What is a bumper dent?
Most modern bumpers are plastic, and plastic behaves differently from metal. It soaks up the hit and either springs back or stays pushed in. It has not cracked, which matters most here. Some utes and 4WDs have steel bumpers. A steel bumper is repaired like a metal panel.
What kind of repair does it need?
Reshaping and painting the area. The plastic is warmed and pushed back into shape. Then it is prepared and painted with a flexible paint so it moves with the bumper instead of cracking.
Plastic needs its own preparation and a flexible primer, then colour and clear. It is often done with the bumper off the car.
What to do next
A bumper specialist or mobile repairer may be cheaper than a full panel shop. Ask if they do it on the car or with the bumper off, because the price changes. If the bumper has parking sensors or a camera, say so up front.
Sources
- I-CAR RTSindustry training body
As you know, bumper covers are designed to flex.
- Axaltapaint maker
remove mold-release agents
- PPG GBpaint maker
Failure to utilize an adhesion promoter on bare plastic
- KH Automotive Collision Repairrepairer
Dent with no crack Repair Plastic has memory. Controlled heat often brings it back with no filler at all.
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