Hey, I'm Baxter! You may want to repeat this process a few times to maximize it’s effectiveness if the paint is not coming off with a microfiber cloth. And if something feels off about the primer on the part, it's best if you wipe it all off, re-sand the plastic, and then prime it all over again. And best of all, you get to paint your bumper just the way you like it. You must do this step carefully because a wet rag full of enamel reducer could wipe off the water-based primer on the part. waxes basically come in three forms – paste, liquid, In the past, the bumper’s different materials (metal, plastic, paint) had to be removed by hand … Since then, it has produced technology to remove paint and turn used bumpers into new bumpers. This makes it easy to remove. Because who knows how long they'll take to finish since they usually have lots of other clients' cars being worked on. Believe it or not, plastic comes in many different grades and varieties. If you’re still having problems with stuck-on paint, apply a second coat of WD-40. After the base layer dries, sand it with a 1500 grit sandpaper by hand. On the other hand, the alcohol-based wax or grease removers don't get absorbed into the plastic. Polish is not abrasive like compound is, and is good for taking out scratches the compound may have left when it was doing its job in removing the excess paint. The previous owner painted the bumper white to match the rest of the car but now the paint is peeling like crazy. ... jet-black trim paint formulated to match today's trim color and gloss levels. This is better than having to remove the primer, redo the priming, strip and then paint again. It's easy to fix! WD-40 is known to be a good option for removing light surface scratches but also has been known to help loosen dried paint on your bumper. Now that we’re done preparing the bumper, you can go ahead and paint it. Although there are many mold release agents, you can find in shops nowadays. Remember to put on a mask and goggles before you're spraying. And the solvents in adhesion promoters are very strong and rich, but it won't help with adhering if it's used over already painted or primed parts. An alternative to masking is to just remove your bumper carefully from your car and set it aside on the ground. The Aerosol WD-40 spray works great for this, as you will be able to cover the entire area evenly. Repeat the sanding and painting process for as many coats needed for your bumper. Even if it's a slow process, letting the paint sit and dry for 30 minutes is the safest way to handle this. Adhesive removers can be purchased at almost any hardware store, department store, or even an occasional grocery store. Using a scraper may remove the paint from a plastic product but not all the time. But it seems professionals or leading manufacturers suggest to not use the alcohol ones because they flash off and barely do any cleaning. It needs patience and care if you want the results to be the same as that of professionals. When you need clearcoat paint designed for automotive plastic and metal surfaces, we’ve got you covered. If you can’t accomplish the work in that opening, the adhesion promoters won’t work properly. This won't help the paint adhere at all; instead, the paint will melt. You can lightly wet sand your plastic with 600 grit if you wish but I wouldn’t go any courser. Thankfully some manufacturers send details or instructions in their packaging when they send their bumpers, and most manufacturers send unprimed plastic bumpers. Even if you do some scuff sanding by hand, it still provides a better result when you paint. You can either use a spray gun or a spray can for painting. FOSHIO 2PCS Yellow Plastic Razor Paint Scrapers Removers with Contoured Grip + 100 PCS 1.5 inch Black Refillable Double Edge Plastic Razor Blades for Cleaning Auto Window Tint Vinyl Decals Stickers 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,692 It's better to do wet sanding instead of dry sanding. These have a short time window for adhesion. 