Hi everyone, I'm looking at buying an aftermarket front bumper. One that's primed and ready to paint, but I don't want to break the bank on a "good" paint job. So I'm thinking of spray paint with factory match? Bad idea? Thoughts? Thanks!

 

My opinion is: If you're going to do it, do it the correct way. However, it's your car so in the end the choice is up to you.

 

don't do it, it will look like crap

 

Probably not a fantastic idea.

 

what color is your car?... a few members have done rattle can paint jobs that turned out decent. I probably would let a professional handle it...

 

Do you have a spray gun? What color is it? Do you have any experience spray painting/clearcoating. It would be better if your car is black or a darker non metallic color, white might not be too bad. If you are doing a rattle can I would do a basecoat clearcoat with a 2K clear, basecoat should be urethane based paint. For a whole bumper you will likely need at least 2 or 3 cans of paint and 2 or 3 cans of clear plus you will need a respirator especially for the 2K clear. I did a basecoat/clearcoat on my spoiler and roof rails and some peeling clear on the doors. It turned out pretty good though I was too cautious with the clear and held it too far back, moved too quick, and did not put it on think enough so I had some correcting and sanding to do. In total it cost about $60 to do.

It will likely cost around $100-130 to paint your whole front bumper yourself. Spray it while off the car and practice with some cheap paint/clear on a spare panel before you tackle it if you decide to do it yourself.

 

It can be done, like was said above black or other non pearl-metallic colors will be easier to match. I've done a bunch of smaller parts with good results, do it right and wetsand well and it can look good. If you do decide to tackle it, I've got 3 cans of the good 2k clear I won't be using I could save you a few bucks on, PM me if you're interested in them.