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Rear bumper repaint + applique question

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by 15SuperPrius, Jun 20, 2019.

  1. 15SuperPrius

    15SuperPrius Member

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    Hi folks,

    My car's rear bumper will be repainted next week, and the shop is telling me that they do not see any problems in applying the new appliqué (clear bra protector piece that goes on the rear bumper) 1-2 days after painting the bumper.

    I have plenty of experience with having paint protection film installed on prior high end cars, however, never on panels that have been freshly repainted. After searching online, it appears that the recommendations are all over the place - ranging from a few days, to weeks, and in some instances even to months (60-90 days).

    Has anyone had any experience/issues with having a bumper repainted and a new appliqué reinstalled? If so, how much time elapsed between repaint and installation of the appliqué?

    Thanks!
     
  2. GrGramps

    GrGramps Active Member

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    It seems the shop doing the painting would be most familiar with the paint they use. However, if you feel better giving it more time to cure, that is your option.
     
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  3. 15SuperPrius

    15SuperPrius Member

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    Yes, I believe them to be a reputable shop - I just want to make sure they are not suggesting to do so out of trying to rush the job or not wanting to deal with the appliqué later on.
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    You probably aren't interested, but I'm itching to say it: skip the Clear Bra? Since you had it prior to the accident, I guess it's considered part of the restore. But really, what is it, a thin skin of plastic, over a plastic fairing. Just as prone to being gored by license plate bolts, and harder to repair.
     
  5. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    If the film will not be removed later on, it doesn’t matter.

    The only concern of applying the rear bumper appliqué prematurely is the risk of paint lifting during removal.
     
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  6. 15SuperPrius

    15SuperPrius Member

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    In this particular area, it protects the bumper when loading/unloading items. I’m personally very careful and I know I wouldn’t cause damage to the bumper; my gf, on the other hand... lol
     
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  7. 15SuperPrius

    15SuperPrius Member

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    Well, usually when film is being installed, sometimes it needs to be lifted in order to adjust positioning. Since it’s typically wet, it shouldn’t be an issue, but there is the risk of tugging on the clear during installation.

    I’ve also read that if installed too soon, the outgassing may turn the film yellow and cause bubbling on the clear coat - not sure how valid that is?
     
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Ah, it's at the hatch threshold? Yeah a good application.

    Ours came with the heavy plastic threshold protector, that's held up well. You can kinda see it in my avatar, come to think of it.
     
  9. 15SuperPrius

    15SuperPrius Member

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    Correct - I have the port-installed option which is literally clear film protecting that area - it’s transparent and it does its job rather well!
     
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  10. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Time to trade her in.
     
  11. 15SuperPrius

    15SuperPrius Member

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    LOL though funny, never! :p
     
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