Coalman

I have some small scratches on my front bumper. One shop wanted to charge me $800 to repaint. The problem is that he said he had to remove the entire front bumper from the car so as to clear coat the bumper and I was concerned that he would screw something up in the process. Another shop said he could touch up the scratches for $300 without taking off the bumper, but would not be able to clear coat. As a result, the touched-up area might get a little cloudy after 3 years. What would you guys do?

jangy

I've got a similar question. I wonder if anyone can give opinions on a paint job with clear coat vs just a 1 day job by Bumper Medic? There is a cost difference and time difference, and I wondered if anyone had major objections to me getting it painted by the one day process??

vader

You already know the right answer Jangy. Do it right.

jangy

What is the real difference, though. be honest, I am already planning to do it right, since I am a picky ***. But, i was thinking of doing the "easy" way as a temporary fix since it will be painted anyway.

vader

Temporary is a diff situation...long term you should get it done right and get the clearcoat back on. My F bumper has the license holes in it and since its silver...I just put the plugs in it instead of getting them filled and painting the whole thing. Silver is the absolute worst color to try and match perfect.....I can't deal with 2 different shades on a car. I had to go the plug route.

psk145

my front bumper was drilled too. The dealer is going to have their touch up person fill in the bumper and fix the area. Im not too concerned about no clear coat because I plan on putting a clear bra on it. Id rather the paint be a little off than seeing the multiple holes in the bumper.

jangy

Is there any difference in the paint that the Bumper Medic uses versus the body shop? Why is one a week job and one a day. The Bumper guy said something his paint drying faster, but now I am worried. Also, even if I only do it temporary, will it have any issues later to get a nice clean job or will they strip the old stuff?

lauer87

Coalman, I use a shop off 51 East called Royal Automotive. He does great work and knows his stuff when it comes to MB's BMW's etc. It's almost all he works on, i can shoot you his contact info if you'd like let me know.

wily

Spend a little more money and get it done the right way. Look at examples of their work if possible and ask for references possibly from other members on this forum who's in the same area.

Coalman

Please do! And thanks to all.

vader

MARK CUMMINS

Inspect the work...as Most Bumper / Air brush shops DO NOT USE OE Paints and PUSH the Paints with Extra Hardener to to reduce drying time...that produces shrinkage...One will see where the repair was done .....Also Most mobile touch up guys dont use primer....yet another cost cutting move

Have it done correct and remove the bumper and have a decent shop respray the bumper using Quality Paints ...It costs more but its worth it!

m52e55

Vader,
where did youe get your bumper plugs-looks good as option to repaint. thx.

Vetluver

Mercedes Ceramoacrylic Nanopaint is available according to my body man, but it is very pricey. He says its worth it though. It won't age like regular paint does. He says that all paint looks good at first but will change over the next few years. Nano paint is extremely resistant to fading and aging.

I parked next to a brand new MB and couldn't tell any difference despite 2 years of deep south heat and wear and tear. I hope that I won't need paint soon but if I do I will insist on the shop using OEM Nanopaint.

vader

http://www.bumperplugs.com/ I couldn't deal with the possibility that ny bumper wouldn't match the rest of the car so the plugs were my only option.

psk145

you can also get plugs from the specialty fastener drawer at home depot, paint them with touch up paint, and have the same end result

psk145

I would have a shop do it, but I've only had the car a week, and I dont think I can part with it for a while. Plus, I dont think the dealer would spring for the bill. If it doesnt come out the way I like, my salesman is going to try and get me the AMG euro plate like the one on the CLK DTM in the showroom.

jangy

A shop it is. You guys are too reasonable.

vader

True...but even a pint of correct paint will cost you more than the plugs.