Slight scuffs to rear bumper - best way to buff out?

fletch622 · 07-18-2008, 10:19 AM

This has started out to be a horrible day so far... my baby is only a month old (to the day) and it's got its first battle scars.

This morning, while backing into a spot in a parking deck on the way to work (no more than 3-4 mph), I misjudged the distance to the back concrete wall (some idiot moved that concrete tire stop further back against the wall - the thing your tires brush up against to say, "Hey buddy - you're getting too close") and ended up tapping into the wall.

So now I have a series of textured white dots and dashes (like morse code) that litter lengthwise on the top edge of the bumper cover. They don't look too deep, but definitely noticeable.

(I wish I had time to get pictures, but I would have missed the train to work - will try to post some later tonight)

Luckily, it looks like that this is only on the plastic bumper face - the actual trunk metal looks like it was spared.

Can these be buffed out without touch-up paint/sanding? If so, what is the most widely recommended product to use on this? Any special cloths needed as well?

(Me and touch-up paint go together like lamb and tuna fish... I could never do it correctly)

Or is this something for a body shop to fix, because of the painted plastic?

I just looked at the price of the part on Honda: $353.36. I'm not in a financial position now to switch out the entire rear bumper cover, let alone whether I'd need all the beams, mounts, extensions, etc. that go with it.

At least not for this... which is why I'd rather try buffing myself.

I looked at the DIY post on fixing paint/scratches, but that seems moreso to pertain to scratches to the metal surfaces.

Thanks all for the help!

Sean Newman · 07-18-2008, 10:24 AM

The first rule is not to be paranoid about sanding.

Start with a 600-800 grit sandpaper to rough up the area and smooth out the surface, then use the exact base colour match spray to build it up again. Usually 3-4 light layers is enough; do not hammer on one coat, and always start the paint stream not pointed directly at the car. Between coats use 1500 sandpaper or so and make it wet so the paint is super smooth, then add a couple coats of clear and voila. I used to be scared of sanding/painting but it really does come out fine.

fletch622 · 07-18-2008, 10:56 AM

Thanks for that info Sean. Does Honda parts sell touch up paint in a spray?

Sorry if I sound so naive - I haven't had to do this (or attempt to) in quite some time.

Sean Newman · 07-18-2008, 12:25 PM

You should be able to find the exact colour at most general purpose auto stores, but I have tried Honda dealers and they don't. Usually it's more common for them to have the pens for stone chips.

I have Tango Red pearl coat, which is proving to be very difficult to find in spray.

07-18-2008, 10:19 AM	#1 (permalink)
fletch622 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Central Jersey Age: 32 Posts: 4 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Slight scuffs to rear bumper - best way to buff out? This has started out to be a horrible day so far... my baby is only a month old (to the day) and it's got its first battle scars. This morning, while backing into a spot in a parking deck on the way to work (no more than 3-4 mph), I misjudged the distance to the back concrete wall (some idiot moved that concrete tire stop further back against the wall - the thing your tires brush up against to say, "Hey buddy - you're getting too close") and ended up tapping into the wall. So now I have a series of textured white dots and dashes (like morse code) that litter lengthwise on the top edge of the bumper cover. They don't look too deep, but definitely noticeable. (I wish I had time to get pictures, but I would have missed the train to work - will try to post some later tonight) Luckily, it looks like that this is only on the plastic bumper face - the actual trunk metal looks like it was spared. Can these be buffed out without touch-up paint/sanding? If so, what is the most widely recommended product to use on this? Any special cloths needed as well? (Me and touch-up paint go together like lamb and tuna fish... I could never do it correctly) Or is this something for a body shop to fix, because of the painted plastic? I just looked at the price of the part on Honda: $353.36. I'm not in a financial position now to switch out the entire rear bumper cover, let alone whether I'd need all the beams, mounts, extensions, etc. that go with it. At least not for this... which is why I'd rather try buffing myself. I looked at the DIY post on fixing paint/scratches, but that seems moreso to pertain to scratches to the metal surfaces. Thanks all for the help!

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07-18-2008, 10:24 AM	#2 (permalink)
Sean Newman Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Petawawa, Ontario Age: 32 Posts: 390 Sean Newman iTrader: 0 / 0%	The first rule is not to be paranoid about sanding. Start with a 600-800 grit sandpaper to rough up the area and smooth out the surface, then use the exact base colour match spray to build it up again. Usually 3-4 light layers is enough; do not hammer on one coat, and always start the paint stream not pointed directly at the car. Between coats use 1500 sandpaper or so and make it wet so the paint is super smooth, then add a couple coats of clear and voila. I used to be scared of sanding/painting but it really does come out fine.

07-18-2008, 10:56 AM	#3 (permalink)
fletch622 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Central Jersey Age: 32 Posts: 4 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Thanks for that info Sean. Does Honda parts sell touch up paint in a spray? Sorry if I sound so naive - I haven't had to do this (or attempt to) in quite some time.

07-18-2008, 12:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
Sean Newman Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Petawawa, Ontario Age: 32 Posts: 390 Sean Newman iTrader: 0 / 0%	You should be able to find the exact colour at most general purpose auto stores, but I have tried Honda dealers and they don't. Usually it's more common for them to have the pens for stone chips. I have Tango Red pearl coat, which is proving to be very difficult to find in spray.