Chips, dents and even cracks on the bumper sometimes appear so quickly that you don't even have time to notice: there is a high curb there, a low post in the parking lot here. A few careless maneuvers and the part is subject to costly repairs, or even replacement. However, after spending a few hours and showing a little perseverance, you can fix most of the defects yourself.
Necessary
- - set of wrenches
- - garage
- For repairing small dents:
- - heat gun or hair dryer
- - a bucket of ice water
- - rag
- - a few old towels
- - protective gloves
- To repair scratches of varying depth:
- - car putty
- - sandpaper
- - degreasing liquid
- - clean, lint-free rags
- - rubber spatula
- - primer
- - dye
- - spray gun
- - respirator
- - protective gloves
Instructions
Step 1
Remove the bumper. Before proceeding with this step, spread out a few towels: you will lay your bumper on them so as not to scratch it on the floor, table or workbench during further work.
Using an ordinary wrench of a suitable diameter, unscrew the fastening bolts that hold the plastic part of the bumper in place and lay the part on the towels.
Step 2
We get rid of dents. To get started, just try to press on them from the inside with a little effort: sometimes even that helps. If the dent does not give in, then use a heat gun or an ordinary household hair dryer to properly warm up the damaged area. Wear gloves to avoid getting burned, and pop out the dent, returning the bumper to its original appearance. You can use a piece of wood or a rubber mallet, but don't overdo it!
Apply an ice compress to the outside of the bumper so that the part finally takes on the factory shape. Let the bumper "rest" and cool down completely, and start scratching.
Step 3
Removing deep scratches. If the scratch on the bumper is wide and deep, then you will have to putty it. For this purpose, a large number of various formulations are sold today, but it is best to buy a high-quality two-component polyester putty. Level the bumper surface with a spatula. Wait until the filler is completely dry and start sanding the irregularities. This should be done with sandpaper or a polishing disc in order to eliminate all possible irregularities and remove excess repair material. Once all deep scratches have been repaired, proceed with further processing and painting the bumper as described in the next step.
Step 4
We eliminate minor scratches. If the scratch is superficial and only the paint layer is damaged, then the bumper just needs to be repainted. To do this, sand the entire surface of the bumper with a very fine grit sandpaper just to remove the gloss. Then wipe the entire surface with any degreasing liquid, allow to dry and apply with a spray gun first one or two coats of primer, and then several coats of paint. Perform all work in a well-ventilated area and do not forget to wear a respirator!
Step 5
Install the bumper to the car.
After all repairs and paintwork have been completed, allow the bumper to dry thoroughly (see paint manufacturer's recommendations on the label). Then, carefully, so as not to damage the freshly painted part, install the bumper in its old place and fix it with bolts and a wrench.
