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Does anyone have a clear bra (the paint protectant film kind) on an ultra white? I was planning on having one installed on mine to cover the nose/front bumper area, but now I'm worried that it might make the white paint under the film look yellow, or the film itself may age yellow which is not the look I'm going for.
My husband has one on his imperial blue metallic 2012 Camaro, and it has been great for keeping his front end free of any rock chips, but you can't even see it on such a dark color.
i had xpel ultimate on my starfire pearl 2IS and it started to discolour at around the four year mark. i had it replaced under warranty and bought my 3IS soon after. it was absolutely worth the investment as my previous car looked amazing. as on dark colors, as long as you go to a reputable installer and they wrap the edges, you won't be able to see the film on white either.
I had the dealer put one on our Starfire Pearl RX, and I wouldn't do it again. After a little more than a year, I can see a just a touch of yellowing. Really, it's almost none, and I'm not sure anyone else would notice. I don't know what kind of material they used, so I can't say if it's a good quality mask. I suspect it isn't.
What I really dislike is the edges. A fine line of dirt collects right on the edge that I can neither prevent nor clean. It looks a little like the wax or polish build up you would get if you didn't mask off the edge first, and it really shows on the white paint. I'm told the only way to get rid of it is to trim the edge of the mask off.
Get the film. Yes it could yellow in a few years but it's just the film not the paint. Theres nothing as good as factory paint so do everything you can to protect it. Whenever you polish or wax the car simply put a piece of 3M Blue Painters Tape over the edge. This will prevent any polish or wax from accumulating at the line.
For those that already have polish or wax at the edge purchase a couple packs of Micro-Brush brand brushes from a hobby supplier and use them with a mild solvent like isopropyl alcohol or tar and bug remover. It will take a little work but you'll be able to get that area clean again.
As with anything in life you get what you pay for that also includes a clear bra. I have Suntek and it is nearly impossible to tell if its on completely clear and also is self healing. I also put Gtechniq all over my car as well as the PPF
I have it half way up my hood, full front, lights, mirrors and door cups.
I also have suntek installed, and I think it looks great. The lines are barely visible on the front bumper. Even if it yellows after a few years, you can remove and replace it, and the paint underneath will still be perfect. At 150 dollars for a diy bumper kit, I think it's a pretty good investment to protect the factory paint.
I have expel ultimate on my car for around 8 months now. My 3IS is UW and I firmly believe that this was the most important and ultimately successful investment that I made in my car. So far no discoloration or any hint of turning yellowish. The installer said that xpel ultimate guarantees this product for 10 years!
As far as the protection this clear bra provides is unbelievable. Not a single stone chip or even a scratch notwithstanding I drive mostly on the freeways. I would have made this investment again if I had to. Just find a reputable shop that does quality work and you should be all good to go.
I also have Suntek on and you can't tell it's there. When my installer put it on I even told him it looks awesome like there's nothing on it. If you have a certified Suntek installer it's a lifetime warranty and if it breaks or yellows you can get it replaced.
I think it's completely worth the investment as it gives me peace of mind when I drive. Not having to worry about rocks flying from road construction, or gravel trucks dropping rocks on the freeway, as well as protecting factory paint which jbhkat303 mentioned nothing beats factory paint.
[Update]: I actually have Nano-Fusion Paint Protection Film, and Suntek for my window tints. Sorry for the confusion.
Last edited by jeffyffej; 11-03-14 at 12:56 AM.
Reason: Mixup of brands.
I have Xpel Ultimate on my UW since April (picked it up in March) and other than the edges on the fenders and hood, it is completely invisible. It does go halfway up my hood/fenders and covers the headlights and front painted surfaces. I also have Gtechnique coating. It is worth the investment!
This is another question for anyone who would like to chime in whether you have had good luck or have had discoloration: did you drive in the winter with salt/snow? I'm wondering if that has anything to do with it. In Pittsburgh, I will have plenty of snow and salt to deal with.
10-27-14, 05:00 AM
clear bra on white
