What is safe and effective to restore painted plastic bumpers?

[PatrickH]

I'm trying to restore bumpers on a 1993 Camry. There was a lot of oxidation and the dark red color was faded. I used some Scratch X on paint scuffs, Mothers Back to Black, and followed with Ultimate Liquid wax, all by hand. That took care of a few scratches, most oxidation, and brought back much color. It brought back very little shine, especially on the horizontal parts that have been getting direct sun for 20 years.

For further improvement, is it safe to use Ultimate Compound and Ultimate Polish on painted plastic?

Thanks!

[Marc08EX]

Re: What is safe and effective to restore painted plastic bumpers?

to MOL!

Ultimate Compound should work great for you. It'll take off most oxidation and at the same time be extremely safe. Do you have any pictures to properly diagnose the problem?

Check this out:

Back to the Mustang and the badly faded rear bumper. Ultimate Compound on a W8207 foam polishing pad with the DA buffer.


Now that's more like it!

Source: Pictures from Thursday Night Open Garage - August 9th, 2012

If your bumpers look like the ones in the Mustang then you should be able to restore it well.

[PatrickH]

Re: What is safe and effective to restore painted plastic bumpers?

Thanks. The right side of the bumper in your photos is extremely close to how mine look after my initial work, even the dark red color. I haven't done anything like this in the past, and was concerned about using a buffer on plastic, but that's what you've got in the picture. Will it do any good by hand, or should I just muster up the courage to use a machine?

[Murr1525]

Re: What is safe and effective to restore painted plastic bumpers?

You may have to do some by hand anyway to fit all the contours.

So even just giving it a test spot by hand may give you some idea of the results, and if it will be easier with a buffer.

[STRIFE]

Re: What is safe and effective to restore painted plastic bumpers?

UC is great as an OTC product....you can get it anywhere

[Nick Winn]

Re: What is safe and effective to restore painted plastic bumpers?

to MOL!

Ultimate Compound should work great for you. It'll take off most oxidation and at the same time be extremely safe. Do you have any pictures to properly diagnose the problem?

Mark, great job on re-calling this picture from one of our TNOG's!

Thanks. The right side of the bumper in your photos is extremely close to how mine look after my initial work, even the dark red color. I haven't done anything like this in the past, and was concerned about using a buffer on plastic, but that's what you've got in the picture. Will it do any good by hand, or should I just muster up the courage to use a machine?

PatrickH,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online! Keep in mind the differences in the various machines available for working on paint. More information on this subject can be described in the following below thread:

Beginners guide to the different paint polishing tools

[s word]

Re: What is safe and effective to restore painted plastic bumpers?

Thanks. The right side of the bumper in your photos is extremely close to how mine look after my initial work, even the dark red color. I haven't done anything like this in the past, and was concerned about using a buffer on plastic, but that's what you've got in the picture. Will it do any good by hand, or should I just muster up the courage to use a machine?

Take your time to learn about the machines, you will have 1 tired arm after many hours trying to correct that entire bumper by hand. If you have no intention of using a machine after this see if you can find a local on here willing to lend a hand. Most people in this community are extremely helpful and sharing.

If you weren't on the other side of the country I would do the work for you.
Good luck.

Also, a painted bumper vs. painted metal still will need the same process of paint correction. I see why there is concern, but your have no need to be concerned unless you have other paint issues.

Like Marc ask, can you post of photo of the bumper? This would help us all greatly.

[Marc08EX]

Re: What is safe and effective to restore painted plastic bumpers?

Thanks. The right side of the bumper in your photos is extremely close to how mine look after my initial work, even the dark red color. I haven't done anything like this in the past, and was concerned about using a buffer on plastic, but that's what you've got in the picture. Will it do any good by hand, or should I just muster up the courage to use a machine?

A buffer will definitely make the task at hand a lot easier but you could get away with just applying this by hand. You will know if this product is working even with hand application - just be sure to apply some passion.

[PatrickH]

Re: What is safe and effective to restore painted plastic bumpers?

I appreciate the advice. I hope I get a chance to work on it this weekend. Here are a couple of photos:

[Marc08EX]

Re: What is safe and effective to restore painted plastic bumpers?

Thanks for posting some pictures.

I think the front bumper will be recovered without an issue. However, the rear bumper might be a different story. Do you see the white line that runs along the bumper cross-wise? That looks like clear coat failure to me. You might not be able to restore it 100% but it will definitely improve.

Let us know how it works out for you.

Good luck!

[PatrickH]

Re: What is safe and effective to restore painted plastic bumpers?

Thanks. For the areas that may be clear coat failure, should I avoid using a compound? Will its aggressiveness contribute to the deterioration of a failing clear coat?

[Murr1525]

Re: What is safe and effective to restore painted plastic bumpers?

Well, applying gently at least.

[Marc08EX]

Re: What is safe and effective to restore painted plastic bumpers?

Thanks. For the areas that may be clear coat failure, should I avoid using a compound? Will its aggressiveness contribute to the deterioration of a failing clear coat?

I just don't think those areas will improve if they're indeed clear coat failure. Just give it a whirl and let us know how it works out.

[PatrickH]

Re: What is safe and effective to restore painted plastic bumpers?

Thank you. The reason I asked about making a clear coat worse is because of a bad experience I had with a Lumina. While it was in a shop, the hood was damaged. The shop sent it to a body shop for a new hood and paint job. Fourteen months later the clear coat began to peel quite badly. I couldn't wash it without more of it peeling off. Because of that experience, I became a little gun shy around clear coat failures.

(As you can imagine, I gave the shop that caused this an opportunity to pay for a new paint job. My request was denied and I've never been back.)

[Marc08EX]

Re: What is safe and effective to restore painted plastic bumpers?

I think you'll be fine. As Murr pointed out, just be cautious in those affected areas. Also, don't be surprised if it comes back again.

Good luck!