Bumpers and trim are a pain to keep looking new. With the harsh environment of the automotive world, it can be hard to maintain that showroom shine on these parts of your car, truck, or SUV.
So, how can you fix your bumper and trim to keep it looking new for years? With today’s paint technology, it is possible with bumper paints.
Bumper paints will help you maintain your vehicle’s appearance at a fraction of what a professional detailer would charge.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most trusted brands with our favorite picks. We have reviewed all these paints and recommend them because they provide excellent coverage, dry quickly, and are affordable.
You’ll find that each one features top-quality formulas, so it’s safe to use on your car’s exterior! If your automobile has been damaged in an accident or needs some touch-up work, check out our reviews of the 7 Best Plastic Bumper Paint below!
[wptb id=1232]Our 10 Best Plastic Bumper Paints Reviews:
Here are the top paint products that you can use to restore the bumper shine-
1. SEM 39103 Black Original Flexible Bumper Coater Aerosol
The SEM 39103 black original flexible bumper coater aerosol is a professional-grade coating that can be applied to the front and rear of bumpers for an attractive, protective finish. It provides excellent adhesion on most surfaces, like plastic, vinyl, polyurethane, and rubber surfaces, with no need for an adhesion promoter.
This durable coating is water-resistant and solvent resistant, so it won’t peel or chip when exposed to the elements. It is a perfect paint for automotive painters, DIYers, or anyone looking to coat their bumpers at home with a durable gloss finish. Its flexible formula means you’ll have no problem applying this bumper paint indoors or outdoors in any climate.
The SEM spray paint has a low VOC content, meaning it won’t release any harmful chemicals into the air when sprayed. It also contains UV blockers to protect against fading in sunlight. So, you get a heavy-duty coating that only pro-level painters can think of.
The best part of this paint spray is that it matches the original equipment manufacturer’s appearance. With its 12 oz can, you can cover up to 10 sq ft. However, ensure the can’s temperature is at 70°F (21°C) before you use it.
To apply, clean the surface thoroughly and let it dry, tape off areas you don’t want to paint, then apply the paint. The manufacturer also sells two preparatory products for prep before painting to bring out the best results.
Benefits
- It matches the original equipment manufacturer’s appearance.
- It has low VOC content.
- You don’t need an adhesive promoter when applying it to plastic.
- Ensures professional level coating
- OEM color match
Drawbacks
- It may leave behind spots.
2. Dupli-Color Trim and Bumper Black (TB101)
Duplicolor has been around since 1938, so they know their stuff when it comes to automotive finishes! They’re one of the few manufacturers who offer touch-up paints specifically designed for all types of vehicles including, bikes, boats, and trains.
One of these paints is the trim and bumper black spray paint. This paint is perfect for covering trim and plastic bumpers on any automobile. It is specially formulated for automotive touch-up application, providing the durability needed to withstand extreme environmental conditions. Plus, it comes in three different colors (black, charcoal, and clear), allowing you to get a beautiful finish.
The Dupli-Color spray paint provides coverage with minimal overspray. It adheres well to all thermoplastic and polyurethane bumpers. This paint has the look of OEM factory paints without requiring expensive professional application procedures.
This great coating will protect your bumper from harsh weather conditions such as rain or snow and help prevent fading thanks to the use of UV inhibitors in its formula.
Furthermore, this bumper paint features a patented formula called Fade-X that ensures the paint lasts long on both interior and exterior surfaces.
It comes in an 11-ounce container with an EZ touch 360° fan spray nozzle that can spray the paint at any angle. However, the spray pattern is uneven and may cause orange peels. Also, it remains tacky for days after application, a barrier to getting the picture-perfect finish.
Benefits
- It’s available in three different colors.
- It leaves behind the look of OEM factory paints.
- Dupli-color Fade-X formula ensures it lasts long on both interior and exterior surfaces.
- The spray can have an EZ touch 360° fan spray nozzle that sprays the paint at any angle.
Drawbacks
- It doesn’t spray evenly.
- It doesn’t fully dry and retains a slightly sticky feel days after application.
3. VHT Hood Bumper & Trim Paint
The VHT Hood bumper & trim paint is a top-quality automotive paint that offers excellent coverage, durability, and resistance to fading and scratches.
It provides professional-quality finishes for cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, and other vehicles with plastic, vinyl, metal bumpers, hoods, and trims.
This spray paint has been specially formulated to provide a satin-black finish. It is perfect for those who want an OEM look and something different from standard flat or gloss black color. However, the finish looks more like dark brown than black.
