Question
Contour Bumper damage
Hi Gary,
This vehicle is a 1998 Ford Contour. While making a right turn, I thought I had sufficient clearance, but over-estimated and wound up scraping the left corner of my front bumper on a brick wall. The bumper is plastic, and was not cracked or dented by the impact. However, the paint and surface was scraped. I would like to fix it, but due to the age and brand of the vehicle and the generally poor national and personal economic situations, I am preferring not to bring it to a body shop (though I know this is probably the best option, and I know of a pretty good one) I have looked online and found a product "Duplicolor Pacific Green Mica" and would please appreciate your opinion about using this. I understand that the prep work is most important, and I would sand, prime, and clean the surface before application. I realize this is a lacquer and, therefore, does not necessarily have the same durability of the baked enamel available at most body shops. But reading about it presents me with a couple questions an expert such as yourself could perhaps assist me with.
1. If this product touches the existing finish around the damaged area, would it compromise it that factory finish?
2. If I decided, at a later date, to have the entire bumper sanded and refinished at a body shop, would my proposed DIY repair present a problem to the final job?
3. Would you recommend using a clearcoat on this job after using the Duplicolor?
I very much appreciate the time you take to review my questions and look forward to your reply. Thank you.
AnswerHi Alex,
The trick with painting plastic is getting proper adhesion. Anytime, you have bare plastic exposed you will have a hard time getting the paint to stick unless you follow the proper procedure. I recommend using a product called Bulldog Adhesion Promoter. This product is similar to a primer with the exception that it is not sand-able and it's clear. The way it works is you spray a coat over any exposed plastic and allow to flash dry for about 5-10 minutes. Then apply a 2nd coat allowing another 5-10 minutes. Apply paint immediately after the bulldog has been allowed to flash dry.
Now to answer your questions:
1. It shouldn't damage the existing finish.
2. It shouldn't cause a problem provided that the Duplicolor is completely removed before being refinished.
3. Your vehicle had a clear-coat applied from factory so to match it the best I do recommend that you apply a clear-coat.
Now, let me suggest that you consider another product besides the paint you have referred to.
What if you could use a product with similar qualities that body shops currently use but in the convenience of an aerosol can?
Check out the following links. These products will allow you to do a much better job than most any aerosol on the market and be very similar to what a body shop uses.
http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd-bulldog_adhesion_promoter.cfm
http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd_aerosol.cfm
http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd_2_part_2k_aerosol.cfm
If you have any further questions please feel free to ask a follow up.
