Simple Bumper Scuff Repair

You've been out running errands and, upon returning to your car in the parking lot, you discover that somebody has "kissed" the bumper of your car, leaving an ugly scrape. The perpetrator is nowhere in sight, and an insurance claim isn't feasible since your deductible is higher than the cost of the repair. The size of that ding, though, is way larger than a touch-up brush could handle, so your only option is to use some rattle-can spray paint to cover it up.

Color-Coding
Paint repairs are not all that difficult, but require some preparation and patience. First, you need to get the color code for your car. Your local car dealer or auto parts store should have it on their computers, or look in your owner's manual to locate the spot on your car where it's been imprinted. If your dealer doesn't carry spray paint, most parts stores have a spray-paint section with a reference book listing your car's correct tint.


For this particular project we weren't able to find the exact code in the book, but the color on the cap seemed to match the paint, so we took a chance. Note, however, that even when you do find the right code, if your car's paint is oxidized at all, don't expect your patch to match exactly anyway.

Supplies & Steps
While you're at the parts store, you'll also need to get some spray-on primer, clear coat, masking tape and wet-or-dry sandpaper (400 grit, and perhaps some lighter and coarser grades depending on how much prep and finish work you'll need to do).


The basic procedure is pretty simple, though a bit tedious (click on the Step Photos for details). When sanding the damaged area, take your time. With bodywork, preparation is 99 percent of the job. You may need to repair nicks or dings with some body filler to get a really smooth finish. Feeling the surface with your bare hand is the best way to tell if the contours and surface are smooth enough. Don't rub in one spot too long, or you'll create an uneven surface.