SO I really screwed up my bumper
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Joined: Aug 2015
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From: DC Metro Area
2007 Mercedes E550
SO I really screwed up my bumper
I have always wanted to learn how to touch up and paint cars. On my cls500 there was a scratch so I used a spray can of 723 paint (pewter metallic).
Things went horribly wrong. I oversprayed in several places and had to sand and redo it. I didn't prepare adequately and I was too rushed. Bought another can for $30 and waiting a week to get it in the mail.
Then the bumper looked okay and I applied a clear coat. The clear coat looked hazy, so I assumed since it was not shiny that something was wrong with the clear coat so I sanded it again.
Later I researched clear coat application more and learned that the clear coat WILL look hazy until you wet sand and buff several times! Arg!
Now I have to apply the 723 paint again and do it all over. For the clear coat I plan to PRACTICE in the resonator I deleted from the car.
Feel free to tease/criticise.: smash: This hasn't been my best DIY project! Sigh...
Things went horribly wrong. I oversprayed in several places and had to sand and redo it. I didn't prepare adequately and I was too rushed. Bought another can for $30 and waiting a week to get it in the mail.
Then the bumper looked okay and I applied a clear coat. The clear coat looked hazy, so I assumed since it was not shiny that something was wrong with the clear coat so I sanded it again.
Later I researched clear coat application more and learned that the clear coat WILL look hazy until you wet sand and buff several times! Arg!
Now I have to apply the 723 paint again and do it all over. For the clear coat I plan to PRACTICE in the resonator I deleted from the car.
Feel free to tease/criticise.: smash: This hasn't been my best DIY project! Sigh...
Last edited by LexBrett2; Oct 2, 2017 at 10:00 AM.
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From: Northwest Illinois
2014 E350 also restored: 1969 Camaro convertible SS 1957 Chevy Belair 2dr hardtop
When you wet sand use 1000 grid sand paper. Also make sure you put about 3 coats of clear coat on. If you do not you will get down to the paint while wet sanding.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,059
Likes: 73
From: DC Metro Area
2007 Mercedes E550
Makes sense since after I sprayed it looked not bad, and perhaps it just needed a buff.
In any event, next time I work with clear coat I'm going to practice first! It looks really hard getting the clear coat to shine- application of 3 coats, 1000 grit wet sanding, buffing, etc.
