QuestionCan you give me some advice concerning repairing small blemishes on painted plastic bumpers(scratches, small gouges, paint chip). I checked at a neighborhood body shop about doing the above repair and it isn't too expensive ($450) , but then again there isn't too many scratches. I am (possibly) doing this because I want the car (a 2005 Volvo) to look perfect.
My question is: what questions should I be asking the body shop regarding the repair and painting procedure to be sure the quality is very high. I don't want to bother with the repair if there is a chance the paint won't match (now or a few years later).
Thank you. Tom Perica
Answer Ask them if they will be using flex agent in the paint, and if they will be removing the cover from the car. Removing the cover will help insure that the cover is well sanded, and won't peel where it meets the fenders. Think about it like this. Will a technician spend more time sanding and prepping if he is standing up straight, with the bumper on a rack, or stooped over, kneeling or laying on the floor? He will likely see more imperfections, and the paint will be smoother, have less orange peel, and be more evenly coated. Paint match? With today's technology, if it matches when you get it back, it will match forever. If the damage is nowhere near the fenders, he can color blend within the panel. That simply means only coloring the damaged area, and clearing the entire panel. If there is a matching problem, the body shop can blend the fenders for a nominal fee of ABOUT 1 HOUR LABOR EACH, PLUS PAINT AND MATERIALS. If you don't trust this shop to do extra painting, then don't have them paint the cover. Find someone you DO trust.
