ryank771

Hey everyone.......I searched but couldn't find exactly what I was looking for, but of course it could be the vodka in me. I already have the XPEL bra on my hood/fenders/mirrors/headlights/fog lights, but neglected to get it done on my bumper right away due to cost. Well after my first track day, I realized how stupid that decision was. I'm making an appointment to get it done this weekend, but wanted to know if there is anyone out there that got the xpel bra installed with a lightly pitted bumper, and if it looked terrible or not. I'm debating on getting it repainted after my next Putnam Park track session this fall, then doing the bra. But I'd rather save the money if possible.

If anyone has had this done, let me know the outcome. I'd love to see it.

By the way -- I haven't posted in years, nor any pics of my car since I got flamed for the paint swirls post long ago (noob).....here's a link to my track day setup:

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...99#post2623499

NgoRX8

iTrader: (1)

pitted as in how much?

they will show up with a clear bra on.

paint chips will show up and grooves/dimples from heavier chips will show up. depending on the skill level of the installer, you will probably end up having some air bubbles due to those 'pits.'

my recommendation, repaint that front first. or get an aftermarket one painted and clear bra'd.

ryank771

That's what I'm afraid of. Local place that I trust quoted me this AM at $550 to get the front bumper repainted. They do one hell of a job though and I'd trust them completely.

I'm going to get the installer's opinion. If he thinks it would look retarded, then I'll hold off on the bra until the off season when I can afford to get it painted. I know the installer, and he's been doing clear bra installs since they first came out. But even a good installer can have a hard time with pits/chips.

mamluk

Keep in mind that some installers will not cover an install on repainted surfaces, as the installation process sometimes involved relifting the film during the install (to stretch the material, reposition, etc.) and this could possibly lift up non-OEM painted surfaces. When I had mine installed, the installers often asked if any of the surfaces were repainted and explained why this was such an issue. You may want to consider purchasing an OEM bumper (painted) as this may not cost much more (check onlinemazdaparts.com) than a repaint and it comes OEM painted. If I had my choice between the two, I would purchase the new bumper and have the film installed instead of installing on a freshly painted bumper.

I have installed some smaller pieces on some of my vehicles and pulling and repositioning can tug a bit on the paint. I can understand why the professional installers would be a little nervous installing on a repainted bumper.

My $0.02 - hope it helps.

ryank771

^^^ Actually, that makes a lot of sense. Plus I'm finding prices for new bumpers, painted, cheaper than it would cost to have mine repainted.

I think it'll be worth it in the end since I'll be happy with it. I'd rather not have to pay someone to install it only to realize that I made a mistake not waiting to do it properly.

NgoRX8

iTrader: (1)

Repainting a bumper does not cancel it out from clear bra'ing it. I have an aftermarket front that came unpainted that is now painted and clear bra'd. If an installer does not deal with repainted surfaces then I probably wouldn't trust him to do the job. The only thing different in the process of painting from the factory and painting at a bodyshop is the curing temperature. The general rule is you should to wait a month after it is painted at a bodyshop so the paint can cure. After that there is absolutely no reason why it can't be clear bra'd unless the paint job was cheap and is chipping.