As a specialist bumper repair service, we often receive questions on everything from bumper maintenance to bumper repair. To make this information more accessible, we've compiled a blog with some of the most common questions we receive.
How much does it cost to repair a car bumper?
The exact cost of car bumper repair depends on various factors, including the type of vehicle, the extent of the damage and the kind of bumper. Therefore, the bumper needs to be assessed, and a price can be quoted based on the vehicle and the damage. Here at The Smart Repair Centre, we offer highly competitive rates on bumper repair.
How is a crack on a bumper repaired?
We go through various steps to repair a crack on a bumper. These steps include:
Damage Assessment
Before deciding on repairs, we take a close look at the damage. We assess the severity of the crack, including its size and depth. This check also includes a check for any other damage or hidden cracks around the bumper.
Masking Area
Even if the bumper stays on the vehicle, we safeguard nearby areas from drilling, sanding, and painting. A Premium Cloth Protection Tape protects the bumper's edges during the repair. This tape is a barrier, stopping scratches, dust, and paint overspray from reaching other areas. This ensures a clean, professional-looking finish after the repair.
Drilling the Crack
In some cases, stopping the crack from spreading may involve carefully applying a specialised repair method, such as drilling small holes at the crack's ends.
Carve and Grind
We need to increase the surface area where the repair materials will be applied to improve the bond strength. This is done by creating a V-shaped groove along the crack on the front side of the bumper. We then remove loose plastic bits to create a clean surface for adhesion.
Sanding the Damaged Area
After creating the V-shaped groove, we use medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out both the front and back of the cracked area. This sanding serves a few purposes:
Removes damaged plastic: It helps remove some of the damaged material around the crack, creating a cleaner surface for repair.
Improves adhesion: The tiny scratches created by sanding provide a better surface for the plastic adhesion promoter to bond to, which ultimately helps the paint adhere more securely.
Prepping the Damaged Area
Thorough preparation is essential for a strong and cosmetically pleasing repair. We apply a plastic adhesion promoter on the crack's front and back. This creates a strong foundation for the repair materials, ultimately leading to a smooth, finished surface.
Epoxy Application
Once the prep work is complete, we apply the epoxy, smoothing it out to ensure it fills the crack completely.
Preparing the Surface
Ultimately, after the epoxy cures, we repair the area for optimal adhesion of the body filler. Sandpaper is used to gently sand both the front and back of the repaired crack. The edges are feathered, i.e. blending the repair area into the surrounding undamaged surface. This creates a smooth transition and minimises any visible edges once the repair is complete.
Bond Filler Application
After the sanding step, a pre-mixed body filler is applied. This filler is spread evenly across the repair area, following the bumper's curves and contours.
Bumper Painting
Finally, the bumper is painted. We use the latest software to match the bumper's original colour.
How do I schedule a bumper repair?
We recommend contacting our specialist garage today. Our customer service team will schedule a time that suits your unique schedule.
The above is by no means a completed list. Please get in touch with our expert services if you have more questions about bumper repairs.
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