Repaint a faded car bumper to bring back the car's luster.
Many newer models of car come equipped with plastic bumpers. Over time, the color of the bumper can begin to fade due to sun exposure. A bumper may also become scratched by a minor accident and require a fresh coat of paint. It is possible to repaint a car bumper at home to avoid a potentially costly visit to an automotive mechanic. The paint should be applied in a well ventilated area and the painter should wear a ventilator and safety goggles.
Instructions
1. Remove the bumper from the car. Depending on the make and model, there may be screws or bolts holding the bumper. These must be removed before the bumper can be taken off.
2. Clean the bumper with a soft cloth soaked in soapy water. This will remove any dirt, grease or grime that may be on the bumper.
3. Allow the bumper to dry and sand the surface to be painted with 120-grit sandpaper. This will prepare a rough surface that will more easily hold primer and paint. Wipe away sanding dust with a tack cloth.
4. Apply a thin layer of spray automotive primer to the bumper. Hold the spray can 6 to 8 inches from the bumper and move it back and forth to provide a more even coat.
5. Allow the coat to dry and apply a second. After this second coat has dried, lightly sand the surface with 400-grit sandpaper to remove any drips. Wipe the bumper with tack cloth to remove any dust.
6. Apply a thin layer of automotive paint to the bumper, once again holding the can 6 to 8 inches away and using a back and forth motion to cover the bumper evenly.
7. Continue to spray light coats of basecoat over the bumper until it is completely covered. Allow the bumper to dry for 30 minutes.
8. Apply a layer of clearcoat mixed with hardener. These can be bought at automotive supply stores and mixed according the package directions. Allow the first coat to dry and apply a second.
9. Allow the bumper to dry overnight and reattach it with the original screws or bolts.
10. Lightly sand the newly painted bumper with 1500-grit wet sandpaper. Dry the surface of the bumper with a soft cloth and resand any areas that appear rough.
11. Apply an automotive rubbing compound to a foam polishing pad and rub the surface of the bumper to enhance the luster of the paint.
