how to fix a hole in a plastic bumper

How To Fix A Hole In A Plastic Bumper (2020)

Updated August, 2021

Replacing your bumper requires multiple specialized tools and equipment. If you decide to repair it yourself you need to wear proper safety equipment. Always make sure your bumper is able to be repaired and doesn't need to be replaced.

Bumper repair—DIY or auto body shop?

Doing your own bumper work can be cheaper but it also comes with more risks. You need a lot of tools and safety equipment most people don't have. The auto body shop has trained professionals to fix your car. However, it can be more expensive.

DIY

Pros:

Costs less than an auto body shop

You dictate the pace the work is done and make sure it's done on time

Cons:

You aren't a trained professional, you may mess up

You may have to buy special tools and rent a space to paint

Auto body shop

Pros:

The auto body shop is professional and insured

You aren't on the hook if something goes wrong

Cons:

Costs more than the DIY option

Can take a while to get the repairs done since they have other customers

Decided to repair on your own—let us guide you!

If you're going to repair your bumper on your own their are a few things you need to have and understand before you start. Having the right tools and understanding the process is vital to doing this bumper repair right.

Tools you need:

Wrenches and Screwdrivers – For taking the bumper cover off

An Exacto Knife or Blade – These are needed to get rid of parts that may be sticking out of the hole too big for sandpaper.

Auto Repair Cloth or Fibreglass Repair Tape

A Variety of Sandpaper –You should use 80- to 400-grit paper. The larger grit number is a finer finish to make painting easier.

Plastic Repair Adhesives and/or Body Filler – The type of filler you need depends on your vehicle. A stamp on the inside of the bumper cover tells you what plastic it is.

Primer Paint and Clear Coat Auto Paint –Make sure your paint selection matches your vehicle's color

Step 1: Remove the bumper and prep the repair area

To repair the bumper you have to first get it off your car. There should be a few screws on each side. Then sand down the edges of the hole to make it smooth. Use the exacto knife on any larger protrusions.

Step 2: Support the repair area

Using the auto repair cloth, you're going to support the adhesive. Attach the cloth on the inside of the bumper to act as a support for what you decide to use to repair the hole.

Step 3: Repair the hole and paint

Apply the filler or adhesive following the instructions given by the manufacturer. Once the filler or adhesive is dry apply the paint. make sure to wear the proper safety equipment.

Types of bumper damage that require a replacement instead of repair

Sometimes the damage to your bumper may be too severe to repair. In these cases you need to replace the bumper. Replacement bumpers can be ordered online or found in a junk yard. Some types of damage that require replacement are:

If the bumper is split into 2 or more pieces.

If cost of repair is more than the replacement would cost.

If the bumper is cracking, it will just continue to crack and must be replaced.

Does my insurance pay for maintenance and repairs?

Insurance companies don't cover regular maintenance and repairs. If you have comprehensive and collision coverage, repairs can be paid for if it occurs because of an accident or wreck. Since insurance doesn't cover regular maintenance, it's a smart idea to not put off repair as they can become a bigger problem.

When the time arises, is my insurance going to be enough?

When it comes to car insurance, there are several factors to consider beyond monthly cost. A policy that covers you when you need it, has a low deductible, and offers several discounts can be hard to find - which is why we've done the work for you.

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