EPM04

Hey guys,

I'm looking to get a new front bumper for my car and wanted to get that clear 3M film applied to protect it from chips.
I was curious after I have it painted, how long do I have to wait before I get the 3M protective film applied, if I have to wait at all?

Also, I've heard that I shouldn't wax the new paint for 6 months, any truth to that?

I know the base/clear coat has to cure fully, but if anyone has any info I would greatly appreciate it..

whiterice87

at the body shop i work at we usually put the clear bra on within the next day or 2. With bumpers though our clear bra guy makes us bake it a little longer then usual just to be safe.

s2kPA

Fresh paint needs to outgas for 30-90 days before sealing it with any type of wax or sealer.
This allows the different solvents and other additives enough time to fully evaporate out of and off of the surface.

The amount of time you need to wait depends on the paint, clear, and baking process the body shop used.

Swiftoy

As a former clear bra installer it really depends on the quality of the paint job. I hated doing repaints becuase there was always that fear of the paint being pulled off. If the paint job was baked on then the chances are pretty good that it will not pull the paint. Any other way it is a crap shoot.

I had a guy that brought me a repainted acura tls and it looked fine but when I was installing the bumper kit it pulled the clear coat right up in big pieces. I always made it real clear as to what my policy was on repaints. Bottom line is I cannot guarantee the body shops work.

Tell your body shop you plan to have a clear bra put on and if it pulls the paint you'll be back to have them fix it a no charge to you.

Swiftoy

sillyboybmxer

i had mine put on after 30 days as per the shops recommendation with no problem,...this is having the shop and the clear bra installer working together....its getting repainted due to an accident this week and another clear bra is being installed 30 days later. lifetime warranty on both.

ryanfeldman

my shop recommended 3 weeks to let the paint cure. i survived chip free UNTIL actually going to the shop

dfvs2k

Its advised to wait about two to three months prior to placing any wax/sealant/polishes or glazes.