Plastic Bumper Repair

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

Repair kits are available with car parts stores for anything up to $100, depending on the brand and other aspects. 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 the plastic cover on the 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, such as TPUR, PUR, PPO, or PP.

This can be learned from the bumper label. For bumper prepping, gently scrape the damaged portion and clean it with a surface cleaner. If the bumper has got a severe cut, scrape the 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. Grind a groove in a "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 a 24 grit disc to incise a groove; and for types such as PPO and PP, use a cordless drill to cut a groove.

• The next step is repairing cuts in the rear of the fascia. For aligning, hold the edges with a masking tape on the front end of fascia. With a fiberglass tape, form a structure at the tear. Blend equal portions of adhesive and hardener on a cardboard, spread it over the tape. Administer a second layer over the first so that threads of the 2 are at 90º angle.

• It takes approximately 15 minutes for the material to harden. With an 80 grit sandpaper, sand above the fascia. Fill the repair material in the cut at the front of the fascia.
• After the material has hardened, sand it with an 80 grit followed by a 120 grit, and then apply a light layer of repair material to fill the holes, if any, and regain the original structure. Sand again with a 400 grit paper.

• The next step is to apply two layers of sealing material. Let the surface dry for approximately half an hour. Do the priming of the fender in 2 layers of primer. Let the primer harden for some time, followed by sanding with a 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 a clear coat and apply 2 layers. Let the fascia dry for approximately 8 hours and install it on the car.

Bumper repair costs depend on the severity and type of damage caused--for instance, dents, pits, or scratches. The area of damage also determines the cost. The more the area damaged, the more 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 $500-$1,500.

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