I am having my 02 Sunlit Sand painted and would like to know if a clear bra is a good idea. If it is a good idea do I have to wait an extended time before installation? What brand should I go with, 3M, Lamin-X or is there a better one? How do they hold up to fading or discoloring? Can it be waxed like the rest of the car or are there special precautions with it?

 

I am having my 02 Sunlit Sand painted and would like to know if a clear bra is a good idea.
-- Only you can decide that. It's good protection from road debris, but it can still tear if someone backs into you while parking. Some people don't like the line across the hood. And it's kind of a bummer if you get a chip just beyond protected area.

If it is a good idea do I have to wait an extended time before installation?
-- Generally yes. It will be recommended that you allow the fresh paint to fully cure.

What brand should I go with, 3M, Lamin-X or is there a better one?
-- The 3M stuff is probably most common and it's good. The bigger question is if your installer uses precut patterns or custom cuts. Also installer skill is more important than the actual film.

How do they hold up to fading or discoloring?
-- Have seen some turn yellow. Most of the quality products offer lifetime guarantees.

Can it be waxed like the rest of the car or are there special precautions with it?

-- Yes it can be waxed. Texture won't be exactly the same, though. And it's a bit of a pain to get all the wax out of the edges.

 

^^^^^
what he said. I have had the 3M on my Max for about 4 years. I just had the front end repainted (collision repair - not because of the 3M) and had them replace the 3M. I've never had any fade or yelowing. They waited about 6 weeks for the paint to cure before the put the 3M on.They said to treat it just like the paint as far as waxing. Like was said above, it's hard to get the wax away from the edge. They suggested a damp MF cloth after you are done waxing. That works pretty well.