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Clear Vinyl Wrap Help

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Old May 6, 2013 | 07:33 AM
  #1  
T Marsh's Avatar
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From: MA
Clear Vinyl Wrap Help

I just bought some of the clear bra vinyl wrap to put on to my 2012 maxima. I bought it from ijdmtoy.com and was wondering if anyone has any experience with this stuff? Wanted to use it on the front bumper and maybe even wrap the headlights for protection.

Or any tips/ideas on how to put it on the best?

any feedback would help
Old May 6, 2013 | 12:31 PM
  #2  
TBA's Avatar
TBA
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 284
From: NY
Originally Posted by T Marsh
I just bought some of the clear bra vinyl wrap to put on to my 2012 maxima. I bought it from ijdmtoy.com and was wondering if anyone has any experience with this stuff? Wanted to use it on the front bumper and maybe even wrap the headlights for protection.

Or any tips/ideas on how to put it on the best?

any feedback would help
I bought a clear bra kit online, figuring it would be not bad because I'm handy.

Tips:
  • Find clear bra installation videos. Watch them. Repeat. Pay attention to the details. They make it look so easy to get a great result. It isn't.
  • Use lots of the wetting solution. Don't skimp.
  • Get the air bubbles out BEFORE squeegy-ing down the area. Once stuck the film doesn't like getting pulled off.
  • You have to really stretch the material around curves. Probably more than you expect.
  • Try to get it warm so it will stretch easier.
  • Allot more time than you think you'll need.
  • Be prepared to trash a piece or two. Start with the small pieces.
  • Use a high-quality tool.
Lastly, as expensive as it is I'd probably leave installation to a professional next time. There is a pretty steep learning curve. By the time you figure out all the tricks for your particular material, the project is done and the mistakes are on your car.
Old May 6, 2013 | 05:08 PM
  #3  
T Marsh's Avatar
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Newbie - Just Registered
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 12
From: MA
Originally Posted by TBA
I bought a clear bra kit online, figuring it would be not bad because I'm handy.

Tips:
  • Find clear bra installation videos. Watch them. Repeat. Pay attention to the details. They make it look so easy to get a great result. It isn't.
  • Use lots of the wetting solution. Don't skimp.
  • Get the air bubbles out BEFORE squeegy-ing down the area. Once stuck the film doesn't like getting pulled off.
  • You have to really stretch the material around curves. Probably more than you expect.
  • Try to get it warm so it will stretch easier.
  • Allot more time than you think you'll need.
  • Be prepared to trash a piece or two. Start with the small pieces.
  • Use a high-quality tool.
Lastly, as expensive as it is I'd probably leave installation to a professional next time. There is a pretty steep learning curve. By the time you figure out all the tricks for your particular material, the project is done and the mistakes are on your car.
Appreciate the feedback man. The wrap from that website was only like $8 and I bought 3 rolls enough to do what I want and some.
So if anything, didnt spend too much on the film so it's not much of a loss. Ill probably give it a shot tomorrow. Thanks!
Old May 6, 2013 | 05:44 PM
  #4  
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I've heard that you shouldnt do the headlights because of the heat headlights can generate. So if the headlights generate too much heat you might now want to put em on there. Prob should start a forum on that topic... I'm not sure how much heat the max's headlights generate prob should of stuck w 3M: http://my350z.com/forum/exterior-and...y-lamin-x.html
Old May 8, 2013 | 12:44 PM
  #5  
Glenns25's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 80
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Clear Bra

I have an 09 max and had a clear bra put on in my first month. They did the headlights and there has been no problem with heat and my lights look brand new. Would suggest letting a pro do the install though. There are some very tricky areas on the max.
Old May 8, 2013 | 04:48 PM
  #6  
13Maximasv's Avatar
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 802
Originally Posted by T Marsh
Appreciate the feedback man. The wrap from that website was only like $8 and I bought 3 rolls enough to do what I want and some.
So if anything, didnt spend too much on the film so it's not much of a loss. Ill probably give it a shot tomorrow. Thanks!

So are you saying youn have to cut the plastic yourself ? I believe all the clear bras the dealers install are pre cut pieces


Even if you put it on correctly I can't see how you could cut it youself and make it look decent............GOOD LUCK

Below is what you need IMO

http://www.cleardefender.com/2010-ni...r-bra-kit.html
Old May 9, 2013 | 10:28 AM
  #7  
TBA's Avatar
TBA
Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 284
From: NY
Originally Posted by 13Maximasv
So are you saying youn have to cut the plastic yourself ? I believe all the clear bras the dealers install are pre cut pieces


Even if you put it on correctly I can't see how you could cut it youself and make it look decent............GOOD LUCK

Below is what you need IMO

http://www.cleardefender.com/2010-ni...r-bra-kit.html
Ditto on the cutting out. Mine was a pre-cut kit. I would be nervous as heck trying to make cuts when the film is on the car. I've heard some really skilled guys can do it, but more often the paint gets cut.

Good luck! The front grill is really intricate.

This is what I used. http://www.diamond-shield.com/
Old May 10, 2013 | 09:10 AM
  #8  
whit's Avatar
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 433
Originally Posted by zoemayne
I've heard that you shouldnt do the headlights because of the heat headlights can generate. So if the headlights generate too much heat you might now want to put em on there. Prob should start a forum on that topic... I'm not sure how much heat the max's headlights generate prob should of stuck w 3M: http://my350z.com/forum/exterior-and...y-lamin-x.html

My friend and I have the vinyl on headlight for a while. No issues.
Old May 10, 2013 | 10:42 AM
  #9  
Siizzzoooo's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 147
Originally Posted by 13Maximasv
So are you saying youn have to cut the plastic yourself ? I believe all the clear bras the dealers install are pre cut pieces


Even if you put it on correctly I can't see how you could cut it youself and make it look decent............GOOD LUCK

Below is what you need IMO

http://www.cleardefender.com/2010-ni...r-bra-kit.html
THIS is the way to go.

front bumper is the trickiest, even with a precut kit, it took me about 2 hours.

Everything else, hood, fenders, mirrors, top bumper should take about 1-2 hours depending on experience.

Prep is key as well. Clay and wax well. Touch up any areas that need it.

Don't cheap out, this is a VERY good investment to protect your car. I wouldn't half *** it and regret it later on
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