When your car has cosmetic damage on it, you'll want to take it to an auto body shop in most situations to have it fixed. There are actually some forms of minor damage you should be able to fix on your own. This is true when it comes to bumper scratches, which can save you up to $200 when you fix it yourself. These tips can help you do it.

Inspect The Damage

Start by checking if there was any paint removed due to the scratch. If it looks like the paint is all still there, then the scratch only was made in the car's clear coat layer. This makes it easy to fix the scratch. If the paint has been removed, you'll need to paint the bumper.

Your biggest challenge with painting will be finding the correct color, since if the colors don't match, the new and old paint will be noticeable. Thankfully, the owner's manual may have the exact color of paint used for your car listed in it.

Wash Your Car's Bumper

Before you're able to start repairing the scratch, you'll need to clean the area using two cloths that are lint-free. One to wash the bumper, and another to dry it off.

Apply Rubbing Compound

You can apply some rubbing compound on another lint-free cloth and apply it to the scratch until it is gone. It helps to use a circular motion to buff out the scratch. Then use side-to-side rubbing motions to remove marks that the buffing left on the bumper. The area needs to dry for several minutes, which is so that the putty can harden. Then you can use some coarse sandpaper for sanding over the bumper again.

Use Masking Tape

If you are painting the bumper, now is the time to apply masking tape on the parts that you don't want paint to get onto. Then scuff the part of the bumper where paint is being applied, since the paint won't stick to your bumper otherwise.

Use Primer

Before you can paint, apply primer to the bumper. Let it dry, then repeat the process by adding two more coats of primer. Remove imperfections in the bumper with sandpaper.

Apply Paint

Apply the paint just like you applied the primer. Once you're satisfied with how it looks, you can remove the tape. If there's a noticeable line where the masking tape ended, use the rubbing compound to remove it.

For more information, contact Westside Fender/Body & Refinishing or a similar company.