How to Fix Dents on Bumper Covers

Bumper covers take a lot of abuse, especially if you parallel park on a regular basis. Cuts, scratches and dents are not uncommon. This article focuses on repairing dents, but you will also learn how to repair scratches and cuts as well.

Instructions

1

Drill a small hole into the center of the dented area, just large enough to get your angle awl into the hole.

2




Poke your awl into the hole and try to "pop" out or pull back the dented in section. It may not pull straight back and possibly not at all with the first hole. You may have to drill additional holes and work more towards the side of the dented area with the object being to try and pull the bumper back as flush as possible.

3




Hand sand the area using 120 yto 320 grit paper to remove as much paint as possible and create a dull dry surface, with minimal scratching.

4




If the dented in area is still deeper than approximately 1/2 inch you will need to work with bondo fiberglass body filler. Just mix a small amount as needed and spread into the dented area and the surrounding area building the filler a little higher than the dented in spot and feathering the filler out to the surrounding surfaces. Let the body filler dry, which may take some hours. Test for hardness by trying to scratch with your fingernail. If no imprint is left you should be ready for the next step.

5

Sand off the rough edges of the filler using 60 grit paper. You can sand by hand or you may want to use a power sander. Get the surface as smooth as possible and feather the edges of the bondo into the surrounding flat original surfaces.

6




Use your 120 grit paper to further smooth out any rough edges and to get the proper contour of the surface to match up with the rest of the bumper cover.

7




Use the spot glazing compound to further build up or fill in any small holes, cracks or minor imperfections that may remain. The glaze will also serve to smooth over any rough edges left from the bondo. Then sand down the glazing compound once it dries with 120 grit paper and follow up with 320 grit for further smoothness.

If you build up the surface with the glaze you should work with 1/16 to 1/8 inch deep maximum layers, allowing to dry, sanding and priming before the next layer is applied.

8

Tape off the repair area approximately 6 inches or more surrounding it. Spray a couple coats of the primer directly over the repair being careful not to spray the primer directly up to your tape line which will create an edge you would have to sand down later. Better to let the primer just mist onto the surface a couple inches before the tape line.

9

Lightly sand the primer with your 320 grit paper and remove any sanding dust. Use a tack rag or a clean, soft, lint free cotton cloth.

10

Spray 2 to 3 coats of paint over the primer, again staying away from the tape line but still covering all the primer. If the paint dries flat with no runs or flaws you are ready for the next step. If you have runs you will need to wait till the paint dries thoroughly and then gently wet sand with 800 to 1200 grit paper until flat and then re-spray again.

11

Spray 2-3 coats of your clear coat paint, remove the tape and let this dry overnight.

12




As an option, depending on the size of the repair and how flat your paint laid down, you may opt to wet sand the paint using 1200 to 1500 grit paper to smooth out any bumps or high spots before going onto the next step. Be sure you keep the sandpaper and surface wet at all times during wet sanding. Be gentle when wet sanding and just glide the slick paper back and forth over the paint, never using much pressure.

13




Using your fine rubbing compound, work it until you have a flat even paint finish. The rubbing compound will serve to flatten and blend in the paint. Dab the compound onto a cloth and put a little on the paint and work the compound in circular motions using even moderate pressure. Better to go over the area additional times than rub too hard and burn the paint. Turn your rag often, and continue to apply more compound until the painted surface is smooth to the touch. Rinse with clean water when done. You may also decide to use the compound on the entire bumper cover as well for a renewed look. Apply your favorite wax and you are done.