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Partial vs Full Repaint of Bumper

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by 9aussie9, Sep 1, 2020.

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  1. 9aussie9

    9aussie9 Junior Member

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    first post here :)

    A friend scratched my front bumper on the curb while parking and offered to pay to fix it, since the bumper was just repainted a few months ago. It is a minor, but visible rash. So we went to a few reputable body shops to get a quote.
    - Some said it is only necessary to partially sand and repaint the bumper, but would they put a clear coat over the full bumper.
    - Some said they would partially paint and partially clear coat the affected area only.
    - Some said they had to paint and clear coat the entire bumper, otherwise it won't seamlessly look good.

    I am confused. Any suggestions? I have a black 3rd Gen Prius Four if it matters. Thanks!
     
    #1 9aussie9, Sep 1, 2020
  2. Ed Beaty

    Ed Beaty Active Member

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    If they know what they're doing, and use the correct Prius color code, '- Some said they would partially paint and partially clear coat the affected area only.' should work just fine.
     
    #2 Ed Beaty, Sep 1, 2020
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Partial paint, then "blending out", is best for hiding the new paint. They do full colour just at the repair, then dilute with clear, go a little further, repeat 2~3 times more, till they're shooting almost clear.

    That said, "bumpers" being plastic dreck, and damage prone, just doing nothing for a while would be worth consideration.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Sep 1, 2020
  4. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Since cost isn’t a concern, go for the most expensive repair which will be new clearcoat and paint.
     
    #4 Grit, Sep 1, 2020
  5. Ed Beaty

    Ed Beaty Active Member

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    SURE, be a really good friend and make YOUR friend pay maximum freight!
     
    #5 Ed Beaty, Sep 1, 2020
  6. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    Down low on the bumper the paint will be less of a problem with the color match. If it’s on a flat horizontal panel such as the door or 1/4 panel at the belt line the match will be more of a challenge.
     
    #6 BZzap!, Sep 1, 2020
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    If I need to get down on my knees to really see the scrapes, on plastic, I leave 'em be.
     
    #7 Mendel Leisk, Sep 1, 2020
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  8. ILuvMyPriusToo

    ILuvMyPriusToo Senior Member

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    I look down and see the scrapes on my knees, and then forget all about my bumper! :LOL:
     
    #8 ILuvMyPriusToo, Sep 1, 2020
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  9. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    Agreed. You may gain a perfect bumper but is that really something you want to do to a friend? Like Mendel Leisk implies, this is going to happen again, given the height of the Prius bumper and parking, so there comes a point where you just try to forget about it. Basically, sh*t happens.
     
    #9 Johnny Cakes, Sep 2, 2020
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  10. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

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    Note to self: Don't hang out with @Grit . :rolleyes:
     
    #10 tvpierce, Sep 3, 2020
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  11. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    No worrrieS. If I leave a dent on a friend’s bumper, I want them to get top value for repair and or replacement.
     
    #11 Grit, Sep 3, 2020
    Last edited: Sep 3, 2020
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