You can apply this paint directly over factory finishes or existing coatings such as acrylic enamels, lacquers, clears, waxes, sealants, or even other VHT products for added durability. Make sure you clean the surface properly before applying the paint.
The VHT Hood canister spray paint comes in an 11-ounce container. It dries in 30 minutes with very little odor for an excellent finish. So if you’re looking to add some style to your vehicle without sacrificing performance, then this product is worthy of your consideration.
Benefits
- It leaves a satin-black finish.
- It dries fast in 30 minutes with a low odor.
- You can use it to paint plastic, vinyl, and metal.
- Ensures top notch coating on plastic bumpers
Drawbacks
- None
4. Rust-Oleum Black Automotive 248649 Paint
The Rust-Oleum black automotive paint is a top-of-the-line, professional-grade, black automotive primer and sealant with excellent rust inhibiting properties. This paint can be used to prime bare metal surfaces or over existing paint for maximum coverage.
It is formulated with a tough resin base that resists cracking, chipping, and peeling even during extreme weather conditions like rain or snow. It also provides an opaque surface when applied to bare metal, which helps prevent corrosion from forming underneath the coating while it’s curing.
The high-quality formula in Rust-Oleum black automotive 248649 easily bonds to any type of automotive material, including plastic parts, polypropylene, polystyrene, resin, PVC, and fiberglass, without generating excessive heat upon drying. In addition to its protective properties, it has an acrylic resin that provides a durable gloss finish with minimal effort when applied correctly – something many other automotive paints lack!
The Rust-Oleum Black Automotive 248649 comes in a 12-ounce aerosol that can spray the paint at any angle, thanks to its comfortable tip. One downside of this spray tip is its inconsistent spray pattern.
It’s worth mentioning that this paint may be too strong for some persons because it may emit hazardous fumes or produce harmful substances. Therefore, you should wear a professional respirator with eye protection when using this paint.
Benefits
- It provides a gloss finish.
- It resists cracking, chipping, and peeling.
- You won’t have any issue applying this paint to your vehicle’s bumper.
Drawbacks
- Inconsistent spray pattern.
- It emits hazardous fumes or produces harmful substances.
5. Dupli-Color BSP200 Jet Black Paint Shop Finish System
Another excellent Dupli-Color touch-up paint is the BSP200 jet black paint shop finish system. It is a fast-drying, ready-to-spray lacquer that provides a professional finish. The high-quality formula of this paint fluid ensures it will be resistant to fading or peeling and lasts for years with minimal maintenance.
It’s perfect for any home project where you need good coverage on metal, plastic, wood, or fabric surfaces as well as cars, trucks, and motorcycles! Plus, you can get the Dupli-Color BSP200 paint shop finish system in different colors.
This paint comes in a 32 oz container, which offers a great range of coverage. It is an excellent choice for all projects, from touch-ups to large jobs involving several surfaces. You can apply with a spray gun or a brush, depending on your preference and the surface area being painted. It’s easy to use and provides professional quality results, so it can be used by even the most amateur painters. Also, you can wet sand it easily.
With just three coats of this high-quality product, you’ll get an even application and smooth surface on any metal or plastic part. The best part is that there’s no need for mixing or reducing, and you can apply it at any time because it has no recoat window.
Plus, it comes at a reasonable price point, so you don’t have to break the bank when doing repairs or touch-ups on your automobiles.
The only downside to this paint is that when it dries, it doesn’t look black, rather it looks dark brown, which may not be the color you want for your automobile.
Benefits
- It is available in different colors.
- This paint is cheap, and it doesn’t require any mixing or reducing.
- You can apply it at any time because it has no recoat window.
- It is very affordable and comes in a large quantity.
Drawbacks
- After drying, it doesn’t look exactly black.
6. Forever Black Bumper & Trim Paint
Forever Black Bumper & Trim Paint is a high-quality, long-lasting automotive paint that provides exceptional coverage and dries to a deep black finish. This paint is for professionals as well as the DIYer who wants their car to look great!
It uses the same polymers that the manufacturers use and can be applied over any primer color or existing coat of automotive paint to repair scratches and chips. Whether your automotive surface is rubber, plastic, or vinyl, this paint will permanently dye the surface black and leave behind an excellent finish. However, ensure the surface is porous.
Furthermore, this paint has a formula that features an advanced 100% acrylic resin technology. This technology provides unmatched durability when compared to other paints on the market.
And it isn’t a silicone dressing, so your bumper surface won’t change color after a while. Also, it helps resist fading from environmental exposure such as UV light, acid rain, bird droppings, tree sap, and bug splatters. The best part is that it dries within minutes.
