Is it safe or recommended to claybar a clearbra? Is there a designated product for this or will any claybar do?

 

Strictly from an amateur
Heck yes, and use a low abrasive clay. Just make sure to tape off the seams of the bra....ask me why I know

 

I am not sure if it is safe to clay clear-bra. I've heard some say that it can and should be clay'd, polished and waxed just like paint and other experts say the exact opposite. It would be nice if the experts chime in. Detail John, Moe, Phil and premier protective films, can we hear your opinion on this.

 

We at ModernImage do not recommend clients to clay their clear bar themselves. We refer clients to detailers that are have experience with the special needs to properly clay a clear-bra.

 

Really? What is it that's special about claying a bra?

 

I can't imagine that there is anything to really worry about when it comes to claying your clear bra. I think that you just have to remember to keep everything really well lubricated, and you should be ok.

Stay away from the edges, I think that is really important. You don't want any of the edges of the Clear Bra catching the clay and pulling it apart. That will just make a lot more work for you.

So if you make sure to use ample lubrication and take your time I think that you should be ok.

 

+100. you lube, press lightly in back and forth direction, not circular. This needs a professional detailer and has special needs??

Glis tech - very disappointing response IMO, would have thought you would have provided a yes or no. "you should be ok" is not what I would expect from a professional in the know.

 

I am sorry if you felt that the answer was inadequate. He wasn't asking specifically HOW to clay, or HOW to clay a clear bra even. He asked if it was safe, and if there was a specific or particular product that would be better.

As to why I didn't give a solid YES or NO, not all clear bras or conditions are the same. The materials we use on our Clear Bras can be clayed without issue. Same goes for almost every clear bra material out there. But without specific mention to his particular film, who installed it, etc. I can't give an equivocal answer that it will be 100% ok.

Unfortunately without firsthand knowledge of any of the specific problems that we deal with here on the forum, no detailer, vendor, or other DIYer can be 100% with the advice that they give. But it is an educational process, we are here to help, give our educated opinion, and help out as much as possible.

In this case, with whatever clay and lube he has selected, make sure that you use a lot of the clay lube and that it was the lube specifically designed for the clay you are using. One potential issue which could arise from claying would be film discoloration if there is material transfer from the clay to the surface. Using a lot of lube will make sure that this doesn't happen. Use light pressure with a clean piece of clay, and on a well lubricated surface, move it back and forth slowly with light pressure. If you feel resistance that starts to fade, the clay is working. Stay away from the edges, you don't want it to catch the clay. Taking that out from those edges is a PITA. Just ask Bonehead. You should be able to use this process over the whole surface without problem.

If anybody has questions on how they should go about claying their clear bra, or the car in general, they can definitely PM me and I would be more than happy to give the most specific and informative description of the process I possibly can.

Hope that helps, and sorry again you felt my first response was lacking. Hopefully with this clarification that feeling has abated.

 

Good answer. And thanks a lot

 

Are you joking? lol

He didn't specifically ask them how to do it, just if it was safe. So quick to throw him under the bus....

 

Using a clay bar on a clear bra can permanently damage the film, HOWEVER it can be done with very mild clay like white clay, but must be overlubricated, and kneaded very often. The problem is sometimes clay will pick up particulate from the mask, and scratch the rest of the mask. We will quite often polish masks with Menzerna Super Finish with a white CCS pad at very low rpms. Sometimes just waxing the film will clean most of the particulates. Best of luck.


John

 

That's a good point. To be safe, leave the claying part to a pro.

However, the film can always use a good polishing. We recommend Menzerna Power Finish with a da polisher or a paint cleanser like P21S...as for waxing, we apply einszett Spray Wax. This recipe should cover many different film types.

 

Well-said Jon....there's no black and white answer sometimes. Instead of just giving a YES or NO, it's good to first take in basic info and then diagnose a situation. That how we help and educate others.

 

Pass on the clay bar on clear film I agree with modern and detail john.

Its not recommended. Clay is an abrasive you can scratch the film.

 

thank you philip and detail john - I will not be claying my clear bra. It will get the cleaner I purchased from the installer premier and a sealant/wax only. thank you Glis tech for your response - I apologize if my initial response was abrupt or insulting in any way.