Clear Bra on Fresh Paint
 

I just got the front bumper re-painted to take care of a few stone chips. It is as close to perfect now as it ever will be, so I want to install the clear bra. I already have the kit (Invisible Mask, lifetime warranty), and I plan on doing this myself. Question is, how long do I have to wait for the paint to fully cure? I don't want to wait too long, because I can barely enjoy driving her, thinking of the abuse the bumper is taking, but I don't want to jump the gun either, and ruin the paint.

The dealer who did the paint said not to install it at all, because it would void the warranty. The warranty doesn't cover stone chips, etc, which is what I want to avoid anyway, so I'm not worried about that.

There have to be some paint professionals here that can tell me how long I should wait until it's safer to install the clear bra than drive around unprotected. Thanks in advance for your advice.

I'm no paint professional, but I would wait at least a month based on what I've heard. Just stay far behind trucks in the meantime.

At my shop we wait 3 full days have not seen any issues in my 7 years here. And I would know as I am the painter.

clear bra does appear to breath as water clouds after clearbra installation dissappear in the sun.

i wouldn't feel comfortable applying one so soon though as the paint is soft. i would wait 3-4wks.

Just had a clear bar installed on mine after the nose was re-painted. My installer wanted to wait a minimum of 3-4 weeks. Had too many things going at work (plus it's not my daily driver at the moment), so I actually ended up waiting almost 6 weeks.

I feel your pain about driving not wanting to mess it up, though. The few times I did take it out during that time, it was very carefully and only when putzing around close to home.

Thanks guys. I think I'll wait about a month, then burn a vacation day and install.

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To decal over and wax a freshly painted part, you must wait for the paint to cure at least 14 days. Solvents from the clear coat must fully evaporate, applying the clear bra or waxing will cause solvents to trap underneath if done too early.

I waited a month.