Jun 23, 2017 In this video I run through how to repair a crack in a plastic bumper bar in a complete DIY Do It Yourself method. All you need is a heat gun. How to Fix a Cracked Bumper. Once the primed surface is dry, it is time to paint it. Choose the right type and shade of car paint color so as to avoid a patchy look. You can choose to spray paint or apply the paint color using a paint brush. 2-3 coats can be enough to give a nice finish to the damaged bumper. Part 2 of 2: Repair a cracked bumper Step 1: Lift and secure the vehicle. Jack up the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Step 2: Clear the area. Clean away all dirt, grease or grime from the front and rear section. Step 3: Remove excess plastic. Use the angle grinder or cutting wheel to. This video will show you how to repair a plastic bumper using a plastic welding kit. TOOLS NEEDED: Multipurpose Soldering Iron; Universal Repair Welding Rods; Reinforcing Steel Wire Mesh (if needed) INSTRUCTIONS: Before starting to repair, make sure of a good preparation of the damaged area.
Bumpers are the front line of defense for a vehicle and are designed to be sacrificed to secure the safety of the driver, as well as prevent damage to the vehicle body. It is not surprising that bumpers often sustain damage, even during minor incidents, such as backing into a mailbox. While major collision damage may require bumper replacement, minor cracks and tears can be repaired at home. Body work and collision repairs are expensive, but a cracked bumper repaired at home is likely to cost a fraction of the price you might pay at a repair shop.
Step 1
Remove the cracked bumper cover from the body of the vehicle. Look for screws on the sides of the vehicle beneath the taillights and in the wheel wells, as well as in the middle, beneath the trunk latch. Lift the trunk carpeting to check for additional screws that attach the bumper cover to the body. Place the bumper on a padded work surface to prevent unnecessary scratching of the surface, and ensure that the work environment is well ventilated.
Step 2
Use 80-grit sandpaper to roughen the area around the crack on the inside and the outside of the bumper. Clean the area, and remove the particles produced by sanding, both inside and outside, with surface cleaner. Allow the area to dry completely.
Step 3
Wipe the roughened area with plastic prep solvent to encourage better filler adhesion. Allow the plastic prep solvent to dry.
Step 4
Measure the crack, and cut and apply an appropriate size piece of self-adhesive fiberglass mat to the back surface of the bumper. Ensure the piece of mat covers the crack with about one inch of excess mat around the crack. The fiberglass mat provides extra support to the damaged area and makes filling the crack an easier process.
Step 5
Identify the plastic type from which the bumper is made: PP, PPO, TPE, PUR or TPUR. The type is usually engraved or stamped on the inside of the bumper cover. The plastic type determines which filler adhesive to use for the repair.
Step 6
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the filler adhesive. Use a smooth-edged plastic or heavy paper spreader card, approximately the size of a credit card, to spread the filler over the damaged area. Apply the first layer, spreading the filler in the direction of the crack. The second layer of filler is applied by stroking across the crack, at right angles to the first stroke, using shorter strokes. Use a clean edge of the spreader card to remove any excess material. Allow the filler to harden.
Step 7
Use 80-grit sandpaper to remove any uneven bumps, and ensure the filler is flush with the level of the bumper. Polish the repaired area with wet 400-grit sandpaper. Remove any dust particles with a damp rag, and allow the area to dry.
Step 8
Prepare the damaged area for painting by applying a primer coat. Follow the instructions for application provided by the manufacturer of the plastic primer. Allow the primer to dry and then sand the area lightly with 400-grit sandpaper to promote paint adhesion. Remove dust particles with a damp cloth, and allow the area to dry.
Paint the bumper with plastic paint, following the instructions provided by the paint manufacturer. Apply a second coat of paint, after the first has dried, to ensure maximum coverage of the damaged area. Allow the paint to dry completely, and install the repaired bumper cover on the vehicle.
Warning
- Chemical inhalation can cause dizziness or fainting. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area when using solvents, glues or paints.
Items you will need
- 80-grit sandpaper
- 400-grit sandpaper
- Surface cleaner
- Rag
- Self-adhesive fiberglass mat
- Plastic prep solvent
- Plastic or paper spreader card
- Filler adhesive
- Plastic primer
- Plastic paint
- car dealership 3 image by Alexey Stiop from Fotolia.com
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Plastic bumpers are designed to be flexible. The idea is that when they are 'bumped' they have enough give and take to handle the blow and then pop back in place. Unfortunately, the theory may not work so well for the paint. Minor accidents, run-ins with a shopping cart, or parking too close another car or object can cause damage to the paint on your bumper. The good news, however, is that repairing damaged or cracked paint on your bumper is something that you can easily do at home. Home repair is a much more economical way of repairing your bumper.
Step 1
Fill a bucket with warm water and soap. Thoroughly wash the bumper with a sponge to remove dirt, grime, and debris. Rinse the bumper with a garden hose and dry it with a soft towel.
Step 2
Remove the bumper from the car. Bumpers are held in place by nuts and bolts. The exact manner in which the bumper is secured to your vehicle depends upon the make and model of your vehicle. The screws may be hidden or obscured. Place the bumper in a warm and dry work area once it removed from the vehicle. A warm, dry climate is better environment patching material and paint.
Step 3
Sand the damaged painted areas of the bumper with 60 grit sand paper. Sand the cracked paint until it is even and smooth with the surrounding areas of the bumper.
Step 4
Fill cracks with a flexible auto filler. Plastic bumpers are made from a variety of materials. Look for a stamp on the rear of the bumper that identifies the material used for your bumper. The stamp will be two or four digits such as PP, PPO, PUR, or TPUR. Fill the cracks with the filler and allow it to dry. Sand the repaired area with 80 grit sandpaper. Wipe the bumper with a tack cloth to remove dust.
Step 5
Lightly sand the entire bumper with 120 grit sandpaper. The goal is to roughen the surface of the bumper to allow better adhesion for the paint.
Step 6
Apply several light coats of automotive primer to the bumper. Hold the nozzle six to eight inches above the bumper and apply the primer using back and forth motions. Apply the primer smoothly and evenly. Applying several light coats prevents the primer from running and dripping. Allow the primer to dry between applications.
Step 7
Lightly sand the primed bumper with 400 grit sandpaper. Wipe the bumper with tack cloth to remove sanding dust.
Step 8
Apply several light coats of the base color to the bumper. Follow the same technique used for applying the primer coat. Allow the paint to completely dry overnight.
Step 9
Polish the bumper with a rubbing compound and soft cloth. Buff the bumper until it has a glossy sheen.
Items you will need
Fixing A Cracked Bumper Cover
- Soap
- Sponge
- Towel
- Garden hose
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Sandpaper
- Auto filler
- Automotive primer
- Automotive paint
- Polishing compound
- Buffing cloth