Car Bras Carbon Fiber & Clear Vinyl Auto Bras

Car Bras

When your car hits the open road, it comes in direct contact with bad weather, tree limbs, bird droppings, bugs, sunlight and other hazards. To protect their vehicle and keep it looking good, many car owners install a car bra on vulnerable parts of their vehicle. Car bras are ideal for:

• Auto enthusiasts
• People who are leasing their car
• Anyone who wants to protect the exterior of their vehicle

Benefits Of Using a Car Bra

Some benefits of using a car bra include:

• Added style: For car owners hoping to add a touch of personality to their vehicle, our vinyl car bras are available in a wide range of styles and colors. You can alter the appearance of your car entirely or just add accent pieces, like racing stripes.
• Hide existing damage: Did you recently purchase a pre-owned vehicle? Or, perhaps you were involved in a fender-bender that left your car with scratches and scuff marks. Some people want to hide unsightly damages on their car until they can take it to a professional for repair. One way to do this is by covering the area with a car bra. A car bra will also help keep these areas from getting worse.
• Protect against the sun: Over time, excessive sunlight and UV rays can drastically fade the paint on your car. Adding a UV-resistant car bra to your vehicle is similar to applying sunscreen before a hot summer day — it protects the paint from fading, blistering and scorching.
• Prevent other damages: Car bras add a layer of protection to your vehicle that protects it against other damages, including road salt, stones, bugs, road debris and bird droppings.

Types Of Car Bras

Rvinyl offers two kinds of car bras: carbon fiber vinyl and self-healing paint protection film. 

Carbon Fiber Vinyl

Carbon fiber vinyl car bras are for the car owner who wants to change the look or style of their vehicle without having it repainted. Carbon fiber vinyl is self-adhesive and semi-permanent. It is thinner than clear bras. Rvinyl currently offers the following carbon fiber vinyl brands: 

• Rwraps™ Carbon Fiber Wraps: Rwraps™ Carbon Fiber Wraps have the most color and finish options of any brand and are among the most affordable. Rwraps™ Carbon Fiber Wraps are 3.0 millimeters thick and have about a three-year lifespan.
• 3M™ 1080 Series Vinyl Wrap Films: Available in one finish and a few different color selections, 3M™ 1080 Series Carbon Fiber is a dual-cast film with a five-year lifespan and Controltac™ adhesive.
• Avery Dennison® Supreme Wrapping 900 Carbon Fiber: This thin, 3.2-millimeter film wrap is available in both black and white and is equipped with a patented Easy Apply RS adhesive technology.
• ORACAL® 975CA Carbon Premium Cast Wrapping Films: This vinyl wrap has the second-largest selection of colors after Rwraps™. ORACAL® 975CA Carbon Premium Cast Wrapping Films are 5.0 to 6.0 millimeters thin and come with RapidAir® air-release adhesives.

Vinyl wraps differ from brand to brand. Some have longer lifespans than others, and some wraps — like 3M™ Wrap Film Series 1080— are better rated for exterior wrapping than others. If you have a question about which vinyl car bra is best for your project, contact our experts through phone, email or live chat. We are happy to help.

Self Healing Paint Protection

Clear car bras are for auto enthusiasts who like the way their car looks and only want to preserve it, not cover it up. Invisible car bras protect your car's paint while still showing off its unique features and paint job. Clear paint protection bras are thicker and more durable than vinyl.

Self-healing paint protection film — also known as self-healing PPF — is made with a stretchy elastomeric polymer substance that allows the topcoat to "heal" itself in the event of minor scratches or scuffs. Rvinyl offers pre-cut self-healing film to make installation easier. The following clear paint protection bra kits are available on our website:

• 3M™ Scotchgard™ Pro Series: 3M™ is responsible for introducing self-healing paint protection to the auto industry. These wraps are 8.0 millimeters thick and boast a 10-year lifespan. 3M™ Scotchgard™ Pro Series is self-healing and stain-resistant.
• XPEL Ultimate Plus Paint Protection Film: XPEL Ultimate Plus Paint Protection Film is 10.5 millimeters thick and has a service life of 10 years. 
• Avery Dennison™ Supreme Protection Film XI (SPF-XI™): Avery Dennison™ Supreme Protection Film XI (SPF-XI™) is a high-quality polyurethane film that lasts 10 years. This film is 6.5 millimeters thick.
• ORAGUARD® 270 Stone Guard Film: ORAGUARD® 270 Stone Guard Film is intended for flat or just slightly curved surfaces and is a cost-effective alternative to 3M™ self-healing PPF. It is 6.0 millimeters thick and lasts five years.
• SunTek PPF-C: SunTek PPF-C is a long-lasting, stain-resistant PPF film that is available in either high-gloss or matte finish. It is crystal clear, allowing your car's original paint to show through.

Click here to learn more about each paint protection brand and choose the best one for your project.

Vinyl Car Bras vs. Leather Car Bras

Vinyl car bras are a stylish, more affordable alternative to leather car bras. Compared to leather car bras, vinyl car bras:

• More customizable: Most leather car bras look similar to one another, while vinyl car bras are available in several different colors, patterns and finishes.
• Will not damage paint: Leather car bras often trap moisture between the car bra and your car, causing an uneven paint fade. Trapped moisture may also cause early rusting or peeling.
• More affordable: Vinyl car bras typically cost much less than leather bras.
• Look better: Many car owners find leather car bras to be bulky and unattractive. Vinyl car bras are a thinner, sleeker and more attractive way to protect your vehicle.

