Topic: Bumper chip repair

[roxer]

I have a few on the bumper, but I understand there are a few no-nos with the bumper.  Can I use light grit sandpaper on the bumper to sand down clear coat?  Can I use a buffer to polish it? I know I read there are some things you do different on the bumper cover compared to the hood, I just cannot remember what.

[Sly Bob]

You can handle the paint on the bumper paint the same as you can handle any of the other paint on the car unless of course you have clear bra material on the bumper.

If you did have clear bra material on the bumper we probably wouldn't be having this conversation.

[Rogue]

The paint on the bumper covers is maintained exactly like the paint on the rest of the vehicle. The cautions about bumper cover finishes relates to the method in which finish is applied. Since the bumper covers are flexible, any primers, sealers, color coats, and clear coats need to be flexible as well. Be aware that if you plan on sanding a light scratch out of any clearcoat the definition of "fine" sandpaper is something in the range of 1500, 1800, 2000, 2500, 3000. Any coarser than 1500 as a final sanding will result in sand scratch too coarse for a buffer to smooth out.

[roxer]

If you did have clear bra material on the bumper we probably wouldn't be having this conversation.

I got the car second hand and the bumper already had several repairs that were not great. So spending money to cover that up equated to a waste of money. I'll wait until I get it repainted later this year. Needs to cool off here some first. Ninety-nine plus degree heat daily isn't great.

The paint on the bumper covers is maintained exactly like the paint on the rest of the vehicle. The cautions about bumper cover finishes relates to the method in which finish is applied. Since the bumper covers are flexible, any primers, sealers, color coats, and clear coats need to be flexible as well. Be aware that if you plan on sanding a light scratch out of any clearcoat the definition of "fine" sandpaper is something in the range of 1500, 1800, 2000, 2500, 3000. Any coarser than 1500 as a final sanding will result in sand scratch too coarse for a buffer to smooth out.

That's great - I build aircraft models so I am used to sanding various joints (I use superglue usually). I asked because I thought I read where buffing the "plastic" bumper cover vs. working with painted metal was handled differently.  Good to know I can just treat it the same as the rest of the car.

[Sting Ya]

Go to Automotivetouchup .com these guys sell everything you need to fix your issues .I repainted the front and rear bumpers on my Mazda3 before I turned it into the lease company and they could not tell it was repainted plus the prices are decent  T.S turned me onto these guys I would highly recommend them .

[roxer]

Go to Automotivetouchup .com these guys sell everything you need to fix your issues .I repainted the front and rear bumpers on my Mazda3 before I turned it into the lease company and they could not tell it was repainted plus the prices are decent  T.S turned me onto these guys I would highly recommend them .

That looks much better than the chip kit I bought. Have you used the small applicators they are selling on the site? I'm good with a brush, but toothpick seems to work better sometimes.  Just curious if these are worth the bother?

[Sting Ya]

Old timers trick get a book of matches and dip the end of a match in the paint then lightly dab it on the chip let dry and keep repeating it till the paint fills in the chip

[JoshMcMadMac]

That looks much better than the chip kit I bought. Have you used the small applicators they are selling on the site? I'm good with a brush, but toothpick seems to work better sometimes.  Just curious if these are worth the bother?

I just use an assortment pack of fine tipped paint brushes from the craft store.