Auto body repair & detailing: Advice on How to do it yourself plastic repirs, paint companies, cosmetic repair

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I drive a 2002 Intrepid ES. Since I have owned it I have managed to scrape and bruise the plastic front and back bumpers but today I really scraped and bruised the front real badly. I am not happy with myself to say the least!

I would really like to attempt to repair all of the damage that I have inflicted and would truly appreciate it if you can please advise me how I can go about doing the repairs myself including what "ingredients" I might need to get it back to its original state.

Thank you for your time. I really appreciate it. The car is silver in color and the bruise/scrapes are right down to the black plastic.

Thanks!

RS

ANSWER: Hi. As long as the scratches/gouges are not all the way through the bumper cover, this is a cosmetic repair. If they are contact me back. For cosmetic repairs, sand the area a few inches past the damaged area with 180 grit. Next "v" groove or "featheredge" the gouges as to taper the edge gradually outward from the center of the gouge. Next, Fill the gouges with a quality plastic bumper filler. Sand the filler with 120 and finish with 180 grit. Once satisfied with the repair, mask off the area to be primed. Mask about 6 inches past the area and make sure all paint in the masked area is sanded. You can now prime. Use a quality primer, Making sure not to spray right up to the edge of the masking tape. You local autobody supply store can recommend the right product. Once dry, repeat the sanding process in the repair step this time using 320  and finishing with 400 grit. As for paint, Check your local autobody supply store for procedure. Different paint companies have different procedures. Some shops can also mix your original paint and put into an aerosol can. Thanks for the question.

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QUESTION: Can you please recommend some names of a hi quality filler and primer. Thank you.

Answer
Evercoat makes a product called "flexible bumper patch" It is a 2 part epoxy formula. It will not shrink, pop out or pinhole under extreme temperatures. As for the primer, Pro Form makes an aerosol primer called "1K High build primer/filler". It is good for both metal and plastic. Part number is PF 649. You are welcome.