I just picked my new Mini up about a week ago. I have a new little scratch on the grill (), and that made me start thinking. I can probably buff the scratch out, but I'm wondering if there's a better way to protect my new little friend. I've seen these paint protection films by 3M, and I'm wondering if there's anyone out there that has used them. I was planning to set up an appointment to have one installed this coming week. My Mini is Astro Black, and I've read that these 3M films are more visible on dark colors. Does anyone know anything about them? Will it hurt my paint? Can I remove it in a few years, and there be no visible remnants of it? (Will the paint fade more where the film was not used, leaving a noticeable color change in the paint?) Do the chemicals used to attach it or remove it affect the paint? (I think they use soap, like Dawn, or something...not sure though) I guess what wondering is, should I go through with the paint protection film, or should I stick with a high quality wax or sealant or both? Thanks in advance.

 

First...welcome to NAM, Super!!

There's no substitute for a clear bra.....not in the sealant/protectant category anyway...for protecting the front end of your baby. Stuff will happen out there no matter how careful you are.

Can it be seen? Yes...but just barely. And the clear bra looks better, and more purposeful, than a lot of little stone chips. To my knowledge, the product is perfectly safe to use on your paint.

Can you choose to go without? Sure. Lots of owners have. But if you worry about and want protection, a clear bra is well worth considering. A hint: do some investigation to find the best installer in your area. The contours of the MINI bonnet are a challenge and you'll want a perfect install for maximum invisibility.

 

I had my clear bra installed a week or so ago, and it's going back on Wednesday to be re-done. There is only one 3M installer near me, and they did a great job on my wife's Scion tC...I hope they can fix the problems with my MINI. I was quite disappointed when I saw it finished (picked it up after they closed), the film was stretched in a few places and they also trapped some dirt under the film. Hopefully they will do a better job on Wed.

 

mine's sporting the 3M Xpel clear bra on the bumper.
no more chips. it's very durable to impact and highly reflective
if you use wax on it.

 

Thank you for all the help. You've told me what I needed to hear. I'm definitely going to get the clear bra installed. The only installer anywhere near me is about an hour and a half away, so I'm hoping I don't get any chips on the way up there. Thanks again.

 

^^ did you check the xpel site for installers in your area?

 

Yeah...the closest xpel installer is about 3 hours away. :-(

 

I have 39,000 miles on my Chili red MINI S and live in an area of lot's of pebbles on the road and lots of trucks. I drive it daily and average 450miles per week and not a scratch. I tried a new product as one of the instailer's was using Lamin-x instead of 3-m. Only difference was lifetime guarentee vs 5 yr for 3-M. Bought a new Lotus 3 week's ago and the first thing I did before taking it home was have it wrapped in 3 M. Only thing to remember is to occassionally polish it and when you wash your car, wash and dry parallel to the edge! Many yrs ago when 3 M first came out it was said to yellow with age , but that no longer is true.

 

Got our clear bra installed before we even took delivery of our new Mini a few weeks ago. I'll never own another car that doesn't have it, as there is nothing on the market that protects the front end as well.

If you are in or near Charlotte, NC, I highly recommend Steve Treece at UltraShield of Charlotte (www.ultrashieldofcharlotte.com). He did the clear bra install on my 2005 Accord, our 2006 MCSC, and my brother's 2006 S2000, and we were all very pleased with the results.

 

Thank you. One more question. I hope I'm not annoying anyone. I've read that you're not suppose to wax or seal a car for 3 months after it's been painted. That would mean that I still need to wait a couple of months. This bothers me a little. I don't like the thought of having my Mini out in the hot sun unprotected. It's astro black, and it gets REAL hot setting outside. Is it true that I can't wax it for 3 months? If so, does anyone know why? Can I still install the invisible bra before the 3 month period? ...or does the 3-month rule apply to the bra too? ...because I have an appointment to get it installed this Wednesday. Will that effect the fresh paint job?

 

I've heard one month. Many MINIs have their clearbras installed right off the truck!!