How to Remove a Dent on a Front Bumper

Depending on the severity of the dent, there's no need to pay costly repairs at a body shop. Most dents can be fixed easily with a little time, effort, patience and know-how. If the dent is the only thing wrong with the bumper and the rest of it's intact, this is a simple fix that can be done at home. If done correctly, it will be as though it never happened.

Things You'll Need

  • Hair dryer Clean, damp cloth Rubber mallet Can of compressed air Soft, dry clean cloth

For a Plastic Bumper

  • Remove the bumper from the vehicle.

  • Pour water on the dent and heat the area with a hair dryer. Make sure the bumper stays wet, and don't hold the hair dryer in one place for too long. This may melt the plastic.

  • Tap the back of the dent gently with a rubber mallet until the dent has popped back out.

  • Place a cool, damp cloth on the back of the dent while it is still warm to lock it back into place and help it keep its form.

  • Put the bumper back on the vehicle once the area has cooled down.

For a Metal Bumper

  • Hold a hair dryer over the dent on high heat for 30 to 45 seconds so that the area gets hot.

  • Hold a can of compressed air upside down and spray the dent with liquid co2.

  • Allow up to a minute for the dent to pop out on its own.

  • Wipe the area with a clean cloth to remove any residual liquid co2.