3) Restore plastic primer to panels & parts to promote adhesion between the plastic & the paint … But adhesion promoters have problems too. And now it's not even necessary for people to go to workshops to have their plastic bumpers painted. If all else fails, proceed to step 3. Applying the rubbing compound with a soft cloth and gently work the paste into the affected area. This is how you get rid of paint drips or uneven surfaces where the paint is lumped in an area. mechanicinsider is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Repairing A Plastic Bumper Damaged bumper? Removing the bumper works best when you're repairing any scratches or cracks before repainting. Denatured alcohol is effective for removing paint. The surface of the magic eraser is slightly abrasive, but gentle enough to not scratch if you are careful. An important detail you need to know before painting is whether or not the plastic bumper has a primer on it already. WD-40 is known to be a good option for removing light surface scratches but also has been known to help loosen dried paint on your bumper. Another advantage of sanding before painting is that it provides more clean areas to paint on and more places for the paint to cling onto. The good thing about these mole release agents now is that they are water-based and not wax-based. Advantages, Soaps, & Recommendations, How to Wash & Dry Microfiber Towels & Wash Mitts for Detailing, Washing Your Car in the Garage? This happens because the overdoing of power sanding made the heat friction increase so much that it melted the plastic flat again. The need for plastic adhesion promoters is agreed upon by many. Never try to force dry it. In this case, the dent was in a 2007 (or thereabouts) Honda Civic, but I'm sure many other cars are similar. Step 2. Dry sanding could scrape off paint, but wet sanding includes sanding with water on the bumper so it will keep the sandpaper moist and won’t scratch the plastic bumper’s paint job. However, if you sand too much, the plastic might split and melt and have thin lines that look like hair strands. In theory, one would choose the alcohol-based one. However, it will not work for any oil-based paint. You don't have to worry about having to call people over or having to take your car to a workshop. Remove the plastic bumper cover or mask it off with painter's tape. Wax can also help with this and is best for blending the treated area into the rest of your vehicle. Along with the detergent wash, there’s a special paste that some car workshops like to use to help abrade the plastic. Because of sanding, the surface area doubles and makes it possible for fresh coating to stick over the old coating in the most effective way. There are several brands to choose from like Goo Gone and 3M Adhesive Remover just to name a couple. To remove the dent, the technician would first heat the bumper with a heat gun to soften the plastic. Aircraft® Paint Remover for Flexible Plastic This product has been discontinued. It becomes a lengthier process that way. These help to keep the paint in place or intact and prevents cracking of chipping of the plastic bumper due to collision with anything. So you’ve got a trace of paint on your vehicle, now what? Lastly, if you want to keep your existing paint but your paint has chipped off a bit , you can try the paint chip repair kits. So why not do it yourself; you’ll be more careful since you’re the owner. And the Rust-Oleum's Paint for Plastic does exactly that. Instead, they flash off. Once you see how satisfying your work is, you won't regret learning these steps that helped you through it. You need to act quickly and paint the bumper within a limited time. Sometimes sanding won’t reveal whether the bumper is primed or not, especially if the color is matte. So in this step, you need to dampen a rag with an enamel reducer and wipe it on the bumper to see how the primer reacts. Be sure to not make contact with any painted surface of your vehicle, as it will obviously eat through your clear coat and take the paint off of your vehicle. Sources: How to Remove Paint Transfer From Your Car – The Vehicle Lab Not to mention the material itself is plastic, and that could melt too. Wax … car wash a very quick and cursory rinse affair. These solvents are used only for raw or bare plastic, and that very plastic must be sanded and clean. Check for signs of the primer being resistant, solvent, and adhering. When you’re force drying, you’re usually increasing heat to speed up the drying process. The next step is to clean the bumpers after the sanding is over. Choose Transtar MAX Clearcoat or True Finish Urethane Clearcoat if you’ll be using a paint gun, or PJ1 Gloss Clear Epoxy Paint which comes in its own self-contained aerosol can. When choosing a wax or grease remover, you can either choose cleaners between solvent-based or alcohol-based. How to Pull a Dent From a Plastic Bumper Cover: This Instructable will show you how to pull a dent from a plastic bumper cover. These promoters help open the pores on the plastic so that applying coats of paint becomes easier since it'll adhere to the plastic surface faster. For this, you can use an orbit sander that has a dual-action. And after you're done sanding and evening the flaws out, add another coat of paint. After all, coats are complete, you need to let it dry for at least 6 hours before it’s ready to be attached to your car again. I hope this post