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How do you spray paint a car bumper?

I live in Boston, MA, and use my car to commute to work every day. Driving in Boston feels like bumper cars at times, so my car’s bumper is covered in minor scratches and paint marks. I want to clean it up. How do you spray paint a car bumper?

avatar
Jack Walsh · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Driving in a major city like Boston will undoubtedly take its toll on your vehicle. Fortunately, painting a car bumper is pretty simple and will require a bit of elbow grease and a few hours of your time.
For clarification, the bumper is a metal bar located deeper in the vehicle, and you will be painting the bumper cover, not the actual bumper.
To spray paint your car’s bumper cover, follow the below steps:
  • Remove the plastic bumper cover or protect the surrounding area with plastic and painter’s tape.
  • Wash the bumper thoroughly with water and a degreaser, like dish soap.
  • Wet sand the cover with 600 grit sandpaper making sure to move horizontally and vertically.
  • Wipe down the bumper cover using a tack cloth to remove any dirt and dust and let dry.
  • Apply the paint and once dry, wet sand any imperfections using 1500 grit sandpaper.
  • Repeat the painting and sanding process until you have even flat coats of paint on the cover.
  • Apply a clear coat to protect the paint.
  • Let the bumper cover dry and then reattach the cover or remove the tape and plastic coverings.
While waiting for the paint to dry between coats, you should download the
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