About 3M Cosmetic Flexible Bumper Repair Standard Operating Procedures

As the use of flexible parts in today’s vehicles grows, so does the need for simple and effective steps to repair plastic bumpers and panels. Below are the standard operating procedures (SOP)s for repairing minor cosmetic damage (scratches, bubbling and minor cracks on the outside surface, also known as one-sided repairs) to flexible bumpers and other plastic parts. These SOPs include proper cleaning of repair areas, initial and final sanding of flexible parts as well as the use of an adhesion promoter and flexible plastic repair material. Note: damage such as cracks and tears that penetrate plastic should be considered two-sided repairs, and will require different procedures.

Download English Cosmetic Flexible Bumper Repair SOP (PDF, 200 KB)

Cosmetic Flexible Bumper Repair: Step by Step

Step 1: Clean the Damaged Area

Washing the flexible bumper repair area can make all subsequent steps faster and easier, and help ensure a complete, professional repair.

3M recommends cleaning the entire bumper with soap and water, followed by a VOC compliant surface cleaner to eliminate any additional contaminants. Cleaning the entire bumper can also help you identify any hidden damage. Use a dedicated microfiber detail cloth for each cleaning agent.

Step 2: Initial Prep Sand

Here, you will start to refine the repair area and prepare the plastic bumper for flexible filler material. Using a dual action sander with an 80 grade abrasive disc, dish out, or taper, the damaged area to create a slightly lower area in the surface. Be sure to keep the 80 grade abrasive scratches within the dish-out area.

Refine the 80 grade scratches surrounding the dish-out area with a DA sander and a grade 180 abrasive disc, removing the paint and extending the feathered area 2 to 3 inches beyond it. It’s important to provide this extra surface space for flexible filler, as applying any flexible filler beyond the repair edge can result in repair mapping and costly comebacks.

Step 3: Apply Adhesion Promoter

Blow off the repair area with clean, dry compressed air and apply a light coat of 3M™ Polyolefin Adhesion Promoter (aerosol) evenly to the repair area, coating all bare plastic.

Always apply adhesion promoter before you apply any filler material. Allow the adhesion promoter to dry for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 4: Mix and Apply Flexible Filler

Choose a flexible filler such as 3M™ EZ Sand Multi-Purpose Repair Material. Using a manual applicator gun, mix and apply the flexible filler with a “tight coat” first to ensure the substrate is fully wetted-out with adhesive. Then build up the area with thin wet-on-wet flexible filler coats. Make sure to keep the flexible filler within the repair area to prevent repair mapping.

Allow the flexible filler to cure for 15 minutes at 75°F before sanding.

Step 5: Sand Flexible Filler

Sand the flexible repair material using a hand block and a 150 grade abrasive sheet, or a dual action sander at low speeds and a 150 grade abrasive disc to avoid excessive heat. You can approach this process very similarly to sanding polyester filler on metal.

Following the 150 grade abrasive, hand block sand or DA sand with a 180 grade disc or sheet.

Step 6: Final Sand and Inspect

Finish sand the flexible bumper repair and the surrounding feather area using a DA sander and a 320 grade abrasive disc. Blow off with clean, dry compressed air and inspect the repair for quality.

If additional repair is needed, return to Step 3 and apply additional adhesion promoter to the bumper repair area. Follow with flexible filler application, sanding and final sanding. 3M advises filling pinholes with the same flexible repair material to ensure compatibility. Repeat these steps as necessary. Refer to paint company recommendations for refinishing plastic parts.

Request a Flexible Bumper Repair Product Demonstration

Our sales team is happy to show you how any of our products can help your flexible bumper or plastic parts repair at any point in the process. Whether you feel a certain part of your flexible bumper repair process needs improvement or you just need a quick refresher, we’re here to help. To request your demo, simply click to the right.

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Important Note

There are of course many factors and variables that can affect an individual repair, so the technician and repair facility need to evaluate each specific application and repair process, including relevant vehicle, part and OEM guidelines, and determine what is appropriate for that repair.

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