Auto body repair & detailing: Paint repair on fiberglass bumper, road grime, scion tc


Question
I have a 2006 Scion TC that was clipped in a parking lot. The lower left rear bumper has a few thin scratches (about 6 inches) & 2 areas the size of a quarter where the paint was scratched off. What can I do to repair this myself? I think the bumper is fiberglass or something similar, I'm not sure. Also, how can I remove the paint from the other car that was left behind on the bumper?

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Answer
I know auto body shops can fill holes in flexible substrates, but I'm not sure about scratches.

Also, the paint on the bumpers is different than the paint on the panels.

I don't think you will be able to handle the bumper yourself.

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As for the other cars paint...you'll probably need the stronger of the two following solvents...


Go to a real Auto Body store—the store where body shops buy from.

Tell the guy at the Auto Body store that you're looking for a couple of clean-up solvents--one volatile enough to cut primer over-spray, road grime, and tar; the other, just moderate--barely volatile, just enough to wipe down your freshly primed work area just prior to painting.

Try these, but be careful.  The strong type works twice as good as the best bug and tar remover, but won't cut your original paint.  I say be careful, because it can discolor things like flat black bumpers, trim, etc...

The moderate one is more like your bug and tar remover, but with a longer dry time.  Its really used to wipe down an entire car, including freshly sprayed primer, just prior to painting.  Its good for removing grime, and it may be enough to cut through your sap; if not, go to the stronger solvent.