BJP

iTrader: (2)

It's been a long time coming but I finally have all my pictures in order and I'm ready for my first DIY contribution to this forum.

This is a mod that I highly recommend leaving the painting part up to a professional but if you feel confident enough and have the money and access to the professional paint related products then by all means.

Step 1-
Remove rear bumper. I will save time here by telling you to search another DIY thread to remove the rear bumper

Step 2- Remove both exhaust shrouds. Some of the tabs may snap off but you can superglue them back on...that's what I did

Step 3- Use masking tape and tape off a line on the factory paint before sanding/scuffing. I use 3M 1/4" blue vinyl fine line tape. You can see in the picture where I chose to tape off.

BJP

iTrader: (2)

Step 4- Sanding and Scuffing. This is where it really pays to have acces to professional grade products. At work we use DuPont products. They make a plastic preparation paste that cleans as it scuffs the plastic. Use a Red Scotchbrite pad to work this stuff around and be very meticulous in this step. If you dont scuff the plastic good enough, the primer wont stick and if the primer doesnt stick then your paint wont either

BJP

iTrader: (2)

After all the scuffing is done your bumper should look like this...

BJP

iTrader: (2)

Step 5- Priming. This is where your prep work starts to pay off. Take the tape off from when you started scuffing because it will be wet and weak from scuffing with the Plasic Prep. Put fresh tape down in the same place you did before scuffing. Now cover up the rest of the bumper with masking paper. Tape the paper to the backside of the bumper so primer overspray doesnt get underneath the paper and mess up your factory paint job.

-Now that you have everything ready to spray, you must wipe the plastic down with DuPonts 2320 plastic cleaner (sorry I didnt take a picture of the can) This softens the plastic ever so slightly to create a clean surface for everything else to adhere to. Dont skip this step!

-Now it's time to start spraying stuff. Use DuPonts 2330 Plastic Adhesion Promotor. This bites into the clean adhered plastic and create a great base for your primer to go over.

-After letting that sit for 15-20 minutes, it's time to start spraying primer. We use 33430S at work. Mix it according to the direction. I added Flex Agent to the primer. Some might think that's overkill but why not, eh?

When you are done spraying primer it should look like this:

BJP

iTrader: (2)

Before Step 6- As soon as the primer is dry enough to touch, peel the masking tape line off. This lets the primer settle a little and it doesnt create as much of a line.

Now leave the bumper to cure for several days. The longer you let it sit the better. This gives the primer a chance to settle into the pits and scratches from sanding and scuffing

Step 6- Sanding the Primer. Put the tape line back on before sanding. Spread some 3M guide coast. This is a dark colored powder that shows you where those little imperfections are.
Use 320 grit sandpaper. When you are close to being finished, go over everything with 400-500 grit sandpaper. Make sure all of your primer texture is out and that any "shiny surfaces" are at least scuffed. Paint wont stick to unsanded/unscuffed primer.

(In the pictures, I had cut out the fake plastic mesh out, at this point I had decided I was putting real mesh in)

BJP

iTrader: (2)

Step 7- Painting. Your almost done...Find your factory paint code. It's in the lower part of the driver door jamb. Make up your paint or buy it from your paint supplier. I always use a Primer-Sealer before I spray base coat. Let that sit the recommended time. Spray your basecoat and then your clear coat.
And just like the primer, peel your masking tape line off as soon as your done spraying the clear coat.

BJP

iTrader: (2)

Step 8- Reinstall your bumper and enjoy the results.

jayrerickson

That looks good. I'm going to have to do this. My car has some hail damage and was going to do a repaint anyways.

Thanks for the info.

Rx8Les

iTrader: (3)

Nice DIY!!

sweatr

Thank you , I wanted to do that but wasn't sure, now I am. THX.