Ethan Clarke
Subaru owners have reported issues with the paint on their bumpers, with some noting that the colour of the bumper is different from the rest of the car. This may be due to the paint adhering to different materials, as the bumpers are made of plastic, while the body panels are metal. Some owners have attempted to fix this issue by painting their bumpers themselves, while others have taken their cars to body shops for repairs. In some cases, the bumpers may need to be replaced entirely. Additionally, discolouration and fading of the plastic trim on Subaru vehicles have also been reported, with owners seeking solutions to improve the appearance of their cars.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bumper colour matching | Colours may not match even from the factory since the bumpers are plastic and the body panels are metal. |
| Repairing vs. replacing | It is better to repair an existing plastic bumper cover than to replace it with an unpainted bumper from the OEM supplier. |
| Paint type | Paint on Subaru bumpers needs to have a flex additive added. |
| Paint adhesion | TPO contains wax, which makes it difficult for paint to stick to it. |
| DIY repairs | Epoxy a plastic backer, use a plastic welding kit, or fill holes with a repair kit. |
| Professional repairs | Body shops can colour match paints, including for colours that fade. |
| Bumper protection | Use a plastic conditioner, UV protectant, or ceramic coating to protect plastic bumpers from discolouration and fading. |
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What You'll Learn
Painting a Subaru bumper
Before painting, it is essential to clean the bumper thoroughly and fill in any holes or dents. This can be done with body filler or plastic weld rods, ensuring the weld rods melt and stick to the bumper. Once the filler has dried, the area should be sanded smooth and prepped for painting. It is recommended to apply a coat of 'Adhesion Promoter' to help the new paint adhere to the plastic surface.
When choosing paint, it is crucial to select a colour that matches your Subaru's specific year, make, and model. Online retailers like ReveMoto offer custom-painted bumpers, precisely matched to your vehicle's paint code. Alternatively, you can purchase touch-up paint designed specifically for your Subaru model.
If you choose to paint the bumper yourself, use a spray can or a paintbrush designed for automotive use. Multiple light coats are preferable to a single heavy coat to achieve a smooth and even finish. Allow sufficient drying time between coats and consider buffing out any blemishes.
Finally, consider applying a clear coat to protect the paint and add gloss. While a clear coat is not mandatory, it can enhance the appearance and durability of your paint job.
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Matching bumper colour to the car
Matching your bumper colour to the rest of your car can be a tricky process, especially if your car is a Subaru. This is because, as one user on the SubaruForester Owners Forum points out, the bumpers on Subarus are made of plastic, while the body panels are metal, and paint adheres differently to these two materials. As a result, even bumpers from the factory may not perfectly match the colour of the rest of the car.
If you are determined to paint your bumper to match the rest of your car, there are a few steps you should take. First, you should identify the type of plastic your bumper is made of. This could be polypropylene (PP) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), for example. You can do this by melting the end of a plastic weld rod and seeing if it sticks to the bumper. If it does, the plastics are likely the same type.
Once you have identified the type of plastic, you can start the process of painting. It is recommended that you use an Adhesion Promoter to help the new paint stick to the plastic. You should also add a flex additive to your paint, as TPO, the type of plastic used in Subaru bumpers, contains wax, which can make it difficult for paint to adhere. If you are not an experienced car body repair person, it is recommended that you take your car to a professional to have the bumper painted.
If you decide to paint the bumper yourself, you should be aware that it can be difficult to get the colour to match exactly, especially if your car has a three-stage paint colour. In this case, it is recommended that the painter creates a spray-out test card with several coats of paint, ranging from one to four coats. This will help ensure that the colour of the bumper matches the rest of the car as closely as possible.
Finally, it is worth noting that bumpers are meant to take a little abuse and that painting them can be expensive and time-consuming. So, unless the colour mismatch is very noticeable, you may be better off leaving your bumper as it is.
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Repairing bumper damage
Bumpers are the first line of defence in an accident, so they are prone to suffering damage. While some bumper damage can be repaired, other types may require a full replacement.
Minor cracks in the bumper can often be repaired with epoxy. However, more severe cracks can compromise the structural integrity of the bumper, and it may be best to replace the bumper entirely.
Chipped paint and scratches can also be repaired, but the process can be labour-intensive. It involves sanding down the damaged area, filling it with a compound, and repainting. If there is extensive paint damage, it may be easier and cheaper to replace the bumper.
