Modern automobile construction utilizes a lot of plastic components replacing formerly those made of metal. On such area is the bumper that uses thermoplastic or thermoset plastic to absorb the shocks of impact. When damaged these can be repaired to nearly a like new state. Since these items are generally hidden under a plastic cover repairs are not visible; and repair is cheaper than replacement.
Bumper Cover Plastic Type
First the technician will remove the plastic cover. There is stamping that reveals the makeup of the plastic used in the bumper. They are PP, PPO, TPE, PUR or TPUR. These codes identify the material that the bumper is made of and if they are made of a rigid or flexible material. Thermoplastic bumpers are flexible while thermoset plastics are tougher, and requires a skilled technician to complete a proper repair.
Clean Exterior of Plastic Car Bumper
The technician after picking the compatible products according to code, will proceed with the repair by first scuffing the area and then using a plastic surface cleaner, all surfaces are cleaned including the sides of any penetration. Both inner and outer surfaces are cleaned. The area when dry is coated with a prep solvent applied by moving in one direction.
Plastic Bumper Sanding & Application of Repair Filler
After drying from the prep solvent application, the area is hand sanded with 80-grit paper. A V-groove is formed in damaged area on the front and back of the fascia. The grooves help to align the edges and provide a greater surface area for the adherence of the repair material. Depending on the plastic, different tools are used. PUR and TPUR powder when sanded, a 24-grit disc on a sander is used. All the other plastics smear when sanded, a rotary file is used to cut the groove. Tear and cuts are tackled from the back side of the fascia. With large cuts and tears masking tape is used in the front to align and hold the edges. Self-sticking fiberglass repair tape is used to add integrity to the repair. Repair products are plastic resins. They are two-part mixture like epoxy and are mixed with equal parts hardener and adhesive. First layer in placed and the second layer of tape is placed at a 90-degree bias to the first layer of fiberglass tape. Hardening takes about 20 minutes. Remove any tape from the front of the fascia. Fill with appropriate repair material and squeegee it level. After hardening you sand and contour the area in first 80-grit then 120-grit sanding discs. A light coat of repair material is first applied to fill in the pits and any surface imperfections, matching the bumpers contour. A follow-up finish sanding using 400-grit paper.
Seal, Prime & Paint Plastic Bumper
Two wet coats of flexible part sealer are applied and let dry 30 minutes. Then comes the primer and paint. The primer is a two-part primer and two coats are applied, drying between coats. After hardening the primer is stroked with 400-grit paper to level it and remove any imperfections. Wet sand the area and gently wipe the surface with a tack rag to remove the dust. You may need to apply this procedure two or three times for complete coverage. Once the base coat is dry, about 30 minutes you then mix with hardener and apply the clear coat. Two medium coverage clear coats with drying between coats.
Auto Body Car Bumper Repair & More in Dallas, Texas (Just Minutes Away from Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mesquite, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale & Wylie, TX)
Your done. Using the speed and experience of a knowledgeable technician you can be assured of a quality repair.
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