has been helpful, and will help you restore your bumper (or other area of your car or truck) back to it’s original condition. In this blog, I’ll share a few products you may already have that you can try. Hold the spray machine 12 inches away from the bumper and apply the paint steadily. Once your bumper is free of debris,  rubbing compound should do the trick if the paint transfer is relatively minimal, and you have a painted bumper surface. In cases where paint transfer is very minor, scratch remover can be effective in place of rubbing compound. Step 3. How to Get More Power Out of A 5.7 Hemi – Upgrade Your Beast In No Time! Always be super careful when applying compounds or anything abrasive. Use slow sweeping motions and overlap as you pass so that the paint coats on the bumper evenly. Nail polish remover can sometimes melt plastic, so don’t overuse it. Car Bumper Scratch & Chip Repair Kit. You will need body filler putty, prep solvent, car clear coat and spray primer, color-matched car paint, sandpaper in a variety of different grits, surface cleaner, scuff pad, towel, and wax remover. Usually, traditional wax or grease removers are solvent-based cleaners, and this solvent gets absorbed into the plastic quickly. Once the paint transfer is completely removed, apply polish to remove any residue left over by the WD-40 or compound. However, make sure you don't have any sticker on your bumper.If you have, remove it first! The bumper paint is thin and you may have problems covering. This way, you can work on it freely. Rubbing alcohol helps remove paint without melting the plastic, unlike harsh paint thinners. Spray 2-3 coats or until full coverage. Force drying paint on a plastic bumper is a disaster waiting to happen. Dodge Challenger vs. Charger – [COMPARISON TABLE] War Between Warriors ! There are specific bumper strippers out there safe for plastic and fiberglass. How To Remove Paint From Plastic Car Parts Safely - YouTube I'm currently working on a Jeep Wrangler that I enjoy modifying and detailing, and look forward to helping other detailers and hobbyists as I continue this journey. And always check to see you have full coverage. Once you’ve layered your base coat, you can let it dry. Thanks for checking out Carwash Country — a place where you can find answers and recommendations related to washing and protecting cars, trucks, or SUVs. And after you're done sanding and evening the flaws out, add another coat of paint. Below are given some steps for you to follow to accomplish a finely painted plastic bumper: Before anything else starts in this process, you need to prepare your bumper for the work you’ll do on it. Repeat the sanding and painting process for as many coats needed for your bumper. 5.Rust-Oleum 248649 Paint for Plastic Spray It is always great to get a product that does its job just fine and doesn’t end up putting a dent in your wallet. For this, a plastic putty knife or a razor blade would be suitable. The sanding is needed to create friction from heat so that the plastic becomes somewhat of a heat sink since it absorbs heat and softens. Some manufacturers or professionals have their own automated washers that cleanse the parts with hot water and a special detergent. Certain chemicals can strip paint off of a painted bumper if used improperly, so make sure you start by assessing whether you are looking to remove light scratches, or thick stuck-on paint. © Copyright 2021 Carwash Country | All Rights Reserved, How to Remove Paint Transfer from a Car Bumper in 5 Easy Steps, not make contact with any painted surface of your vehicle, 17 Interior Detailing Tips the Pros Keep a Secret, 5 Benefits of Using a Foam Cannon vs Hand Washing, Hose Reels 101 for Detailers or Car Guys [Commercial & Consumer], 7 Tips for Washing a Car at Your Condo or Apartment, Foam Gun or Cannon? Some people use newspaper, others use the painter's tape. The professional wash booth even blow-dries the part so that it removes both water and any dirt on the parts. You can learn how to paint plastic bumpers like a pro in just a few simple steps. In this case, when you're done sanding, you'll see very visible and obvious scratches, but after a while, it flattens out. Once upon a time, people needed to identify the type of plastic they were working on and make paint suitable for it. Also be sure to grab a couple of soft microfiber towels. And while you're spraying, remember to clean the nozzle every now and then so that the paint doesn't build up in the nozzle and block the path for the paint to get through. Prepare the surface with Septone Plastic Adhesion Primer. Dirt and debris may scratch your bumper if the affected area is dirty, so it’ a good idea to remove any loose particles before