How to Repair & Paint a Bumper
Bumper repair can be a quick and simple do-it-yourself auto project. Because bumpers are highly susceptible to scratches, dings or paint chips, auto retailers offer a large selection of tools that can be used to fix certain damages a bumper may sustain. It may seem like a long process the first time you try to fix your own bumper, but it is significantly more pocket friendly and also more convenient than taking your car to a shop.
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Things You'll Need
- Plastic prep solvent
- Power drill
- Filler (make sure it matches the type of plastic used to manufacture your current bumper)
- Hardener
- Repair adhesive
- Sandpaper
- Squeegee
- Flexible part sealer
- Paint (primer, base coat and clear coat)
- Tack rag
Instructions
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How to Repair a Bumper
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1
Go to an auto repair store to purchase supplies. If you are unaware of the type of plastic your bumper was manufactured with, ask one of the employees at the store if he could help you out. The plastic filler you purchase must be identical to the plastic used to make the bumper originally.
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2
Use a plastic prep solvent to prep the bumper for buffing and sanding. Just pour some of the solvent onto a rag and coat the bumper with the liquid and allow the bumper to absorb as much moisture as possible.
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3
Mix an equal amount of hardener with repair adhesive on top of a piece of scrap cardboard.
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4
Sand the remaining solvent off of the bumper by using 80-grit sandpaper. Use your hand to scuff away residue from the bumper by rubbing the paper against the bumper in a clockwise motion.
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5
Take a squeegee and cover the scratches and dings located on the car's bumper. Use the plastic filler for the first coat. Allow the filler to dry and then cover the filler with the hardener and adhesive mixture you prepared in Step 3.
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6
Sand all of the repaired areas after they have each had at least 20 minutes to dry. Use sand paper to even out the areas covered with adhesive. If the paper is not effectively smoothing out the bumper, an electric sander can be used.
How to Paint a Bumper
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7
Apply two coats of flexible part sealer to the entire surface of the vehicle's bumper. Allow the sealer to dry for at least 30 minutes.
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8
Apply two coats of a two-part primer-surfacer to the car's fender. Allow sufficient time between coats for the primer to dry.
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9
Use a tack rag to wipe down the bumper and remove any dirt or residue that may affect the paint job.
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10
Spray the entire bumper with the base coat you purchased. Repeat two to three times as needed for a smooth, even color across the entire bumper.
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11
Allow the base coat to dry. While the bumper is drying, mix the clear coat with a small amount of hardener. Once the base coat has dried, apply two coats of the clear coat mixture, allowing at least 30 minutes to pass between applications. After the clear coat has dried, use a sponge with a polishing compound on it to finish the paint job and increase the bumper's shine.
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References
- Photo Credit Classic Car Bumper and Headlight image by ne_fall_photos from Fotolia.com