The Forever Black bumper & trim paint comes in an easy-to-use 6 oz spray can and has an applicator brush that helps you spread the paint evenly on surfaces. The only issue with this paint is that it streaks a lot due to its chemical composition.
Benefits
- This paint dyes permanently on porous surfaces.
- It dries fast.
- It doesn’t contain silicone.
- Offers convenient spray painting experience
Drawbacks
- This paint streaks.
7. Rust-Oleum 260510 Automotive 2-in-1 Filler & Sandable Primer
Rust-Oleum 260510 automotive 2-in-1 filler & sandable primer is a must-have for any mechanic, automotive painter, or DIYer. It is a high-performance, two-component liquid filler & primer in one. This gray oil paint ensures that the surface you’re working on is clean and ready to be primed with your paint of choice.
It features a hi-build formula that fills minor surface imperfections and can be sanded to provide an optimum smooth finish for automotive paint jobs. After priming the surface, it will dry to a hard finish that resists chipping or cracking. Plus, it dries to the touch under 10 minutes and takes 2 – 4 hours to cure.
The Rust-Oleum 260510 automotive 2-in-1 filler & sandable primer comes in a 12 oz advanced spray container with a comfortable spray tip. The tip features a wide finger pad for easy application. With this spray can, you can direct and spray the formula at 360°. One 12 oz can cover up to a 10 sq ft area. However, the nozzle sprays narrow and vertical, making it uneven.
Benefits
- It dries to the touch in 10 mins.
- You’ll get 2-in-1 filler & sandable primer in this product.
- It is a great investment and provides excellent value for money.
- It perfectly eliminates defects like scratches and rust.
Drawbacks
- The spray pattern is too narrow.
Best Plastic Bumper Paint Buying Guide
With the advancement of technology, plastic bumper paint is a more popular choice for car owners that seek to restore their discolored bumpers’ look. When it comes to painting your automobile bumper, there are some factors you should consider before making that final purchase. In this section, we will discuss these factors.
Brand:
The first factor, which we think is the most important, is the brand of the bumper paint. Plastic bumpers paint is a very competitive market, and all brands are different in quality.
It’s important to make sure you know which brand you want, as not every paint will provide the high-quality result that your car needs.
Type of Finish:
Bumper paints are differentiated based on the type of finish they leave on the surface they are applied on. There are two main types of finish: matte and glossy.
The glossier the paint, the more likely it is to resist scratches from rocks or other debris that might hit your car’s bumper. So, depending on your preference, you may want to pick a paint with a glossy or matte finish.
However, minor scratches on the natural and glossy finish will look bad compared to the matte finish.
Durability:
Durability is another crucial factor worth considering. You wouldn’t want to paint your bumper now, and within three months, the paint has worn off.
So, the ideal bumper paint for you should be able to stand up to harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, sun, etc., and last for a minimum of eight to twelve months, which in turn saves you money.
In addition, the duration of a paint job varies with surfaces so it’s hard to say how long your painting will last. However, most manufacturers advise that plastic bumper paints should be applied every 24-30 months, depending on usage and conditions.
Color:
The color of the bumper paint you choose should be a decision based on its ability to match your car’s exterior. If it doesn’t, then it’ll stick out like a sore thumb and detract from the look of your vehicle.
Drying Time:
You also want to make sure the paint has a relatively short drying time. If your car’s bumper needs fresh paint, but you’ve got an important meeting first thing in the morning and don’t have all day to wait for it to dry, then this factor becomes crucial.
Ease of Application:
Whether you are a DIY or professional, you will appreciate a paint that is easy to apply. Most plastic bumper paint comes in an aerosol spray can with a nozzle that sprays out the paint. Some of these aerosol nozzles spray the paint at any angle. However, some nozzles spray narrow or uneven. When buying a plastic bumper paint, ensure it has a nozzle that can spread the paint evenly and doesn’t require additional steps for application.
Is it waterproof?
The type of surface you’re painting will affect your choice with the paint. For example, if you’re painting on plastic or metal, then you’ll need something water-resistant.
You will want to be able to wash off any dirt that comes into contact with the paint to keep it looking stunning.
Is there a painting guide?
The manufacturer should provide you with some instructions on how best to use and apply their product.
So, make sure the paint you want to buy should have something like this! It’s worth noting, however, that most manufacturers will include this in an online PDF or at the back of the can.
