Plastic Bumper Repair

If the front or tail bumper of your automobile gets damaged in an accident, you will have to evaluate option of bumper repair or replacement, depending upon the severity of bumper damage. The repair cost depends upon the area of damage and refinishing colors to be used for auto bumper repair.

Steps for Repairing Plastic Bumper

Repair kits are available with car parts stores for approximately $15. This kit typically contains components for adhesion, panel prepping, grit paper, base coat material, clear coat material, cartridge adapter, epoxy material repair and strengthening tape.

Following is the step by step procedure for repairing a plastic bumper.

• The screws fastening plastic cover on bumper are to be taken off from beneath the wheel from underneath the tail lights. After you disengage the plastic cover, determine the type of adhesive you require by finding out from the bumper label such as TPUR, PUR, PPO or PP. For bumper prepping, gently scrape the damaged portion and clean it with surface cleaner. If the bumper has got a severe cut, scrape outer and inner surfaces. Let the surface be for some time and then brush the damaged portion with prep solvent.
• With a grit paper, sand the damaged portion and grind a groove in "V" shape for aligning the 2 edges. The groove will also increase the surface area for better adhesion of the repair material. In case of types such TPUR and PUR, use 24 grit disc to incise a groove and for types such as PPO and PP, use cordless drill to cut a groove.
• This step is about repairing cuts in the rear of fascia. For aligning, hold the edges with a masking tape, on the front end of fascia. With fiberglass tape, form a structure at the tear. Blend equal portions of adhesive and hardener on cardboard and spread it over the tape. Administer second layer over the first, in such a way that threads of the two are at 90º angle.
• It takes approximately 15 minutes for the material to harden. With 80 grit sandpaper, sand above the fascia. Fill repair material in the cut at the front of fascia.
• After the material has hardened, sand with 80 grit, followed by 120 grit and then apply a light layer of repair material to fill the holes, if any and regain the original structure. With 400 grit paper, sand again.
• The next step is to apply two layers of sealing material. Let the surface dry for approximately half an hour, do the priming of fender in 2 layers of primer. Let the primer harden for some time, followed by sanding with 400 grit paper for leveling. Wet sand the repaired area and clean it with a rag to get rid of any dust. Spray the base coat on the bumper and let it dry for about half an hour. Blend the hardener with clear coat and apply 2 layers of clear coat. Let the fascia dry for approximately 8 hours and install on the car.

Bumper repair cost depends upon the severity and type of damage caused, for instance, dents, pits, scratches. The area of damage also determines the cost. More the area damaged, more will be the cost incurred. The refinishing cost varies according to the car paint used, such as, pearl coat, metallic paint or solid paint. If you get the bumper repair done from a car repair shop, it will cost you approximately in between $250-$450.

Based on the severity of damage, you will have to decide, if you want repair the bumper yourself or get it done through a professional.