Paint Removal and repair HELP

Dennis · 12-29-2002

I have a 1989 Mustang LX with a paint job that was applied several years ago. Here's the problem. As with many plastic bumpers I've seen, mine has several places where the paint has cracked or is coming off. The question is should I try to spot repair these places, or strip the entire bumper, re-prime and paint. This will be a new experience for me, but I wouild like to do the work myself. Any suggestions for the best way to strip the old paint and how to proceed from there? Or even online resources for some insight into the world of automotive painting?
Thanks
Dennis

410cougar · 01-03-2003

if you spot paint it you regret it in about 2-6 months. itll just start again and look even worse. best way to do it is DA sand it and start over again.

j

Dennis · 01-03-2003

Forgive my ignorance but what is DA sand? I think I am up for the job but want to make sure I do everything right.

wrestler3025 · 02-14-2003

Dual Action Sander that is a DA:-)

GTRaptor · 02-14-2003

The paint cracked because the surface wasnt prepped right or they used the wrong kind of paint.

Depending on the type of paint there are additives that add some fexibility to paint plastic parts.

You should sand it all the way to the urethane, then add the appropiate base.

Urethane enamels are the best as far as paint over plastic goes, but some catalityc enamels such as Dupont "Chroma" line work pretty well.
PPG and 3M are worth looking at also.

There are a few places in the net with good tips.

Wyldhog77 · 04-02-2003

I've been a body man for 10 years and the best help I can offer is to re-paint the entire bumper. You can spot repair, but for a better and longer lasting finish, full re-paint is the way to go. You can buy flex agents, but, they really don't do much for you. They are really meant for quick painting and handling. If you plan on painting, buffing and reinstalling in about 4 hours then go with a flex. If not, and most people don't, then just paint it, and let it cure for about 10 hours. This way the paint will be hard enough to handle. One other thing, if you put clearcoat on it, don't put more than 2-3 coats. If you put more, it will over harden and become more fragile. Good Luck