A while ago I guess I backed into something or someone backed into me....either way, my bumper must have flexed and now the paint under my license plate and around the bumper look like

I wanted to buy some paint to clean it up a bit, but am not sure if those small touch up kits from the dealership will be enough.

Paint experts out there, what steps do you think I should take to get this looking right? Should I remove the entire bumper? Just sand down that small area? Just looking for some overall advice. Thanks.

needs to be re-painted.

touch up paint is essentially that. TOUCH up.


this looks to be more than just a touch.

That's what I figured. We're ok with painting the whole piece, but where can I get some paint (Code NH623M) in that kind of quantity that is going to match the rest of the car? I'd rather have that chipped spot as opposed to the whole bumper not matching.

dont quote me on the price but a body shop usually charges about 250 to repaint the whole bumper.
they know where to get the paint from and will most likely match the bumper to the body.

No offense, but if you have to ask, Take it to a body shop and have them do it. You could buy a few spray cans and do it but odds are it will look worse than what you have now. A body shop will get it to match.

I'll get a quote, maybe they will charge less if I just bring them the bumper already off the car. I think it's ok to drive without a bumper, right?

Good time for adding a "lip kit" !!!!

We have a neighbor that has done a really good job with matching paint. He did my Wife's hood once and you couldn't even tell. But I still hit the problem of not being able to find the paint to match that I know is quality.

Hey JRhodes88, if your neighbor is good with repainting cars....then ask him if he may be able to help you. Dealerships can get touch-up kits, but any body shop supply store should be able to custom match your paint color code. I had them mix some and put it into an aerosol spray can.

But, if you don't understand the fundamentals of preparation and blending.....the "touch-up" area could end up a undesirable DIY. The lower part may not be as obvious, but the top corner will catch attention !

Thanks guys. I have some thinking to do.

There is more to matching paint than giving a paint code and having someone mix it. Mixing it is the easy part. But spraying it is harder. Sometimes it needs to be reduced more, some times a little more tint needs to be added. This is why painters spray test panels in various ways to see what matches. Silver is one of the hardest next to red to match and why i recommend having a shop do it.

Also for the most part base color is base color. Clear is a little more important. Call around to some of your local Auto PAINT stores (NOT auto PARTS)

You will also need a flex additive for the clear. I recommend adding 10% clear hardener to the base. If you dont have most of these products the price will skyrocket quickly, as most of it they dont sell in small amounts other than the base color.

Just wanted to give an update...

My neighbor woke me up last night at 2:30 am to let me know his friend hit my parked car in my driveway....wtf.

Good news is, I guess I can get my bumper painted for free now because of it. Anyone have any advice on how I should tell their insurance company I want things done? I want the proper parts and paint to be used. Will an Acura dealership paint the bumper back to OEM SSM paint? Or would I be able to buy a new one already painted?

Alot depends on the overall car's finish. If the car is otherwise immaculate, then go for a "new" bumper and refinish.

Another option may be to get a couple of estimates, have the insurance co. cut you a check for repairs and then either have the existing bumper or a used one repainted by your handy neighbor.

Another update....All fixed! Looking good too.

Your car looks much better now. I'd suggest moving away from these kooky neighbors.

Yeah, lookin' good again !
So did ya end up having the bumper cover replaced and professionally painted ?

Locally recommended bodyshop resurfaced the entire bumper and then repainted it.....in LESS THAN 7 HOURS!!!!!