Plastic bumpers are the parts that cover the actual metal bumper attached to the frame of a vehicle. The plastic bumper's shape goes with the flow and body lines of your car and most often matches the car's body in its paint scheme. Since the bumper is plastic rather than sheet metal like the rest of the car, use different steps to prepare a plastic bumper for paint. Preparing the bumper for painting makes the painting process quicker and more efficient.
Instructions
- 1
Remove the bumper from the car if possible. Use a ratchet and socket to remove all bolts and nuts from the bumper and use a Phillips screwdriver to remove screws from the sides of the bumper. Place the bumper on a stand or use a thin wire to hang the bumper by the bolt-holes on each side. Ensure the rafter used to hang the bumper is sturdy and won't fall during the preparation.
2Sand the bumper using 120-grit sandpaper. Hold the sandpaper flat against the surface and sand evenly until the bumper is dull and no longer shiny.
3Use plastic surface cleaner to scrub the plastic bumper. Use a microfiber towel to reduce the amount of lint that gets onto the surface. Rinse the area and allow it to dry completely.
4Wipe prep solvent over the plastic bumper using a clean microfiber cloth. Wipe the solvent in one direction so dirt particles aren't wiped back onto the clean surface. The solvent does not need to be rinsed or cleaned off.
5Sand the plastic bumper with 400-grit sandpaper and water, keeping the sandpaper soaking wet while sanding. Sand evenly so that the bumper is very smooth and dull. Rinse the bumper and allow it to dry completely. Wipe the plastic bumper once more with a tack rag to pick up any remaining dust or dirt particles. It is now ready for paint.
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