QuestionMy 18yr old son drives a 1998 Gran Prix. The front bumper has quite a bit of paint missing due to little mishaps. I would like to touch up the paint in these areas. I think it might need to be sanded a bit. If sanding is necessary, what kind of sand paper, store to purchase? Autozone? Also, I think I would spray paint it with appropriate matching paint from Autozone? Can you give me step by step instructions to do this repair. Doesn't have to be perfect.
Thanks for your help.
Beth
Answer Clean the bumper thoughorally with bug remover, or a strong detergent. Clean off any tar with mineral spirits. Sand damaged areas with 220 grit paper, and feather out the chips and scratches. Use a red scotch brite pad, and scuff back about 4 inches beyond the repairs. Mask off, and use a can of PRIMER SURFACER to prime. Shoot about 6 even coats of primer on, and don't put on heavy coats. Shake the hell out of the can. Wet sand the primer with 600 wet or dry sandpaper, then Use a grey scotch brite to scuff the entire bumper. The paint code is in the trunk, on the parts tag. It will be on either the trunk lid, or the spare tire cover. It will be in the last row of numbers , and be something like 928L, or WA-8774, something like that. Take the paint code to auto zone, and see if they have the paint , or can order it. Tf they have it, spray the entire bumper with 4-5 even coats, overlapping each pass 50%. Don't checkerboard paint the panel, start at the top, and make your way down the panel. Start a pass at one end, and keep spraying until you get all the way over to the other side. Then come back, with the 50% overlap I talked about, until you reach the bottom of the panel. This will give it an even appearance, especially if its a metallic paint. If it's dull when dry, it can be clearcoated for extra shine and durability. The same rules apply for clear coat. Bill
