No idea how to prep aftermarket bumper.
 

Long story short someone did a hit and run and ruined my front bumper, I saw this as a good excuse to buy the APR Performance front bumper with an incorporated front lip that I've been eyeing. Took about a month and a half but I finally have it and can't wait to have it ready to be installed. Im not going to paint the bumper because I'm about to wrap the car myself and read that it is possible to wrap an unpainted bumper as long as it is prepped correctly.

So I basically have zero knowledge on how to prep it but still want to do it myself. I enjoy learning how to work on my car and have done all my other mods myself, learning a bunch of stuff along the way. Not too mention saving a pretty penny.

Nonetheless I've conducted my research and still am not 100% confident in the process I am thinking of doing. With the amount of knowledgeable people here on the forums I figured I'd try and get some assistance here. If someone could outline what they would do to prep it, what to watch out for, common mistakes, etc.

The front bumper is made of fiberglass and came white so im guessing it already has primer?

Preparing is nothing more than making sure the parts are clean and contaminate free.
Meaning just like in painting you don't want to have dust on the surface.

Simple as that.

As for wrapping an unpainted bumper, I don't know. If the primer I smooth enough and the wrap is thick enough it could be done. Unless it turns out like orange peel surface.

But that is something I would talk to a pro about.

@BEZO760 , you are damn lucky you don't have to junk your car and buy a civic from Mr.ac - :eyebulge:

Mr.ac, this is one of your more informative posts - :thumbsup:


humfrz

Try and reach out to a local wrap shop and ask for advice. No shortage of those in Cali.

:popcorn:


Wrapping is tricky! I have wrapped a few things. After wrapping a few small things I learned:

1) I would NEVER attempt a whole car myself.

2) Paint is stronger, more UV resistant, and just better all around.


Good luck!

The front end looks like a shark poking out of the cardboard box.. should look nice painted up...

@lextrueno just wrapped his car. I'm sure he'd love to talk you out of doing it. :bellyroll:

https://www.ft86club.com/forums/show...t=95081&page=6

Is it primer or Gelcoat??

I'd imagine it is gel coat. I would want to wipe it down with prep all to make sure there is no mold release on it before wrapping or painting.

I have taken up wrapping as my new found hobby. I have a bare front bumper I am planning on wrapping as well. I will be paying someone to prep and paint it before wrap. It is POSSIBLE to wrap an unfinished bumper but it sticks much better to paint. And a front bumper isn't a place to take chances on the wrap sticking due to the abuse it takes.

FYI most wrap shops wont warranty wrap on unfinished surfaces. This counts primed surfaces.

dont let people talk you out of it. im sure youre capable of wraping. you can wet sand it if the surface is harsh, but if its a genuine apr, im sure its great already. just clean w 70% isopropyl alcohol thats it. you can do it dude
he does the bumper at around min 8
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po_--PgbH1I&t=103s"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po_--PgbH1I&t=103s[/ame]

Came here to post this video. Going to try that heat process myself. Thanks!