Why Professional Clear Bra Installation is Important
Clear bra (also known as clear paint protection film) is a transparent coating applied to the painted surfaces of a vehicle to protect it from various environmental elements.
Designed to absorb the impact of contaminants that may come into contact with the vehicle, Clear Bra can reduce the chances of your vehicle’s exterior being damaged. These contaminants may include:
- Road Debris
- Stones
- Bug Splatter
- Bird Droppings
Clear Paint Protection Benefits
There's a wide range of clear paint protection benefits, including:
- Stone Chip and Impact Resistance: Protects against rock chips and other road debris that can cause paint damage.
- Bug and Bird Dropping Protection: Resistant to acidic substances found in bird droppings and insects.
- UV Protection: Shields the paint from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays, preventing fading and oxidation.
- Ease of Cleaning: The smooth, non-porous surface makes it easier to clean dirt and contaminants.
- Maintains Resale Value: Preserves the appearance of the vehicle, contributing to a higher resale value.
The Pitfalls of Poorly Installed Clear Bra
Properly installing clear bra is essential to maintaining the look and value of your vehicle. Unfortunately, there are a few key things that can go wrong.
1. Failing to Properly Clean the Surface
Clear Bra essentially seals the paint in the state at which it was applied. If dirt is present during the application process, that dirt will be trapped between the film and the car’s paint. Not only can this damage the paint, but it can cause unsightly bumps and bubbles throughout the surface of the vehicle.
Benchmark always thoroughly cleans each vehicles’ exterior before applying film. This includes buffing out any minor scratches that may be present.
2. Not Installing Clear Bra in a Sterile Environment
As with cleaning the vehicle, if dirt and dust are present in the application environment, it’s easy for them to land on the car’s surface during the application process. This can lead to a poorly installed clear paint protection film.
Benchmark’s sterile shop is regularly cleaned to ensure your vehicle has the best home-away-from-home while the film is applied.
3. Vehicle Panels are not Fully Wrapped
DIY clear paint protection kits and road-side application businesses typically use pre-cut film. The result is often a small edge of a vehicle’s panels are left uncovered. Not only does this expose the vehicle to road debris and rock chips, but it can offer an unpolished finish.
Benchmark measures each vehicle panel and cuts the film in-house to allow for an extended film border that is wrapped around the panel. The result is a seam-free finish on the outside, offering the maximum level of protection.
