Easy Way To fix Bumper Scratch

Author: Paul Mathew

Bumper Scratch? Apart from bumper to bumper traffic that these scratches are one of the biggest nightmares of every car owner. Bumper scratches and scuffs are easy to get but alarmingly difficult to remove. It can turn your beautiful looking car into Archie’s rundown jalopy. However, you don’t have to use hard-to-remove bumper stickers to cover the scratch as the simple remedies mentioned in this blog will help you fix the damage in no time.

Step 1- Evaluate the scratch

Light scratch

Light scratches on the bumper are mostly cosmetic and have no depth or dent in it. These scratches are easy to remove using some basic car cleaning tools. If you want to check whether the scratch on the bumper is light or not, you only have to run your fingernail over it. If the nail catches anything, then it's a heavy scratch, and you will have to put extra effort to repair it.

Heavy scratch

When your car hits something or is hit by another car, then it sustains heavy scratching on the bumper. This type of scratching includes dents in the car that tarnishes the paint. You can try to fix the damage done on your own, however, if the damage on the bumper is severe, then avail the corporate car wash service offered by GoKleen.

Step 2- Get the materials together

For light scratch

  • Soap
  • Bucket
  • Car Sponge or Microfiber Towels
  • Buffer Pad and Buffer Liquid
  • Drill

For heavy scratch

  • Soap and Bucket
  • Safety Glasses and Protective Gloves
  • Masking Tape
  • Car Sponge and Microfiber Towel
  • Blending Solvent and Surface Primer
  • 180 Grit Sanding Paper/400 Grit Sanding Paper/Sanding Block
  • Touch up paint (matching to the color of the bumper)
  • Spreader (you can also use cardboard)
  • Polyester Finishing Putty/Hardener
  • Dust Mask and Clear Coat

How to repair light scratching on the bumper?

Step 1: Wash the bumper

Use soap and water to clean the entire area of the car that has the scratch using a sponge. This process will remove all the grease, waxes, oils, and salts from your car. Once you wash the bumper, rinse it thoroughly, and then wipe it down using microfiber towels. Make sure you dry it out completely before you proceed.

Step 2: Buff the bumper scratch

In this step, you need a buffer pad and buffer solution. Spread the buffing compound on the scratch to buff it out. Put light pressure on the scratch so that you don’t damage it more. You can use a clear coat if there is white around the scratch. Allow the clear coat to settle on the bumper for 30 minutes, which will make the scratch invisible. If the scratch is visible, then apply the buffing compound once more with the buffer pad.

How to repair heavy scratching on the bumper?

Step 1: Wash the car’s bumper

You can use soap and water to clean the area around the bumper of your car. Clean the affected area several times to remove oil, grease, and road grime. After cleaning the car with a sponge, rinse it with water and wipe it down to dry the area.

Step 2: Mask the affected area

Use masking tape to cover the scratched area. Use a liberal amount of masking tape to protect the area around the scratch.

Step 3: Sanding the scratched area

180 grit sanding paper is used to sand the affected area to level everything. While working on the scratch, don’t forget to apply firm pressure in a back and forth motion. Once the area is leveled, wipe down the sanded area to make the surface completely smooth.

Step 4: Apply putty over it

To mix the polyester finishing putty and hardener, use a clean fiber free board. With the help of spreader, apply an even coat of the putty. Let the putty dry for about 30 minutes after you spread it over the scratch. Use the sanding paper to level the surface after the putty gets all dried up. Wipe the entire area thoroughly, once the surface is leveled.

Step 5: Apply surface primer

Before using a surface primer, you need to suit up by putting on your gloves and masks. While spraying the surface primer, keep it 6 inches away from the bumper. Spray three coats of primer leaving a gap of 15 minutes between the coats. Moreover, after the third coat, allow the primer to settle down for at least 8 hours before starting the sanding again. Once the primer is settled, use 400 grit sanding paper to blend and level everything. Wipe the area with a clean cloth twice or thrice, once you have finished the sanding process.

Step 6: Paint the bumper

Paint the affected area by keeping the paint 5 inches away from the bumper. You will have to apply several coats of paint on the scratched area. After the final coating, wait for 15 minutes or more to let the paint dry.

Step 7: Apply a clear coat and blending solvent

Once the paint is fully dried, you have to apply two coats of clear coating, leaving a gap of 15 minutes between each. Allow the final coat to dry and then apply the blending solvent in a sweeping motion. The solvent will correct any overspray of paint.

However, sometimes damage to the bumper needs more than just touch up work. It requires a professional mechanic to look into it. So what are you waiting for? Go for doorstep car washing Kerala offered by GoKleen to fix severe as well as light bumper scratches.