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[MV6Matt]

In a attempt to save dosh, I have a front bumper that I want to prepare prior to taking to the paintshop.

Never having attempted this sort of thing before, I need some advice:-

Can anyone recommend what sort of paper to use to sand down the current colour?
Down to the primer or that off too?
Is fitting a disc to a standard 'leccy drill ok to use or not recommended for someone with no experience (i.e. me)?

Matthew

[cem_devecioglu]

the drill sand head will make circular and some irregular sanding traces (which I faced several times when in hurry)..
 
and on some bumpers of new cars cause fibers which is an headache.. (as it heats up quickly)
 
if you are not in hurry and have some time in hands I recommend sanding by hand..
 
normal procedure is removing only the paint+clear coat .. you will need to remove the prime only if you cant trust the previous job quality (ie if painted before you-not original) which in that case you will need plastic primer also as a first layer..
 
now which number of sand paper.. best results with 320 so will leave minimal traces (but you need to apply again some primer to close it)
 
if you use 150 or 220 -can be used- but you will definitely need more/thicker layers of primer and the following sanding will require more time..
 
please note that if there are deep scuffs you can correct them but use a block to sand and if necessary remove the primer.. plastic primer must be sprayed in those areas also..
 
and a final note.. in any case you will use primer .. after applying it you must wait few days for the prime to settle.. then your sanding scratches will be more visible (if any) so you will need to sand and prime again 
 
ps: some may not agree but I always try to avoid bondo..  if used must be given proper time to dry .. even in that case it can suck the paint or fracture ..  if must, use the best quality, apply as a very thin layer and give several days to dry..

[cem_devecioglu]

also you can apply primer yourself..  use tiny layers and when spraying dont stop    anyway mistakes will be corrected by sanding..

[cem_devecioglu]

also I forgot to say : please sand the bumper longitudinal (along the length) as much as possible.. and when job is finished
try erasing deep ones with 800..

[Nick W]

Before doing anything, you need to ask the painter what they are expecting you to do.
You don't want to spend ages flatting the entire bumper when all they would do is scotchbrite and panelwipe it!

[biggriffin]

Cant add much to the above +1

[MV6Matt]

Cem - Thank you for this heads up - I have my starting info! Much obliged!

Nick - The bumper is currently painted in metallic Gold. It isn't exactly pristine either. My Car is metallic black. I wasn't sure how much needs to come off. My question has been answered, though, thanks to you guys!

[cem_devecioglu]

Before doing anything, you need to ask the painter what they are expecting you to do.
You don't want to spend ages flatting the entire bumper when all they would do is scotchbrite and panelwipe it!

yeah.. most of painters will prefer this way.. but when stones hit, it will take bigger pieces of paint instead of a small chip..    I recommend the best method.. you can apply paint even without sanding..
 
ps: an omega bumper will require a whole day or two at maximum.. if you want a good surface..

[biggriffin]

Preperation is the key to good paint.

The painters poem
P:•ss poor preparation prevents perfect paint.

[Irmsherelite3.2]

Used to help out in a bodyshop many yrs ago, bumpers needed a special coating for bonding to plastic or it peels off.
Major filler work was with a 60 grade, finer was with 80 grade, lots of spray filler primer, and wet and dry, but its all about experience, joe average will say thats okay, but a pro will spend days getting it right if needed.