Clear Automotive Coating (Clear Bra)

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Clear Automotive Protective Coating (a.k.a. Clear Bra):


Developed by the 3M Company, Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film, (SGPPF6) 99.5% optically clear 8Mil (0.008-inch) film designed to reduce stone chipping and bug damage on painted surfaces. It’s a blend of acycloolefin, copolymer and a thermoplastic urethane, a tough, conformable material that is covered by a clear coat layer.


This rugged transparent material will not crack, shrink or peel over time and it resists yellowing, the film and clear coat layers contains a protection to counteract harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation that can cause the surface to occlude (cloud) Testing from 3M reveals that the material will deflect road debris without film damage at up to 60MPH with the standard film. Mid-tone coloured cars, silver, reds, greens or gold’s, the film absolutely disappears into these colour


Product Specifics - http://www.armourfend.com/images/3M.pdf


Ensure that there are no surface imperfections before installation. It is important to remember that paint protection film application is not considered to be a do-it-yourself project. For best results, professional application is recommended. Maintenance and Care- Clean and maintain its surface with a uniquely formulated product to work on all clear bra, complete paint protective films (Chemical Guys -Clear Film Evolution or Zaino Z-8™ Grand Finale Spray Seal) or a plastic cleaner (Plexus® Plastic Cleaner, Protectant and Polish) start at the centre and work outwards, do not use detailer’s clay as it will cause micro-fine surface scratches.


1. To clean stains - use a d-limonene based (citrus) cleaner (P12S Total Auto Wash) polish the paint and the clear plastics separately, tape the edges with masking tape. It has a clear coat so it can be cared for like a clear coated paint; use Zaino or Klasse as they will dry ‘clear’. Use Z-14 Plastic Magic Cleaner & Polish™ or Plexus® Plastic Cleaner, Protectant and Polish for maintenance and to remove any finger marks / smudges (avoid the use of abrasives)


2. To remove minor scratches in the film - (tape the edges of the auto mask when polishing the vehicles paint, use a high speed buffer (white foam pad only) and lightly glaze over the material. I would suggest you adopt a faster linear speed than used on a paint surface; if you apply too much heat to this material it tends to ‘lift’. It is also important not to apply a lot of pressure to the film as this may lead to burning of the surface. Use a Q-tip and some isopropyl alcohol to clean out the edge (See also 3M website- 3M Worldwide)


3. What can be done about wax build up along the seams and how can I avoid it? Wax will leave a white line on the seam, it is recommended not to wax over the seams and wax the film and uncovered portions separately to keep from wax build-up. If you accidentally wax over the seam, soak a Q-tip / swab in a 1:1 solution of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) /distilled water; gently wipe the seam, once the wax has dissolved use a micro fibre towel to wipe the residue from the edge of the clear bra.


4. To polish-out light scratches- Menzerna Final Polish 106FF, LC White foam pad at 800-900 RPM do not use any downward pressure and maintain a fast linear motion


5. To remove ‘clouding’ - from the paint under the clear bra; the suns heat, a heat gun or a hairdryer will remove it.


6. Auto mask removal - if the film is properly applied to a fully cured painted vehicle, it can be removed, usually in one piece, without damaging the paint surfaces beneath the film. It is not difficult to remove, apply heat to a corner with a hair dryer (not a heat gun) pull the film at an angle not straight up and work slowly to avoid breaking / tearing the vinyl (like any applied vinyl, the longer it’s been applied the more difficult it will be to remove) work slowly and be patient. Use detailer’s clay and /or 1:1 Isopropyl Alcohol / distilled water to clean any adhesive residue.


  • Note: Repainted vehicles, paint must be thoroughly dry and completely cured before any attempt to apply film to the vehicle is made, in order to avoid film bubbling (solvent pop) due to paint out-gassing. Check paint body shop and / or paint manufacturer's instructions for recommended cure time and method.


  • Alternative products-

a) As an optically clear product - Invisible Patterns

b) Spray-On Protection Bra - creates an airtight, waterproof barrier. Make sure the surface to be protected is clean and dry before use. To start, mask off sections that are not to be coated. Apply Spray-On Bra in the shade at cool temperatures, if possible out of direct wind and in a well ventilated area. Shake the container well and often during use. Spray approximately 6-10 inches form surface being treated using overlapping layers until the entire area is covered. For maximum protection a film thickness of 1/8 inch is recommended. Remove masking shortly after application. Spray-On Bra is dry to the touch in 15 minutes and fully cured in 90 minutes.

c)Removal - Peel up an edge of the film from the surface and pull up sections as desired. After removing, dispose of properly in a rubbish / trash bin. Griot's Garage 1-800-345-5789 - Car Care for the Perfectionist


  • Alternative product – Spray on Shield, from Dupli-Color, provides temporary spray-on protection for your vehicle where bugs and road grime can do damage. It’s ideal for the front end, rear quarter panel and rocker panels. Spray on Shield as a temporary bra for long road trips, quick mud flaps or as a bug guard. Shield sprays on easily and dries in less than a minute. And best of all, it stays on until you wash it off. You can power wash it off or use soap and water. Rain, snow or moisture in the air won’t affect it. This product leaves no residue on a vehicle’s paint. Give your vehicle the protection that it deserves with Shield.


  • Information resource:
  • 3M Protective Film Clear Bra Test - Automotive Articles .com Magazine
  • 3M FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions
  • X-Pel UK Area Dealers- XPEL Technologies Corp.: International Dealer Search
  • "Automotive Detailing Inside & Out, A Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist"– by Jon Miller



© TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2008, all rights reserved


© All original material in this article is copyright, unless otherwise stated, and may be copied and distributed for non-commercial purposes only as long as the source of the material is stated and a reference to © TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2008, all rights reserved, is included

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