How to Fix Dents on Plastic Bumper Covers

Your car looks brand new, well, all except for that little indent in the bumper cover from a mystery shopping cart, but how do you fix something like that? Fixing a dent in a plastic bumper cover actually isn't that hard, it just takes some time, patience, and choice. There are a few ways to fix a dent. Through process of elimination, one should work for your specific dent needs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hair dryer
• Pops-a-Dent
• Hot-air gun
• Spatula
• Gloves
• Wooden block
• Wet Cloth
• Fan

1. First put your hand behind the cover and see if you can push the dent out with your hands.

2. If step one does not work, the hair dryer method is next. Hold a hair dryer on the high and hot setting over the dented area for about 3 minutes. Use a continual sweeping motion to ensure the entire area is heated.

3. Next, put on gloves and try to pop dent out from behind the cover with your hands, or with a wooden block.

4. If the dent is still present you can try either to use Pops--a Dent, a dent fixing kit at auto parts stores, or try using a hot-air gun.

5. Place the hot-air gun about a foot away from the dented area. Then slowly bring the gun closer to the dent as needed. Do not move the hot-air gun in closer than 12 cm away from the bumper cover.

6. The area should visibly be heated, but you can check by turning off the hot-air gun and placing a spatula on the area. If the spatula leaves a slight imprint, then the area is hot enough to work with.

7. If the area is not hot enough, try again by separating the dented area into sections for you to heat using the hot-air gun. Be aware of your distance to the car, and placement of hands. Watch to be sure there are no changes in your paint.

8. Once area is heated, apply a cool cloth to the outside of the bumper cover and use a wooden block to push the dent out. Keep the wooden block in place for about 2 minutes, or until bumper is cooled and dent is locked in the popped out position.

9. You can use a fan or compressed air to speed up the cooling process if necessary.

10. Check your work, repeat steps if necessary, but give the car ample time to cool.

11. Clean up. Store everything in a dry and clean place in you garage or shed. Do not leave items plugged in.

Tips & Warnings

• Read entire article and see which method of dental removal may be right for your dent size before you try any of them.
• Using a hot-air gun can be dangerous for both you and the bumper cover. Be aware of your distance to the cover, and the placement of your hands.
• Be aware of the hot-air gun. High temperatures can ruin your paint so be careful while it's in use.
• Unplug and properly put away all equipment so as to not hurt others or yourself.

[djn123]

on 9/28/2008 Hairdryer method worked very well with dent in rear bumper cover of my highlander. Thx very much.