Painting a bumper cover: options

[anothernord]

I'll be getting ahold of a LGT bumper with JDM fogs soon, but unfortunately, it's painted green. Is it possible to paint it myself and not look awful? If so, where would I get the paint to do so?

If I were to take it to a shop, what would the general price range be to get it done?

[Perkul8r]

I just had the estimate done to replace my front bumper cover on my BE. I wanna say paint was like $350. It is possible to paint it yourself. I just cant remember exactly what is involved. Its been about 3 years since i worked at a body shop. But i dont recall them using any different kind of paint, but possibly the primer/sealer will be different for plastic parts.

[chuckthefuk]

$150 for a cheap spray/
$250 for a decent spray
$350 - 450 for a perfect spray.

You can spray it yourself however its not a easy task since you do not have a spray booth so your paint will be contaminated with dust and other foreign particles..

Materials Needed:
- Masking tape
- Scuff pads
- Sand paper (120grit / 240 grit / 320 grit / 1000+ grit wet sand)
- Cheap spary gun and compressor. ( smaller the compressor the longer the paint application will take..)
- Primers (low build if your just covering.. high build if your filling in scratches)
- Paint.. Local auto body shops can pre-mix the paint for you at a low cost depending on manufacture.. expect to pay for PPG/Dupont/BASF)
- Clear coat ... same as above

Automotive paint / clear will range between $80 - 150 depending on quality and body shop...

The only other thing is Flex Agents which help the primper/paints flex after cured.. Example... minor collisions / winter to summer expansions..

I dislike spray can jobs since the base & clear applications come out very bumpy without excessive wet sanding...

Your looking at 5 hours on your own to get it to the paint stage....

PM if you need more info .. steps....

-Chuck

[Huffer]

So...maybe I can help recoup your costs of the bumper respray if you want to sell your OB bumper. Keep me in mind. :)

[anothernord]

Great info Chuck, as usual. I need to get some quotes from local shops as well. And, of course, decide whether or not to keep the OB bumper ;).