Bumper Repair

When you call about a damaged bumper, you are likely dealing with a low-speed parking lot bump or a minor collision. The bumper is often cracked, scuffed, or pushed out of alignment. We start by examining the damage to see if it is cosmetic or if the mounting structure is compromised. This is the point where we decide whether repair or replacement makes sense for your car.

For plastic bumpers, we begin by cleaning the area and grinding the crack to create a bonding surface. We use a plastic welding gun with filler rod to fuse the crack from the back side. Once welded, we apply a two-part filler, sand it smooth with 80- to 320-grit paper, and then prime and paint the bumper using a color-matched urethane basecoat and clearcoat. Metal bumpers are straightened with a stud welder and slide hammer before filler and paint.

The cost and time vary based on the bumper material, the extent of the crack or scuff, and whether the brackets are bent. Access can be tight on some vehicles, requiring removal of the bumper cover to reach the back side. Weather affects paint curing time, and older bumpers may have brittle plastic that complicates welding. Each job is different, and we adjust our approach accordingly.

On the day of repair, we park your vehicle in our shop and mask off adjacent panels to protect against overspray. After the repair, we clean the bumper and surrounding area, removing any sanding dust or masking tape. You do not need to do anything beforehand except bring the car. Afterwards, we recommend avoiding car washes for at least 48 hours to let the paint fully harden.