Bumper question

[4point0]

I am going to be painting a friends front and rear bumper on his '09 Dodge Ram. The bumpers are in absolute mint condition... not even small rock chips. Can I just sand 'em down a bit and start out with just the base? Or do I need to use primer/sealer/adhesion promoter first?

 

[TAZ]

You can just go with the base, but lets say you are going from a black to a bright red, I would suggest spraying either a white basecoat OR sealer before spraying the red.

 

[4point0]

It's going from a mid gray to a light silver. The colors really aren't far off. You think it'll be alright?

 

[TAZ]

Not a problem at all. That will make a good 'ground' color under the brighter silver. Be sure and use a good wax and grease remover.

 

[4point0]

Thanks for the help... I'll post pics this weekend when I shoot it.

 

[TAZ]

That would be great...good luck to you!
:cheers:

 

[truekustom]

Be careful with your prep 4point0. I suggest you make sure to prep with at least 600 grit if not 800 grit paper particularly because you are not going to prime. Silver likes to show any flaws in the surface it is being sprayed on, including sandpaper and or scotch bright marks.

 

[TAZ]

Good advice truecustom!

 

[4point0]

I have another question. I just don't know what I should charge him for doing this work. I figured since Maaco does bumpers for like $130 a piece... I think $150 would be a fair price for me to ask. What do most independent places charge do shoot bumpers?

 

[TAZ]

That's a decent price, but you may want to check on material cost first. If you buy a pint of paint that costs $70, and you also have to get clearcoat, hardener, reducer, thinner (to clean your gun) sandpaper, masking materials, you could be looking at $150+ just in materials. BUT if you have the clearcoat and hardener already, this will help since you don't have to use/buy a full quart.