What is an Auto Clear Bra? 

    Have you ever heard of putting a clear bra on your vehicle?  It sounds more off-color than it is, I promise.  An auto clear bra is a layer of protection that can significantly benefit your vehicle, depending on your lifestyle.  We will go over details on why to apply an auto clear bra in Denver, Colorado.  Keep reading for more on what a clear bra really is, how long it lasts, why you should consider applying a clear bra to your vehicle in Colorado.  We’ll also include an overview of our clear bra application service in Denver, Colorado.  After reading, you will have all the information you need to decide if applying a clear bra is the best option for you and your car!      

What Exactly is a Clear Bra on a Car? 

  An auto clear bra is a protective layer applied to the exterior of your vehicle.  A clear bra creates a barrier between debris like environmental contaminants and the paint on your vehicle’s exterior.  This barrier is also called a paint protection film.  The ‘clear bra’ name was popularized long after the transparent plastic protection film became common.  The paint protection film was transparent and was installed where car owners had previously placed bras to protect from passing rock chips while driving.  The plastic paint protection film was first nicknamed ‘Helicopter Tape’ when its primary use was as a coating for U.S. military helicopter blades.        

Where did the Clear Bra Originate?

  Technology for today’s auto clear bra, or paint protection film, comes from the Vietnam War.  Company 3M teamed up with the United States military to solve their detail-oriented problem of dust and debris on helicopter rotor blades.  The film created at that time protected the rotor blades, requiring a replacement of the film rather than the rotor blade itself.  Years later, this technology again played an essential role in helicopter missions during Operation Desert Storm.     In the 1980s, NASCAR began using the paint protection film as a way to keep sponsor decals looking nice without needing to repaint the entire hood of the car.  Paint protection film allowed them to simply replace the decal, ensuring the sponsor’s name would be shiny for each race.     The general public could access this wonder paint protection film within a decade.  Luxury car owners began applying this film to the high access spots on their vehicles, and from there, the protection trend continued.  The film was better than previous protection options.  It was nearly undetectable, did not fade or affect the paint in any negative ways, and protected the car from daily driving debris on the roads.      

Which Material Is Used to Make an Auto Clear Bra? 

  Clear bras are constructed from a unique blend of different kinds of plastics.  A clear bra is assembled from multiple layers; it is not simply one compound.  The bottom layer includes an acrylic-based adhesive to help the film adhere to the contours of every vehicle’s panels.  For the top layer of the paint protection film, a layer of urethane or polyurethane is included as a clear coat.  These compounds protect against scratches from everyday driving, even healing minor scratch marks that commonly happen.     

What is Urethane? 

  Urethane is a compound that acts as a plastic protector.  It has many uses across different industries.  From coating sporting equipment to underwater wiring, urethane is an integral part of many technological advances in many industries.  Many boats are coated with urethane-based solutions to resist damage.  We also find urethane in caulking mediums commonly used in bathrooms and tilework to prevent mold from growing.     The qualities that make it appealing for use in the paint protection film layers are these features:   

• It is flexible to fit the contours of each panel snugly yet resilient to daily debris. 
• Lightweight material allows it to rest on the exterior of your vehicle without affecting the aerodynamics of your car.  
• The durability against corrosion and abrasive debris provides a layer of protection for your vehicle’s original paint. 
• The transparency of the film is highly admired, as it keeps the original look and feel of the vehicle you fell in love with while adding long-lasting protection.  

   

How does a Clear Bra Protect my Car? 

  A clear bra protects your vehicle by providing a layer of protection between your vehicle’s exterior paint and the outside world you drive in.  Environmental contaminants and common debris can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s paint.  Everyday aggressors include harmful rays from the sun, road salt during winter weather, construction dust and debris around our growing Denver city, high magnesium chloride content, and road rocks (I mean, we do live in the Rocky Mountains!).      

Where is a Clear Bra Applied on the Vehicle? 