Identifying the Type of Plastic
Before repairing a bumper, it is essential to identify the type of plastic it is made of. Common types of plastic used in bumpers include polypropylene (PP) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). If you have plastic weld rods, you can melt the end and see if it sticks to the bumper. If it doesn't stick, it is likely a different type of plastic.
Repair Methods
Once you have identified the type of plastic, you can choose the appropriate repair method. If you are filling holes or cracks, you can use plastic welding or a mesh backing with filler. After smoothing and preparing the area for painting, apply a coat of 'Adhesion Promoter' to help the new paint adhere to the plastic.
If you are repairing a crack, you may need to remove the entire bumper assembly and temporarily clamp the crack closed from the outside. Clean and roughen the inner surface with grit sandpaper, and apply a two-component adhesive, such as "Plastic Welder".
Painting
When painting a repaired bumper, it is important to use the correct type of paint. Bumpers made of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) contain wax, so it can be challenging to get paint to stick. A flex additive can be used to help the paint adhere. It is also recommended to use a coat of 'Adhesion Promoter' before painting.
Body shops can mix paint on-site and colour-match it to your car, even for colours that have faded. However, it can be challenging to get the paint to match perfectly, especially if using a spray can.
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Plastic bumpers vs. metal body panels
Bumpers on vintage cars were large, heavy, and made of steel. They were designed to protect the vehicle's body from damage in the event of a low-speed collision. In contrast, modern cars have smaller, slimmer bumpers made of plastic that blend in with the car's panels and fenders.
Plastic is lighter and more aerodynamic than metal, resulting in increased fuel economy. It is also easier to shape during manufacturing and repair. Plastic is considered safer than metal as a bumper material because it absorbs more of the impact during an accident. This is because plastic is designed to crumple and dent during a collision, absorbing the impact energy that would otherwise be transferred to the vehicle and its occupants.
Plastic bumpers have replaced metal bumpers in modern cars due to their weight, aerodynamics, and safety advantages. Plastic bumpers typically have aluminium tubes with styrofoam coverings and flexible fascia. They are also less prone to denting than metal bumpers, although they may be more challenging to repair.
While plastic bumpers offer many benefits, there can be challenges in repairing and painting them. Plastic bumpers may require specific repair techniques, such as paintless dent repair (PDR) or plastic welding, and the paint may not adhere as well to plastic as it does to metal. In the case of Subaru vehicles, it has been noted that the bumpers, which are made of plastic, may not always match the colour of the metal body panels, even when they come from the factory. This is due to the paint adhering differently to plastic and metal surfaces.
Overall, the evolution from metal to plastic bumpers in modern cars has improved fuel efficiency, safety, and aerodynamics. However, it has also introduced new considerations and challenges in terms of repair and maintenance.
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Bumper colour fading
One way to mitigate fading is to park your car in a garage or shaded area. If you don't have access to covered parking, consider buying a car cover. Regularly washing your car, especially after exposure to salt from water or snow, can also help prevent salt corrosion.
To restore the colour of a faded bumper, there are several options. A temporary solution is to use a surface treatment product, such as Armor All, to wipe down the chalky surface and restore its colour. Another option is to use olive oil, which can be applied to a clean, dry plastic surface with a cloth. This method can restore the plastic's natural colour and shine. Alternatively, a heat gun can be used to heat the plastic and restore its lustre. However, caution should be exercised when using a heat gun, as it can warp or discolour nearby non-plastic items.
For a more permanent solution, a respray or paint job is required. This process involves primer, colour-matched paint, clear coating, and wet sanding. While it is more expensive, it produces excellent results.
It is worth noting that some car owners have experienced issues with colour matching when repairing or replacing bumpers. This is because bumpers are typically made of plastic, while body panels are metal, and the paint adheres differently to these materials. As a result, even factory-painted bumpers may not perfectly match the colour of the car body.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Subaru bumpers are made of plastic.
No, Subaru bumpers are sold unpainted.
Yes, you can paint your Subaru bumper, but it may be expensive and time-consuming. It is recommended to get bumpers painted professionally.
The paint on a Subaru bumper may look different from the rest of the car because bumpers are made of plastic, while body panels are made of metal. Paint adheres differently to these materials.
