Clear Bra vs Ceramic Coating: Which One to Use and Why?

Sep 27, 2022 | Tips | 0 comments

Here at Justin Detail, we like to offer our readers tips on how to keep your car looking good for years. We always recommend paint protection film that shields your car from paint damage or scratches.

Two prominent paint protection film products on the market right now are ceramic coating and clear bra for cars. As a car owner looking to protect your vehicle, you might be wondering which one of the two to go for?

Well, fasten your seatbelts as we take you through the differences between ceramic coating and clear bra products, then help you make the decision on which one is best for your vehicle paint protection.

What is Clear Bra?

Clear Bra is a paint protection film used on high-impact areas on your car. It is applied over your paint job to protect it from scratching or chipping caused by road debris. This protective film is also crucial in guarding your car against chemical damage caused by bug splatter, bird droppings, and mineral deposits.

Before car clear bra was used on vehicles, it was first used in the Vietnam War. The protective film is made from urethane, a damage-resistant polymer processed from carbamate.

US Helicopters fighting in the Vietnam war were prone to damage from flying debris. Clear bra was then invented to protect the helicopter blades which in turn reduced the cost of repair.

Today clear bra for cars is one of the most requested services at detailing shops. The paint protection film is applied on high-impact areas such as the front bumper, grille, headlights, and the entire hood section.

What makes car clear bra special?

Whenever you need paint job protection for the area around the hood, chances are you will be recommended clear bra. Made from urethane, it has the following advantages;

  • It is a transparent and lightweight protective film that complements your paint job
  • Clear bra is tough and long-lasting
  • The protective film is highly resistant to corrosion, abrasion, and impact.
  • Car clear bra is flexible and easy to apply.
  • Does not negatively affect paint color or paint clarity

With car clear bra installed, you won’t have to worry about repairing scratches on your front bumper for the next couple of years.

But is this protective film completely fool-proof?

Well, there are some cons to using clear bra and it all depends on the quality of the protective film and its installation skill.

Disadvantages of car clear bra detailing

Clear bra car protective film is prone to bubbling if not installed right. Also, poor-quality clear bra for cars is vulnerable to UV light damage. It causes yellowing of the protective film which may not look good, especially on a white vehicle.

Another common problem we see with poorly installed clear bra is peeling. Peeling usually happens when a high-pressure washer is used on a poorly installed film. Also, you will get peeling if the clear bra film is exposed to harsh chemicals.

Another more noticeable issue with poor quality clear bra installation is blistering. This is when air bubbles are trapped inside the film causing unsightly blisters. Blisters usually happen when contaminant air blows through the film during installation.

Fortunately, all of these problems are avoidable if you buy high-quality car clear bra and have it installed by a professional detailing shop.

One more thing though, compared to other paint protection films, clear bra is the most expensive to install. Most high-end detailing centers have a controlled air-sealed room where they do the clear bra wrapping. It helps prevent contaminants from reaching the protective film.

What is ceramic coating?

Like clear bra, ceramic coating is also a protective film made from a chemical polymer known as silicon dioxide or sio2. Other forms of ceramic coating for cars use silicon carbide as the active ingredient.

While clear car bra wraps on top of the paint job, sio2 ceramic blends with your paint to form a new layer. It forms a protective layer that shields your paint job from stain marks, grime, dirt, and scratches.

ceramic coating long replaced traditional waxing and synthetic sealants. It provides a long-term solution for protecting the paint from damage, especially from debris and water spots.

Clear bra vs Ceramic coating-Which one is the best?

Both car clear bra and ceramic spray coating are great pain protective films. Which one to go for will determine what you want to achieve.

If you only need protective film for the high-risk areas on your car, then clear bra for cars is an excellent option. Modern car clear bra products are UV resistant and do not yellow like previous ones.

On the other hand, if you want to paint protection film that will cover your entire car and also add a luxurious durable look to it, then you should choose ceramic coating.

Also, it is possible to apply a ceramic coating over a clear bra film to increase the water-resistance of your car. In addition, adding ceramic spray coating makes your car easier to clean. It also repels water which protects the existing paint job and minimizes the need for frequent paint correction.

Are you looking for ceramic coating services?

If you are looking for ceramic coating near me for your car, you are on the right page. At Justin Detail, we are more than just a regular car wash. We provide high-quality ceramic coating and car detailing services in Newport News Virginia.

CALL US TODAY if you need to protect and enhance the look of your car.

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