A scratched or faded plastic bumper can make your car look older than it is—but the good news is, you don’t need a professional to restore it. With the right preparation and materials, you can repaint your car’s bumper at home and achieve a smooth, durable finish. Whether you’re dealing with chipped paint, deep cracks, or simply want to refresh the color, this guide will walk you through the entire process. From surface preparation to applying the final coat, follow these steps to give your bumper a professional look without the high cost.
How to Paint Plastic Bumper
You can paint your car’s plastic bumper yourself without taking it to a professional, even if the paint is chipped or scratched.
Before painting the bumper, pay attention to the gloss level of the existing paint. As you know, some car bumpers have a matte finish, while others are glossy. If you’re using spray paint, your first choice should be specialized bumper spray paint. If that’s not available, you can use general-purpose spray paint, but make sure it’s not cellulose-based.
How to Paint Plastic Bumper with Spray Cans
- Before starting, make sure the bumper is clean and completely dry.
- If the old paint is peeling or flaking, sand it lightly with fine sandpaper. If there are deep cracks, use automotive repair putty to smooth them out, then sand the surface.
- If you plan to paint the bumper without removing it, cover areas you don’t want paint on with painter’s tape.
- Spray paint spreads over a wide area, so painter’s tape alone may not be enough. Extend the covered sections using newspaper to prevent paint from reaching the body and other parts.
- Apply spray paint in windless conditions. If there’s a slight breeze, position yourself with the wind at your back. Avoid painting in very cold temperatures (below 41°F / 5°C).
1-Remove the Bumper if Necessary
Removing the bumper before painting makes the process easier. However, if you’re only painting a section, removal may not be necessary. If you plan to remove it, having spare clips on hand is a good precaution in case any break.
2-Wash the Bumper Before Starting to Paint.
Wash the bumper with soapy water and let it dry completely. This way, you can easily see any cracks or peeling paint on the bumper. Plus, the paint will adhere better.
3-Check the Condition of The Paint Cracks
Check for deep cracks. If there are any, fill them with automotive repair putty before painting. Once dry, sand the surface. Minor cracks may only require sanding. In both cases, use 220-grit sandpaper.
4-Clean off The Sandpaper Dust
After sanding, wipe off the dust with a dry cloth. Clean the bumper and inspect its final condition before painting. Make sure it’s ready for paint.
5-Apply One Coat of Spray Primer
Apply one coat of spray primer. You can use synthetic or acrylic primer. (Do not use cellulose-based primer or paint on plastic bumpers.)
6-Wait for the Primer to Dry
Let the primer dry for at least 30 minutes. Priming is one of the most important steps in bumper painting. After applying a thin coat of primer, make sure the primer is completely dry before you begin painting the bumper.
7-Apply the First Coat of Paint
Shake the spray paint can well for 1-2 minutes. Hold the can 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) away from the surface and spray in thin, even coats to avoid drips. Spraying too close can cause runs and uneven spots, requiring you to sand and repaint.
8-Allow the First Coat to Dry
Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat after at least 20-25 minutes. Keep the layers thin to prevent dripping.
9-Apply the Second Coat
After the first coat dries, apply the second coat. This top coat is important, so make sure to apply it thinly and carefully to avoid drips and streaks.
10-Final Step: Applying Spray Varnish for a Durable Finish
For added durability, apply 1-2 coats of spray clear coat after painting. Since car bumpers are exposed to high-pressure water and soap during washes, a clear coat provides extra protection. When choosing a clear coat, consider the gloss level to match the bumper’s finish.
Important Warnings and Precautions for Plastic Bumper Painting
- Do not use cellulose spray paint on plastic bumpers! Cellulose-based sprays shrink the plastic and cause it to fade.
- One 400 ml spray can covers approximately 1.5 to 2 m² in a single coat. If you have previous experience with spray painting, one can should be enough to apply two coats to both bumpers of a standard-sized car.
- Spray bumper paints are usually available in matte black and matte white. You can use widely available synthetic (modified acrylic) sprays for painting bumpers.
- Some bumpers match the car’s color. If you want perfect color matching, find your car’s color code and have it custom mixed at an auto paint shop.
- Pay attention to the gloss level of the spray paint.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about plastic bumper painting below. Feel free to use the comment section for any additional questions. “Related article: how to paint plastic.”
What kind of paint do you use on a plastic bumper?
You can use specialized bumper paint or general-purpose spray paint to paint a plastic bumper.
Is bumper paint different than body paint?
Bumper paint is usually not different from body paint. However, if the bumper’s color is different from the car’s color, a different type of paint may have been used on the bumper.
Do you need special primer for plastic bumper?
It’s a good idea to use a specialized bumper primer for priming the bumper. However, if you can’t find it in your area, you can use a plastic primer instead.
Do I need primer for a plastic bumper?
The priming stage is important for bumper painting. It ensures that the paint adheres well to the plastic bumper.
Can I paint my bumper myself?
The most challenging part of painting a bumper with spray paint is applying it without drips or runs. It’s very important to apply the paint in thin layers. Otherwise, you may need to start over. If you have experience with spray painting, you can paint the bumper yourself.
How many coats of paint on a bumper?
Paint the bumper with at least two coats. To ensure the durability of the bumper paint, you can apply a spray clear coat after painting.
Should you sand primer before painting bumper?
If there are no cracks or peeling in the bumper’s old paint, you don’t need to sand it. You can apply a coat of primer and paint directly.
