Any painters out there?

mjpowers728 · 05-28-08, 06:54

I was wondering if there is anyone here that can help me out...

Last summer I was trying to polish my plastic bumper with an orange LC pad. I'm guessing the paint got way too hot and kinda scrunched up. I don't have a pic of the damage, but it's basically exposed primer and roughed up paint. I was hoping to fix it this summer. I'm planning on sanding down the rough paint until only the "chips" (exposed primer) are there. Then, I was going use filler to smooth it out then aerosol spray to finish.
Couple questions...first, what grit sandpaper should be used? Second, what kind of filler should be used? I'm thinking a glaze putty?
Also, anyone know how to spray paint so that there isn't an obvious line where you stopped painting? I heard about feathering, I guess it's just lightly misting as you go away from the repair? Then just sand?

Holden_C04 · 05-28-08, 07:44

The paint will need a flex agent because this is a plastic bumper.

Yukon Cornelius · 05-29-08, 05:13

Head to your local autobody supply shop, and they should be able to mix you up some paint in an aerosol with flex agent.

Usually 240 - 400- 600grit, clean with wax and grease remover before and after.

Twista616 · 05-29-08, 06:57

if you are keeping your bumper on your car while painting it, you DO NOT need a flex agent. A Flex Agent only lasts for a ouple days if that, and its used for when bumpers are reinstalled onto a car. Some bumpers you have the sort of bend and maneuver to get it to fit properly on.
Dont use a glaze putty...use a plastic filler...some people mistake this stuff for "bondo." Plastic filler sands down 10 times easier than "Bondo" Bondo is a brand, not an actual product. BUT from the sound of it...you won't need any filler. Just sand it down till you get to the plastic(dark in color), spray an "adehesion promoter"(Used to help primer/paint bond to plastic...and comes in aeresol as well. Next, spray a primer on it. Wetsand that with 600. Then apply your coats of paint. Every time you feather, wetsand the area and reapply as needed!

Any more question PM 8 years of painting under my belt...I have an OK understanding.!

To repaint with aeresol is very tough but can be done...

Holden_C04 · 05-29-08, 07:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twista616

if you are keeping your bumper on your car while painting it, you DO NOT need a flex agent. A Flex Agent only lasts for a ouple days if that, and its used for when bumpers are reinstalled onto a car. Some bumpers you have the sort of bend and maneuver to get it to fit properly on.
Dont use a glaze putty...use a plastic filler...some people mistake this stuff for "bondo." Plastic filler sands down 10 times easier than "Bondo" Bondo is a brand, not an actual product. BUT from the sound of it...you won't need any filler. Just sand it down till you get to the plastic(dark in color), spray an "adehesion promoter"(Used to help primer/paint bond to plastic...and comes in aeresol as well. Next, spray a primer on it. Wetsand that with 600. Then apply your coats of paint. Every time you feather, wetsand the area and reapply as needed!

Any more question PM 8 years of painting under my belt...I have an OK understanding.!

To repaint with aeresol is very tough but can be done...

The Flex agent will be necessary because plastic is flexible. If there's no flex agent, if the bumper bends or move, the paint will crack. It does not expire in a few days. You can't spray a bumper without that stuff.

Twista616 · 05-29-08, 04:54

If he were painting the whole bumper, yea, ide say use a flex agent, but it sound like its just a 2 inch spot...no need for the agent IMO...

I have sprayed a couple bumpers without, just because the clear was flexable in itself and the manufacture recommended not to use it...I was mistaken, it doesn't expire in a couple days, but doesnt last forever...people have mixed feelings on it though, some think its a joke, some praise on it...

DW849 · 05-29-08, 06:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twista616

if you are keeping your bumper on your car while painting it, you DO NOT need a flex agent. A Flex Agent only lasts for a ouple days if that, and its used for when bumpers are reinstalled onto a car. Some bumpers you have the sort of bend and maneuver to get it to fit properly on.
Dont use a glaze putty...use a plastic filler...some people mistake this stuff for "bondo." Plastic filler sands down 10 times easier than "Bondo" Bondo is a brand, not an actual product. BUT from the sound of it...you won't need any filler. Just sand it down till you get to the plastic(dark in color), spray an "adehesion promoter"(Used to help primer/paint bond to plastic...and comes in aeresol as well. Next, spray a primer on it. Wetsand that with 600. Then apply your coats of paint. Every time you feather, wetsand the area and reapply as needed!

Any more question PM 8 years of painting under my belt...I have an OK understanding.!

To repaint with aeresol is very tough but can be done...

That's good advice! I've painted a few bumper covers with no flex additives and no problems. However, If you use "Bulldog" adhesion promoter - it states in the instructions that a little bit can be added to the clear to be used as a flex additive.