Repair Procedures

Bumper Fascia Repair

Plastic material damage can be repaired by heat, plastic welding, or adhesive repair, depending on the type of material and extent of the damage. It may be necessary to use a combination of these methods to complete a repair. Each repair method is described in the procedures below.

Heating Repair Method





A jet heater, infrared lights, or dry oven can be used to heat a deformed fascia to its deformation temperature. At this temperature, the plastic becomes soft and the damaged area can be returned to its original shape. In some cases, a slight deformation may not return to its proper shape using heat.

Plastic Welding Repair (Polypropylene only)





^ If the fascia is cracked or torn, use a plastic welding tool to repair the damage. With this method, the welding rod is welded into the damaged area. The welding rod must be the same material as the damaged part. Check with your local body shop supply or refer to the attached Resource Guide for availability of suitable welding materials.

^ The welding repair method can be applied to thermoplastic materials but not to thermosetting plastics.

Adhesive Repair -- Polyurethane Fascia

If extensive reinforcing or patching from the back of the fascia is required, use the following procedure.

1. Scuff the back side with 180 grade abrasive.

2. Cut a glass cloth patch to cover repair area.

3. Mix a quantity of Flexible Parts Repair Material. Lay the glass cloth on a clean surface. Use a squeegee to press the Flexible Parts Repair into the glass cloth.

4. Apply glass cloth patch to the back side of the repair area
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5. Apply additional Flexible Parts Repair Material over surface of the glass cloth patch.

Fascia Surface Repair





1. Clean the repair area with soap and water. Remove grease and tar with solvent. Avoid solvent contact with plastic base material -- temporary swelling can occur.





2. Grind the repair surface with a 36 grit disc. Grind about 1_" around the actual damage to achieve a taper for best adhesion.





3. Featheredge the paint around the repair using an orbital sander with a 180 grit disc. Wipe with a clean dry rag and blow off with air.





4. Mix Flexible Parts Repair Material according to the manufacturer instructions and apply to the repair area with a squeegee, building it up higher than the undamaged area. Allow it to cure for 20-30 minutes at 60-80 ° F.





5.After curing, sand with 180 grit disc followed by a 240 grit disc.





6. Fill sand scratches and pinholes with Flexible Parts putty. Allow at least 15 minutes to dry. Sand with a 320 grit disc.





7. Apply a double wet coat of Flexible Parts Coating. After a 10 minute flash time, apply a second double coat. Let dry 45 minutes and lightly scuff sand the coating with a 320 grit disc. Apply color coats recommended for plastic body parts.

Adhesive Repair -- Polypropylene Fascia

If extensive reinforcing or patching from the back of the fascia is required, use the following procedure.

1. Scuff the back side with 180 grade abrasive. Apply polyolefin adhesion promoter.

2. Cut a glass cloth patch to cover repair area.

3. Mix a quantity of flexible parts repair material. Lay the glass cloth on a clean surface. Use a squeegee to press the flexible parts repair into the glass cloth.

4. Apply glass cloth patch to the back side of the repair area.

5. Apply additional flexible parts repair material over surface of the glass cloth patch.

Fascia Surface Repair





1. Clean the repair area with soap and water. Remove grease and tar with solvent. Avoid solvent contact with plastic base material--temporary swelling can occur.





2. Grind the repair surface with a 36 grit disc. Grind about 1-" around the actual damage to achieve a taper for best adhesion.





3. Featheredge the paint around the repair using an orbital sander with a 180 grit disc. Wipe with a clean dry rag and blow off with air.





4. Apply one wet coat of polyolefin adhesion promoter over the sanded surface and allow to dry for 10 minutes.

Important
You must reapply Polyolefin Adhesion Promoter after any sanding step.





5. Flexible parts repair material according to the manufacture instructions and apply to the repair area with a squeegee, building it up higher than the undamaged area. Allow it to cure for 20-30 minutes at 60-80°F

Important
Any damage that penetrates the adhesion promoter coating into the plastic substrate should be filled with flexible parts repair material and finish shaped / sanded to the desired shape using steps 5-10.

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6. After curing, sand with a 180 grit disc followed by a 240 grit disc.





7. Reapply polyolefin adhesion promoter and let dry.

8. Fill sand scratches and pinholes with a thin coat of flexible parts repair material. (Do Not Use Flexible Parts Putty.) After curing, sand with a 320 grit disc.

9. Reapply polyolefin adhesion promoter and let dry.





10. Apply a double wet coat of flexible parts coating. After a 10 minute flash time, apply a second double coat. Let dry for 45 minutes and lightly scuff sand the coating with a 320 grit disc. Apply color coats recommended for plastic body parts.