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Rear Bumper DIY Paint Job (Brian's way)
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EDIT: This might not be the best way. I now think that if you want to do it right you should at least remove the bumper so that you can sand the whole thing. My bumper is now peeling at the edges and I think this is because I didn't sand down and paint the parts of it that are out of reach. I will probably redo it in next six month and most likely, I will remove it and then take it to go get powder-coated. I don't presently have a garage to paint in so a proper paint job is out of the question.
So I decided to paint my rear bumper Semi-Gloss Black. I am taking these pictures from a thread I started on this same job. This post has additional information and is more clearly presented.
You can find the link to that thread here:
Best method to paint a bumper? (you might be doing it wrong)
I decided to paint the bumper with it on the truck. This is the best way in my opinion. The only catch is that you need to be parked in a garage or somewhere without any wind.
: Looking back, painting it on the truck might have been more trouble than it was worth. For one thing you are not able to sand and paint the entire surface, therefore you risk flaking over time.
I think there are pretty big downsides to trying to paint-match the body or adding a clear coat on top of you final coat. Mainly the fact that bumpers will inevitably get scratched up and it is much easier to touch up the type of simple automotive semi-gloss that I used and also matches the power-coated black of most professional bumper (ARB).
Do NOT use RUSTOLIUM! It was not designed for automotive use. If you want paint that will not fade then use automotive spray paint.
Get the Right Paint! (automotive)
TCP Global Paints - SEM Automotive Paint
SEM Specialty Paint Products
If you want GLOSS-Black then I strongly suggest SEM 39063 TRIM PAINT ($14 per can)
Item Detail
SEM Self Etching Primer (SEM 39673) $15 per can
Item Detail
SEM Bumper Coater ( I did not use)
Gloss-Black is SEM 39083, see above link for many colors
** This paint is
specifically for bumpers, it is designed to be flexible. I don't intend for my bumper to do much flexing but if I get cracks I will use it next time.
Item Detail
Be sure to wear protection!
* Chrome is not something you want in your lungs. While Chrome dust is not listed as a carcinogenic, many other chemicals containing Chromium are Carcinogens.
* Solvent based paint contains CARCINOGENS, including Helovalent Chromium which is a known carcinogenic. => Buy a quality respirator and wear it when sanding and painting.
* Do not confuse a dust-mask with a respirator. A dust mask will not protect you from fumes and carcinogens.
3M safety mask ($35 @ Home Depot)
Professional Multi-Purpose Respirator-62023HA1-A at The Home Depot
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Steps (be sure to read the back of the can)
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pre-job:
1. Buy safety mask
2. Buy paint - I suggest automotive paint, specifically NOT Rustolium from Home Depot
3. Tape off the area, you want tape off all parts of your truck including the sides; use a large 3 mil drop cloth, cutting as necessary.
Job:
1. Put on your protective mask
2. Sand down the chrome with 80 grit or similar grit sandpaper
3. Wipe down the sanded bumper with soap and water, allow to dry
4. Spray Primer #1 "Self-Etching Pre-Primer for Aluminum and Steel"
[wait 5 min]
4B. Spray 2nd coat of Primer #1
[wait 30 min]
5. Spray Primer #2 "Top Level Primer"
[wait 5 min]
5B. Spray 2nd coat of Primer #2
Optional:
* Wait 2 hours then lightly wet sand the High Build / Top Level primer with a 3M pad
* Wash with soft soap and water
* Rinse thoroughly and let dry
[wait 45 min]
6. Spray 1st coat of Automotive Paint
[wait 10 min]
7. Spray 2nd coat of Automotive Paint
[option 3rd coat, probably good idea]
Do not clear coat (if desired) for at least 3 hours.
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PICTURES
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The paint used in pictures is SEM 61023, SEMI-GLOSS Black ($4 per can)
I prefer the two tone look with a flat black or semi-gloss black against the factory black body. I chose semi-gloss black in order to match my ARB front bumper and my wheels. In my experience semi-gloss paint won't fade as fast as flat black.
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Upcoming mods:
* New wheels (painted 5 stars)
* New rear tires
* 1.25" Wheel spacers
* Stereo replaced
* Document full sound system install
* Dual battery setup
* Big Three Wire Mod
* Replace all dash lights from green to white (most are out anyways)
* Tool carrier
* Projectors (sometime in 2011)