Accidents happen, and when they do, the damage to your car’s plastic bumper can be disheartening. However, there’s good news – plastic bumper repair and refinishing materials are widely available and reasonably simple to use. Fixing damaged plastic bumpers involves a process of grinding, sanding, sculpting, and painting, but it’s often worth the effort for repairs that would cost less than your insurance deductible.
Identifying the Plastic Type
The first step in repairing a plastic bumper is to identify the type of plastic it’s made from. This information is usually stamped on the inside of the bumper and will guide you in selecting the right adhesives and repair materials. Common plastic types include PP, PPO, TPE, PUR, and TPUR. Be sure to consult with the staff at your local auto parts store to ensure you get the right products for your specific bumper.
Preparing the Repair Area
Once you’ve identified the plastic type, it’s time to prepare the repair area. Start by slightly scuffing the damaged section and cleaning it with a plastic surface cleaner. If the bumper is cut or torn all the way through, make sure to clean both the inner and outer surfaces. After rinsing and drying, wipe the area with a prep solvent, moving in a single direction.
Shaping the Repair
Next, you’ll need to create a “V” groove in the damaged area on both the front and back sides of the bumper. This helps align the edges and provides more surface area for the repair material to adhere to. The method for creating the groove will depend on the type of plastic – for plastics that powder when sanded, use a 24-grit disc on a sander, and for plastics that smear, use a rotary file on a cordless drill.
Applying Repair Materials
With the repair area prepped, you can now apply the appropriate repair materials. For flexible plastics like PUR and TPUR, use a flexible filler like 3M’s EZ Sand Multi-Purpose Repair Material. For rigid plastics like ABS and PP, use a plastic-specific repair compound. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing, application, and curing times.
Sanding and Finishing
Once the repair material has cured, you’ll need to sand the area, starting with a coarser 80-grit paper and progressively moving to finer 150-grit and 180-grit sandpaper. Finish with a 320-grit disc to ensure a smooth, even surface. Blow off any remaining dust and inspect the repair for quality.
With patience and the right tools, you can successfully patch a damaged plastic bumper and save yourself the cost of a professional repair. Just be sure to follow the proper procedures for your specific plastic type.