Car Bra Placement Options

Depending on your budget and specific needs, you can place a car bra or layer of self-healing PPF on any — or all — of the following locations:

• Bumper
• Hood
• Full front end
• Mirrors
• Door handles
• Roof and pillar
• Trunk sill
• Door splash
• Air dams and spoiler
• Rocker
• Grille

To determine which areas of your car are most vulnerable, consider your driving habits and environment. For example, if you live in areas of heavy snow, road salts can do a number on your paint job. Apply a car bra to areas the salt impacts the most. If your daily commute takes you through heavily wooded areas, make sure your hood and top of your car are protected from tree debris, like sap and branches.

DIY Car Bra Installation

Installing a car bra can be difficult, but it does not always require a professional. At Rvinyl, we create products for car enthusiasts who like to get hands-on with their auto projects. With our guide to do-it-yourself car bra installation, you can protect your car without the added cost of taking it to a shop or detailer. 

1. Thoroughly clean the application surface and surrounding areas. Make sure the area you are working in is also clean and protected from the elements to ensure proper installation.
2. Once the area is clean, spray the application surface with a Slip Solution.
3. Peel the film from the liner and spray the adhesive thoroughly with plenty of the Slip Solution.
4. Position the car bra film on the intended surface and make sure the size matches up. Make adjustments as necessary.
5. Spray the Tack solution under and on top of the center area.
6. Use a squeegee to smooth the center of the piece. Be sure the film is straight and bubble-free.
7. Work outward, starting in the center, and use the Tack solution to adhere the film to your car.
8. Throughout the installation process, you can lift, re-wet and re-apply the film as needed.
9. Lightly score the film with an Olfa knife or a razor blade to trim off any excess film.
10. Let the film cure for at least 24 hours before washing and waxing.

DIY car bra installation leaves you with the pride and satisfaction of a job well done. To make the installation process more manageable, Rvinyl offers pre-cut options. Learn more about pre-cut self-healing PPF here.

The Dos and Don'ts of Car Bra Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to an effective, long-lasting car bra. Here is what you need to know about DIY car bra maintenance.

Do:

• Wash carefully: Use a commercial car wash that is acceptable for car bras and vinyl finishes. When using a new washing detergent, test it on a small area of your car bra first before applying it to the entire bra. We recommend hand-washing your car whenever possible. When handwashing, use gentle movements and a soft sponge. Dry with a microfiber towel.
• Add a layer of wax: Once your car bra is completely dry, add a layer of wax to keep the film moisturized and glossy. 
• Safely store your film: After you have received your vinyl film, store it safely away and out of direct sunlight until you are ready to apply it to your car.
• Address concerns immediately: Clean bird droppings, tree sap or splattered bug residue from your car as soon as they appear. The chemicals found in them can break down your car bra if left unattended.

Don't:

• Let corrosive materials near your car bra: Quickly remove any gasoline or other chemicals that get on your car before they have time to absorb into your car bra.
• Use abrasive scrubbers or cleaning agents: Avoid powder-based or degreasing cleaning agents, as they will break down your car bra film. Use only soft sponges or cloths when washing your car — never bristled brushes or harsh scrubbers.
• Pick the edges of the film: Take great care when cleaning on or near the edges of your vinyl or self-healing PPF car bra. Never pick or peel at them.

Be careful when:

• Pressure washing: Although we recommend hand-washing whenever possible, you can pressure wash your car bra if you do so carefully. Make sure the water is below 180 degrees and the pressure does not exceed 2,000 psi. Spray at the correct angle — the nozzle should be perpendicular to the car bra film and should be at least one foot away from your car at all times. Pressure washing without following these instructions can damage your car bra and render it ineffective.
• Waxing: Never use abrasive waxes on your car. When waxing your car bra, wax a few inches away from the edges to prevent wax from building up underneath the film. If your car bra or vinyl wrap is textured or matte, never use wax, as it will remove the finish.

To prolong the life of your car bra, store your vehicle in a covered garage, out of direct sunlight, whenever possible. Dust, wash and wax your car regularly. After several years of wear and tear, you may notice your car bra peeling or discoloring. If this happens, it is time to replace the film. Please note that with proper installation and regular maintenance, your car bra will last a long time.

Keep Your Car Safe With a Car Bra From Rvinyl

Whether you own or lease your vehicle, installing a car bra gives you peace of mind. Vinyl car bras are an affordable way to add style and personality to your car. Invisible car bras and self-healing PPF film keep your car's original look intact while offering superior protection from inclement weather, road debris, bird droppings, road salt and more. Unlike leather car bras, vinyl and invisible car bra films are affordable, attractive and keep your paint job safe. The most durable form of clear bra is a self-healing paint protection film, which absorbs minor scratches and scuff marks. 

You can apply a car bra film to almost any part of your car's exterior that you want to protect. With proper planning, you can even install a car bra without needing to take your car to a professional.

Shop with Rvinyl to find a carbon fiber vinyl or self-healing PPF car bra today.  We design our car bras for auto enthusiasts who enjoy the challenge of doing the work themselves. Our products are removable and non-permanent and come at a fraction of the cost you would find at a tint shop or auto detailer. 

All of our products come with a three-year warranty against cracking, peeling and fading. In addition to rolls of film, we offer pre-cut car bra options. When you shop with Rvinyl, be sure to take advantage of our rebate program. If you upload and email five or more high-resolution photos of one of our qualified products post-installation, you may be eligible for up to a $20.00 refund of the purchase price.

Shop with us today to get your car the protection it deserves.