abrasion (removing material) or chemically.

I would start chemically and use a mild all-purpose cleaner such as Meguiar's APC or Optimum Power Clean. Spray onto a towel or firm foam application and lightly work into the film with a polishing action.

If you are going to abrade the scuffs away (may be completely necessary) you don't need to spend money on a machine, polishes, etc. Pick up a bottle of Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound or ScratchX2.0 or SwirlX (from most to least aggressive. ScratchX2.0 should be more than enough power). Apply to a towel and wipe with passion over the mark until it begins to fade.

Before doing this approach do a test section in first to make sure (the same as the Menzerna polishes) that you will not run into problems.

Best of luck!

XPEL

Hi BBrice, We do have installers in DC. We have installers all over North America and abroad. I will PM you a recommendation for your area.

ir_fuel

Jeff's strong prime and some elbow grease can't do the trick for you?

Bob Rouleau

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Sponge works for me. Not for use on paint though.

TOGWT

Why is it important not to use products containing solvents?

Acrylic, polycarbonates, and plastics are all porous materials. They will absorb whatever you place on their surface over time. Do not use solvents on clear film as they have the ability to degrade the backing and/or adhesive as well its effect on dulling or creating inconsistent clarity on the surface of the film.

Solvents will break down, deteriorate and cause the surface to yellow, there are many ways solvents are introduced to transparencies: washer/cleaner fluids, jet fuel, de-icing fluids, paint thinners, unapproved window cleaners, and polishes. It is very important to read the labels of the products you use around your transparencies. Anything containing, petroleum distillates, ammonia, or alcohol is not recommended.