  A clear bra can be applied anywhere on your vehicle.  The most common application package of the paint protection film is concentrated on the high-impact spots of your car.  These areas are the places that see the most debris regularly, even daily.  At Mile High Image Detailing, we offer three different packages for our clear bra application service.    

Clear Bra Application Packages in Denver, Colorado

  Each package has a different amount of coverage, which allows you to choose the best coverage application for your lifestyle with your vehicle.  All applications include the wrapping of the edges on each panel.  Wrapping the edges provides complete protection of each panel’s paint and makes the paint protection film nearly undetectable.    

• Package 1 includes 24 inches of the hood, matching fenders, a piece across your bumper, and each side mirror. 
• Package 2 consists of the entire length of the hood, the entire length of the fenders, one piece across the bumper, one-piece across each side mirror, and the headlights.  
• Package 3 is a full-body clear bra installation, covering all painted panels of your vehicle.  

 

Follow our link to book your appointment for an obligation-free quote for a clear bra application in Denver, Colorado! 

   

How Long Does a Clear Bra Last? 

    At Mile High Image Detailing, we offer the Premium Shield Ultra film with a ten-year warranty!  A high-quality, professionally applied clear bra can protect your vehicle for years to come.  Proper maintenance and care over time will enhance the quality of protection and elongate the life of your vehicle’s paint protection film.      

Can I Remove an Installed Clear Bra from my Car? 

  Yes, a paint protection film can be removed from a vehicle.  Any paint protection film should be removed only by a trained professional.  Do not attempt to extract an installed clear bra from your car at your house.  Attempting removal without the proper tools or techniques could result in damage to the paint on your vehicle’s exterior, leading to a more extensive repair project.      

Will my Insurance Policy Cover an Auto Clear Bra Installation? 

  Yes!  Most comprehensive insurance policies will cover the replacement of any protective paint film installed on your vehicle.  Your initial installation of a clear bra will be an out-of-pocket expense.  If you apply the paint protection film to your car and then find yourself in a fender bender in the future, there is no need to worry.  Your insurance will cover the costs of replacing your clear bra on the damaged areas from the accident.  Be sure to check your insurance policy or speak with your agent to determine if your personal insurance policy covers auto clear bra replacement applications.      

Clear Bra Application in Denver, Colorado

    Installing paint protection film on your vehicle’s exterior is highly recommended when living and driving in Colorado!  Many of the top paint corrosion culprits can be found in our environment, especially in the expanding metropolis of Denver.    

Our top three reasons to apply a clear bra to your car in Denver, Colorado are:

   

1. Protection from harmful UV rays from the sun. 

  With our thinner atmosphere a mile high above sea level, the sun’s rays are often felt more strongly.  A clear bra will protect your vehicle from oxidation caused by harmful UV rays.  The films are UV stable, which also means that the exterior of your vehicle will not fade in color at different rates due to the application of the paint protection film.    

2. Protect scratches from debris on the road that you drive through daily.  

  With Denver growing at its current rate, every corner of the city seems to be full of construction.  Construction brings dust and small chips that are broken pieces of different materials.  This debris is picked up and carried onto the main roads and highways, posing a threat for anyone driving in the area.  A clear bra will protect your vehicle from these daily scratch marks.  The film we use at Mile High Image Detailing is self-healing and will even make these minor blemishes disappear!   

3. Mountain Life requires elemental protection.  

  Living so close to the mountains is a beautiful blessing.  Being a resident of Colorado comes with an encouraging feel to get outside and explore the beautiful earth around us.  These weekend explorations and secret escapes are all great for the soul yet taxing on your car’s exterior.  Protecting your vehicle will elongate the life of your vehicle, adding value to your investment when the time comes to part.       Learn more about Mile High Image Detailing in Denver, Colorado, and the services we offer.  We have the right package to keep your vehicle protected, matching your Colorado life from auto detailing to clear bra installation.