I just bought a '98 CL a few days ago. It has the common problem of the clearcoat flaking off the front bumper. Was thinking about getting it re-sprayed since it doesn't have any physical damage on it. Obviously it's cheaper if I do the sanding myself, but should I buy a spray can of primer to spray it with before I go to the body shop? I'm not handy with painting in any way so I'm afraid I'd do more harm than good even just spraying primer by myself.

Also would it be less money if I took the cover off and brought it to them or just brought the whole car. I know it would be harder for them to match the color if the part was separate but could they still get the color close?

I know people have mixed feelings about Maaco, I do too. Definitely wouldn't give them the time of day for any serious work, but what are the feelings about the bumper cover if I do the prep work and they're cheaper than other shops I get quotes from?

Many thanks to whichever paintslingers could provide some thoughts.

 

if you're not handy with painting, then don't spray the primer, the shop will just have more work to do if you mess it up

Maaco = you get what you pay for

 

everywhere that clearcoat is flaking off it needs to be featheredged out and of course primed. In my honest opinion i would leave all the work to the shop. if the color is mainly just flaking in the center they might be able to keep the color contained to the spots where its flaking and then just reclear the whole bumper, shouldnt effect the color match to the fenders

 

thats an easy fix, all you had to do was wet sand the the clear till you got it to match the rest of the bumper then with some rubbing compound and a buffer it comes out like new. but yes your better just having a shop paint it. i paint cars so i know lol