Hi peeps, I have a 2011 Toyota Aurion and have been able to source a replacement front bumper. I was looking to replace it, but the new one comes unpainted.
Can anyone tell me how much paint I should buy? I'd also appreciate any links to shops that sell car paint at a reasonable price.
Thanks a ton!
Its a Camry. It'll already be dented.
Can anyone tell me how much paint I should buy? I'd also appreciate any links to shops that sell car paint at a reasonable price.
Are you contemplating DIY spray gun/compressor/booth , or spray cans ?
or you're thinking paint brush like wall painting
Open to all options - whatever works cheaper.
spray cans from supercheap/repco/autobarn , you need a good mask to protect yourself , and do it at open space far away from anyone,
the number of cans depend how many light coats you want to spray it over.
other option suggested below, vinyl wrapping (sticker) need some skills to apply + get a heat gun or use hair dryer
might get frustrating or ruined/wasted the vinyl sticker that you bought, if you're not up to the task.
another suggested above , cheaper if you could find 1 of the same color from wreckers , this being the best option.
And pick a windy day, helps distribute the paint
Thanks heaps dcep.
How much would a diy spray cost for a front bumper?
Get it vinyl wrapped?
Thank you, didn't even knew about that (yes, I live under a rock). Will look into that.
don't worry about painting it, cover the bumper in star wars stickers. the force will protect you
Star Wars stickers
I understood this reference
Why it’s Luke, and Obi Wan, and my favourite Chewie. They’re all here!
They only stick to MG4 Essence body work.
Non reflective & non offensive though?
I thought dented bumpers were standard on Camrys and Aurions. I've never seen one without dents.
There have been articles pointing out how common dented bumpers are on Camrys.
Perhaps Camry drivers bump into things more often than other drivers? Park by ear?
They suggest the fix is a heat gun.
It's a 2011 Aurion. Don't go over capitalising now.
The damaged bumper will look nicer than the DIY paint job you will come up with especially if it's a metallic finish.
Thank you, yes, it's a metallic finish unfortunately.
Why not strip the paint off the Camry to match the Bumper…
Haha, oops, didn't think of that.
Yeah… As someone who has worked next to and in conjunction with a crash repairer… Your results are not going to be as good as you think. You will end up paying twice and through the nose. Once for the job, second time for a panel shop to fix your mistake and then paint is correctly.
To spray bumpers you need special undercoat and you need to paint with flexible paint and it needs to go on using proper painting gear. If you think you are buying a bumper and painting in your back yard to "save a few bucks", you're in for a bad time.
DIY makes costs cents. Cheers
To spray bumpers you need special undercoat
Yep, to spray paint plastic parts you have to start with a special sealer. I know nothing about the subject, but I've seen that on Wheeler Dealers on TV.
(I noticed because my car has other plastic parts.)
Look at this negative Nancy, I'm sure OP will do a top job and have his Aurion shining in no time.
How bad is the old one? Can't you just pop it out and patch it up. Look on YouTube, there's plenty of videos.
Not just a dent, it's like cracked and hanging a bit. But thanks, yes, I will check it out.
Remove the bumper. Use plastic staples from the rear. Remount using new mounting hardware (if required). Don't bother painting it.
get your car paint made up and some 2k clear.
sorted
Perhaps you should have taken the car to a local panel shop that has a specialist in repairing plastic bumpers.
Those guys can do wonders with plastic welding and similar repairs these days.
Painting is quite a specialty process, especially to have it look half-decent and last more than 12 months. Why not look at airtasker and see if an experienced painter can do it for you on the cheap.
from watching youtube videos, you will probably need 2 to 3 cans of paint per panel, plus the same amount for clear coat, they are around $30ish per can if you want them in 2k, plus primers and sand papers and masking tapes and wax and grease remover for panel prep, and a proper face mask (not the ones used for COVID) so you will be looking at spending at least $300+.
if you are looking at going down the air compressor route, it will cost a lot more (maybe you can hire one from Bunnings?)
Supercheap and other independent paint shops ie vgautopaints can custom mix cans for you to match your car (you will need the color code), no idea if the quality or color match will be any good though.
then there is also the issue of matching the paint to your car, as it has (probably) been under the sun and exposed to the elements for the last 14 years, so it won't look like factory fresh paint.
have a look at Paint Society on Youtube and get a feel of what you will be up for :) probably get a quote from the local panel shop too to see which one works out cheaper or if it is worth the pain………..
or, just live with it, you will get over it and learn to look the other way after a few weeks
Has Ozbargain replaced Google Search?
Wait! What? Are you saying there's an alternative to ozbargain? Show us this black magic wizardry immediately.
Wait until you run up the back of another car, claim on insurance and get whole new bumper already painted.
Get one from a wrecker. It'll be cheaper and easier.