Impact damage to your vehicle's bumper can happen when you least expect it. Bumper scuffs can be particularly annoying since they can occupy a larger area than a scratch, and contain transfer paint from the impacting object. Car paint, cement and tree bark can leave transfer stains. Successfully removing scuffs depends upon how deep they penetrate into the bumper's surface, but all types can be repaired with the proper technique, tools and products. For very deep scuffs that have penetrated into the primer paint, obtain the matching color from your dealership or paint supply store. Refer to your owner's manual for the paint code for your vehicle.
Instructions
- 1
Wash the bumper with a bucket of dish washing soap and water. Use a cleaning brush to scrub off all traces of oil, old wax and oxidation. Dry the bumper with cotton towels. Apply a dab of medium- or course-grit polishing compound on a microfiber towel, and rub out the scuffed area with circular motions. You can remove light scuffs that have penetrated into the paint -- but not into the primer -- with polishing compound only. Rub until the abrasive marks or transferred paint has disappeared. Use polishing wax on a microfiber towel to polish the surface, restoring the glossy sheen to the bumper.
2Sand the area with 400-grit wet sandpaper and water if the scuff has penetrated past the paint and into the primer coat. Apply even sanding pressure over the surface with your fingers. Carefully follow the curves and profile of the bumper. Clean the area with plastic cleaner and dry it with a cotton towel.
3Mask the scuffed area off from the good paint, using some newspaper and masking tape. Spray one light coat of primer paint on the scuffed area. Let it dry and add a second coat. Use 600-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the primer paint. Feather-sand the edges. Lightly wipe with a dry microfiber towel.
4Use your color-matched paint to apply one light coat over the primer paint. Allow it dry according to directions. Add a second light coat and allow it to dry. Lightly sand any runs or imperfections.
5Spray a very light coat of clear coat paint over the scuffed area and let it dry. Apply a second coat. Remove your masking tape and newspaper. Look for any small paint ridges at the tape lines and gently remove them with medium-grit polishing compound. Allow the paint to cure for at three or four days before washing, but do not use hard detergent soap -- rinse only. Do not use polishing wax on the repainted surface for at least 30 days.