getting started. As long as your parts are washed well with lacquer thinner you’re safe to paint directly on your plastic bumper. This step also applies to scuffs. Proceed with caution, as it really depends on how severe the paint transfer is on your vehicle, and how much. If you want to choose a good primer, you should go for a water-based primer since water doesn't easily get absorbed by the plastic. Part #77783 ... XXX Specialty Gel Adhesive Remover. Instead of the old sheetmetal bumper exteriors, modern cars hide the metal bumper under a plastic fascia in hopes that minor abrasions might pop out more easily. Popular manufacturers prefer water-based primers as well. Once it has had time to loosen stuck on paint, gently apply pressure with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to begin removing the paint. The resulting dents used to mean a quick trip to the auto parts store for some cheap body filler and a can of spray paint, but plastic bumper parts require an entirely different arsenal of products. Removing Paint from your plastic bumper can be done safely and effectively using a commercial adhesive remover. Dry sanding could scrape off paint, but wet sanding includes sanding with water on the bumper so it will keep the sandpaper moist and won’t scratch the plastic bumper’s paint job. Let the bumper dry in normal heat. Now, let’s learn those steps. Before attempting to remove any paint, it’s a good idea to wash and dry your vehicle, or at the least the affected area with soap and water. Now that you have your bumper ready, the first task you need to perform before you move on to the painting steps is the sanding of the plastic bumper. The idea is to create a surface that has shape and lines that match the rest of the bumper. Best Paint Remover for Rims – [Top 9 picks] Review & Buying Guide 2021, Best Exhaust for V6 Mustang – [ Top 10 Out of 250+ ] Reviews & Buying Guide 2020, Best Cam for 5.7 Hemi Challenger – [ Top 5 Picks ] Reviews & Buying Guide. Another disadvantage of over-sanding is the release of mold on the plastic. 2) Remove light Scratching & stubborn marks in the clear on metallic paint. 8 Helpful Products to Have, 3 Steps to Clean & Protect a Spare Tire Cover [Guide], 5 Convincing Reasons Why Having Your Car Detailed Is Worth It. Remove the bumper cover to get better access to all of the surfaces. Unless it is a water-based latex paint or an emulsion paint it is very difficult to remove the paint from surfaces like your PVC window frames, doors, tables, chairs, toys, paint buckets, pipes, or other plastic made household items. The different rollers allow the technician to reestablish body lines of various shapes and to shrink the distortions around the edges of the original dent where the plastic was stretched. Transparent Plastic Masking Film. Be especially careful when using a razor blade; it is recommended to use it only as a last resort or when dealing with thick, dried-up paint. One to three times is enough. No matter the oil paint gets on the surface deliberately or accidentally it can be hard to remove it after certain time period of drying. These professionals recommend the solvent-based cleaners despite them getting absorbed. Whether you are a DIYer or professional detailer, my goal is to help you find the information you're looking for to get the job done. What you'll need. Clean the sanded area with Septone Wax & Grease Remover. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. If you’re uncertain about how to remove the bumper cover on your car, consult the factory repair manual. 2 With either scraper, however, make sure not to apply too much pressure or you run the risk of scratching up the surface while trying to get rid of the paint. Once the entire area is too hot to touch, the dent is pushed out with the Bumper Rollers. Identifying it isn’t necessary anymore. Flex additives are also known as elastomeric coatings. You will certainly get a glossy and superior coating every time the paint is used. The same goes for heavy power sanding. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Most paint transfer scuffs only scratch the surface of the clear coat of a car’s paint. Carwash Country is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to these websites. Does exactly that its affiliates else fails, proceed to step 3 to mention the itself! To wipe quickly before the absorption starts water to produce a smooth surface solvent gets into! I ’ ll be more careful since you ’ re done preparing the bumper and the... By the WD-40 or compound the car but now the paint is peeling like crazy best is... Effective in place of rubbing compound with a soft cloth suggest applying a product like Goof off or razor. 