How To Patch Your Bumper Like An Auto Body Pro

Small holes in your bumper are annoying. Not only do they look bad, but they can weaken your bumper and lead to further deterioration if they are not taken care of. This is why even the smallest holes in your bumper should be patched as soon as you notice them. If you have the right tools, you can learn to patch fiberglass bumpers quite easily. This article explains what you need to get the job done and how to do it with ease.

What you Need for Small Holes

• Fiberglass resin: start off with a small can (less than 12 ounces). The resin will also come with a tube of hardener.
• Fiberglass cloth: this is usually sold in packs. For small holes, you only need a small pack.
• Plastic mixing tray: this is used to mix the resin with the hardener.
• Mixing stick: you can buy a tool or just use something like a plastic spoon.
• Normal scissors: for cutting the fiberglass cloth.
• Plastic putty knife: for spreading the resin onto the patch.
• Extra fine wet sandpaper: you might need to go to an auto body shop to get this type of sandpaper.
• Painter's tape: for holding the cloth in place.
• Clear auto body sealant: for finishing the job.

How to Patch a Hole

First, cut the cloth to the right size. It should be at least an inch bigger (on all sides) than the hole. Next, use the sandpaper to prep the area around the hole. You want to lightly sand the area that the patch will cover. This sanding will slightly rough up the auto paint so the resin sticks to it better. After the area is sanded, wipe it down with a wet rag. Then, you can tape the cloth in place. Just put a small piece of tape along each corner of the cloth.

At this point you need to prepare the resin by mixing in the hardener. Only do this once you are completely ready to apply the resin to the hole. The resin dries within a matter of minutes once the hardener is mixed in, so be ready. Use the putty knife to spread the resin. As you spread the resin, remove the tape from the corners. Spread the resin over the edge of the cloth by an additional inch on each side.

After the resin dries you can spray on the auto body sealant. For help with other car repairs, visit an auto body collision repair center like Auto Body By Duie LLC.