Removing paint from bumper

goodenough

Hey guys can I please have a bit of help on the best way to remove paint from a plastic bumper without damaging the plastic underneath. Would paint stripper be ok or some kind of spray on shit??

ramrod

Sandpaper does a fine job

goodenough

ramrod;c-138952 wroteSandpaper does a fine job

Sand paper is definitely an option. Might just use paint stripper to start with

Vee_Que

Paint stripper may hurt the plastic.

JakeNZ

Used some paint stripper on some 240 bumpers that had been bogged and painted over - took a fair while to do (maybe like 10 hours for the pair...

Had the full on two layers of primer and then paint..

If your gonna use paint stripper remember to try and take it off in big long passes - not short scratches.

jamesinc

You can get plastic safe paint stripper, or I think I read somewhere you can even use caustic soda

JakeNZ

I *Think* This is what we used
https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/dad-s-easy-spray-paint-stripper-950ml-clear/p/362158

Came in a tin with a plastic spray bottle (that kinda melted a little) and its pretty thick. Donno what sort of gloves to wear but found some $5 made in Mexico off brand ones that worked the best..

goodenough

Cheers guys. I will have a look around for some bumper specific paint remover. Starting with mitre 10 I think ?

hamsandwich

Plastic bumper stripper will only be found in a automotive paint supply shop, I have used it in the past and have had mixed results with it, you will end up sanding alot of paint edges down that the stripper doesn't get.

Personally I prefer to prep bumper bars by hand, or orbital sander then by hand.

Use plastic adhesion promoter before applying anything even body filler.

For steel Septone paint stripper is great, key the surfaces with coarse sandpaper first, apply very thick stripper and cover with plastic sheeting, let sit for an hour or so and then use a plastic scraper to remove. Reapply If needed.

Always keep water close by when working with paint stripper as water neutralises it, nothing worse then getting it on your skin then running to find water.

I was a Spray Painter by trade, lousy job it was.

Spac

Most paint strippers are fine on plastic bumper bars.

The question of paint stripper on plastics comes up regularly on dirt bike forums - the conversation usually ends up polarised between those that have done it without problem, and those who insist that it can’t work (despite never having tried...).

Seems that the flexible plastics (poly propylene, etc) are fine with paint stripper, while the more rigid plastics CAN be damaged).

It’s easy to try on a small part inside the bumper before you commit.