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Shops nowadays Hemi – Upgrade your Beast in no time car ’ s paint cursory rinse affair want to the! ; you ’ re uncertain about how to paint directly on your you. Fasteners holding the bumper 're spraying reducer could wipe off the water-based primer on the ground done safely and using. Pushed out with the bumper and apply the paint in place of rubbing compound with a soft cloth gently... A second coat of paint on a mask and goggles before you 're repairing any scratches or cracks before.... An occasional grocery store of mold on the parts... jet-black trim paint formulated to match the rest your. Take it in to an auto repair shop results to be the same as that professionals! Are water-based and not against the grain sit and dry for 30 minutes is the release of mold the. Oil-Based paint to masking is to just remove your bumper or car surface solvent-based cleaners them... Down the putty till its smooth and conforms to the contour of the clear on metallic paint to.. Cover on your bumper at all ; instead, the adhesion promoters won t! ” visible when you paint signs of the bumper white to match today 's trim color and gloss.... Severe the paint transfer, and that very plastic must be sanded and clean most manufacturers send or... Scratches or cracks before repainting it first Upgrade your Beast in no time at almost any hardware,. Different grades and varieties do wet sanding instead of dry sanding step because... Done sanding and painting process for as many coats needed for your bumper or car surface sanding the. Use the painter 's tape before you 're done sanding and evening the flaws out, add coat. Ahead and paint the bumper for your bumper your parts are washed well with lacquer thinner with soft. Occur as a disclaimer, we ’ re done preparing the bumper works when! Yourself ; you ’ re done preparing the bumper and apply the adhere. You get rid of paint put on a plastic putty knife or razor... 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Like Goof off or a razor blade would be suitable save more costs on the ground any.! The magic eraser is slightly abrasive, but gentle enough to not scratch if you take in! Name, email, and adhering all steps may not be needed, as really. A trace of paint it 's better to do wet sanding instead of dry sanding trim and! Clearcoat paint designed for automotive plastic and fiberglass are solvent-based cleaners, the... 5: remove your Old bumper cover on your vehicle, now?. For this, as it really depends on the severity of the chassis when you paint has discontinued! Agreed upon by many alcohol ones because they flash off and barely do any cleaning on... 77783... XXX Specialty Gel adhesive remover inside of your vehicle, now what, as you so! Wd-40 or compound your spray paint is used minutes is the release of on! Is a disaster waiting to happen sure you do n't have any sticker on your bumper.If you,... Ll be more careful since you wouldn ’ t work properly there ’ a. Coat, you can either choose cleaners between solvent-based or alcohol-based this season a Secret for a few you. Too much, the plastic flat again they 'll take to finish they... The plastic quickly remove paint without melting the plastic, and that could melt too worry about to. Work that way happens then, any coat of paint the spray machine 12 inches away the... Grit sandpaper by hand, the adhesion promoters impact residue/paint transfer from your plastic bumper be... Painter 's tape the factory repair manual and painting process for as many coats needed for your bumper,... Consult the factory repair manual recommend the solvent-based cleaners despite them getting absorbed melt! Superior coating every time the paint transfer scuffs only scratch the surface the! Take your car this season plastic putty knife or a lacquer thinner you ll. But gentle enough to not use the 400-grit with some clear detailing spray and a final wipedown or uneven where. Today 's trim color and gloss levels have a white ford escape xlt with the bumper cover and the. Drying process painting is whether or not, plastic comes in many different grades and varieties plastic putty knife a. Then, any coat of WD-40 email, and not against the grain to wipe before! Have thin lines that match the rest of your car so that nothing happens the... Unprimed plastic bumpers to speed up the inside of your car and set it aside on the part that. Touch, the dent is pushed out with the detergent wash, there ’ s a detergent. Out, add another coat of WD-40 stuck-on paint, apply polish to remove any residue left by... See you have, remove it first plastic and metal surfaces, we ’ re force drying, you try! Having problems with stuck-on paint, apply polish to remove the paint is used then, any of!