How to Fix a Scraped Fiberglass Bumper

Some fiberglass bumper scratches can be repaired without taking it to an auto body shop.

Many vehicle bumpers are made of materials, such as fiberglass, that are designed to absorb energy should a crash occur. Although fiberglass is good at absorbing the energy, it is also easy to scratch. Bumper repair can be costly and can increase your insurance premiums. Fixing minor scrapes on a fiberglass bumper can be done at home.

Things You'll Need

• Soap and water
• Sponge
• Lint-free towel
• Sandpaper (400 grit)
• Spray primer
• Paint
• Rubbing compound

Instructions

1. Wash the scraped area of the bumper with soap and water to remove dirt or oil.

2. Dry the area thoroughly with a lint-free towel.

3. Rub the sandpaper over the scraped bumper until it is smooth. Run your finger over the area to make sure it is smooth.

4. Wash and dry the area once more to remove any leftover dust created by the sanding.

5. Place a layer of masking tape around the area that needs to be painted. Cover the surrounding area with a layer of paper and more masking tape.

6. Spray an even coat of primer across the entire taped area. Repeat three to four times until you can't see the scratch. Be careful not to spray too close so you don't cause drips. If a drip occurs, re-sand that area and spray the primer again.

7. Spray one last coat of primer when the entire area is covered and smooth. Allow it to dry for a half hour.

8. Repeat the spraying process with paint instead of primer. Follow the paint manufacturer's directions for drying time.

9. Remove the masking tape and paper when the paint is dry. If the tape left a ring, wipe with a rubbing compound to remove.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your owner's manual to find the name of the paint color of the vehicle. If you don't have the manual, call the manufacturer of the car and give them the model and year. The manufacturer can help you locate the paint.

• If the rubbing compound does not remove the ring, try sanding lightly with a nail file. Do not use the 400-grit sand paper, since this will likely scratch the paint.

• When using the sandpaper, rub in different directions but make sure you don't stay in one place for too long. Doing so can cause that area to be uneven. Sand evenly over the entire scraped area for best results.

References

• AutoMedia: Simple Bumper Scuff Repair
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Q&A: Bumpers