Bumper Paint Price:
The price you’ll pay for bumper paint will depend on the quality of the product and how much time it takes to apply. As a general rule, higher-quality paints cost more than lower-quality ones because they’re longer-lasting and can withstand harsh weather conditions better.
So if you want your car’s exterior to look good no matter the climate outside, you’re going to have to pay for a high-quality product.
How do you paint a plastic car bumper?
Depending on what vehicle you have, the bumper is going to be one of the trickiest parts to paint. Here is what you need to do-
Strip off Old Paint
The most difficult part about painting a plastic car bumper is the removal of your existing paint job that may have been done by someone else or damaged over time due to wear and tear and deterioration.
To remove any remaining old layers of paint, use a paint stripping chemical. This will help to loosen the old layer of paint so that you can remove it with soap and water.
Warning: Paint stripper is dangerous stuff, do not get any on your skin or in your eyes!
Clean the Bumper
Once you have removed all of the old layers, clean the bumper part with soap and water to remove all the chemical stripper residue.
Apply Primer for Good Adhesion
Using a good spray primer is very important. Use it generously and follow the directions on the can as to how long to let it dry. If you need more primer, then repeat the process until you have complete coverage of all the areas that you want to paint.
Lightly sand with an electric sander or fine grain sandpaper the part that you want to paint. Wipe off the dust and debris with a clean cloth once you are done sanding.
Apply Paint on Plastic Parts
Once your primer is dry, it is now time for the paint job. Just use spray paint to paint the part that you want to paint.
Note: It is best if you use spray paint that says it is made for plastics on the can but if this is not available, then any paint will do as long as it does not say “do not use on plastics”.
Once the paint is completely dry (usually 24 to 48 hours), use a dual action polisher to polish the surface until you have a nice smooth finish. Don’t forget to use car wax with the polisher for the perfect result.
Final Thoughts
Plastic bumper paint can be a great way to make your car look better. Just remember, if you want the best results with the least amount of hassle, it’s worth investing in high-quality products like those we’ve reviewed here today. It may cost more money upfront but will save you time and frustration in the long run.
In conclusion, make sure you take the time to read our reviews and buying guide before shopping for plastic bumper paint. Also, you’ll need to know what type of plastics are in your bumper and how durable it is.
As we’ve shown above, many factors go into choosing the right paint for your needs, so don’t rush this decision! By considering these factors beforehand, you will find the best product for an affordable price without sacrificing quality or performance.
If you didn’t find a suitable pick here, you can check our article on the best automotive spray paint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special paint for the plastic bumper?
No, plastic bumper paint is the same as any other type of paint. Plastic bumper paint does not bond to your vehicle any differently than regular car paint does.
However, you need to make sure the paint is made for bumper or plastic parts so that it can bind to the plastic. If you use non-recommended paint, it would not stick and would flake off.
How do I prepare my car for painting?
Make sure your vehicle is thoroughly clean before starting. This includes washing the car with soap and water and including washing all of the dirt away from the area that you want to paint on your car.
You will also need to remove all stickers, decals, and what’s called pin striping from your bumper. These can be difficult to remove without taking the paint off with them. This is especially true for pinstriping that has been there for a long time.
After you have removed everything you can by hand, use a paint thinner and a soft cloth to remove any remaining residue.
If the surface is really dirty or has been painted before, you may want to use sandpaper to roughen up the area first. This gives your new paint job something more to “bite” onto so it will last longer.
Do I need a primer for the plastic bumper?
If you are working on a bumper made of plastic, then yes, you need to use a primer. Primer offers the best adhesion for your finish coat so that any scratches in the paint will not become exposed and start peeling off.
How many cans of paint does it take to paint a bumper?
Depending on how big the bumper is and what type of paint you have, if it is high-quality spray paint, expect to use at least 4 cans.
How much does it cost to paint a primed bumper?
It will cost you between $50 and $200 for the materials. You can find spray paint at any hardware store or good auto parts store.
What are some tips for painting a bumper?
Do not use too much primer or paint, you want to make sure that your finish coat dries fast so that it does not peel off easily.
If your bumper is not shiny, use car wax or rubbing compound and apply it with a dual-action polisher/buffer. This will give any new paint job on the bumper that nice glossy finish.
You want to make sure that you have completely sanded down and removed any peeling paint so that your new paint job will stick to the surface.
If painting your own bumper, it is best if you start with a new paint job rather than try and cover up an old paint job. This way you know that the base coat of primer and paint will work well together.
Should I sand plastic before spray painting?
Yes, you want to lightly sand the part that you are going to paint. Sanding helps create a rough surface for better adhesion between the surface and paint.