I've been wondering - on a new vehicle where one is planning to add on the clear bra protection films, would it be best to bring it home and do the whole Zaino routine first and then take it to have the film applied?

Would one then re-apply over the film-covered areas?

 

I would not do it before the plastic is laid down. They use an alcohol solution to wipe down and clean the area prior to installation of the film, so it is going to come off right away anyways as i learned after doing just that. I would however clay the area to make sure there are no imperfections on the hood or fenders prior to the film installation.

It wont hurt if you do put a coat of Zaino but it will mostly come off. You can and should put it on top of the plastic as it really helps with the water beading up and running off. More than a few guys in the detailing forum have said this is a good idea.

 

Completely agree. Claying before the bra goes on would be a good move. The installer used an IPA solution prior to installation on my BMW as well, so there is little reason to apply Zaino prior to installation. After the bra had time to completely dry (a few days), I then treated the whole area as if it were a new car (i.e. Dawn, application of Z2/5, and so forth.) Worked and looked like a million bucks.