I own a 2005 H2 and would like to paint the bumpers to match the body color. I have been told by my local body shop that they can do it, but that the paint can and will chip off easily. Anyone know if this is true? or what the best method is to paint them.

I own a 2005 H2 and would like to paint the bumpers to match the body color. I have been told by my local body shop that they can do it, but that the paint can and will chip off easily. Anyone know if this is true? or what the best method is to paint them.

It will flake so bad you"ll cry

The dealership where I frequent always have several units with all the black plastic trims painted. I looked at them very closely and it appears that whoever painted them had sanded down the pebble finish. Assuming the paint guy preps the pieces properly and use the correct formula so that the primer & paint acctually bond well to the flexible plastic, isn't this just like the paint on ABS?

NOPE!

It's quite different from ABS in that it is quite flexible. There are special flexing agents which you can add to most automobile paints. You can buy paints with flexing agents already in them. It is the same formulation they use to paint the flexible wheel well flares. No guarantees, but it's your best shot at minimizing chipping and prologing good looks.

Found this (cubby's rig) here

krylon "fusion" paint, bonds to plastic with a molecular transformation.

they sell smooth bumpers front and rear,ive seen them on ebay and on a truck at the dealer.i think there fiberglass? the bumpers are also one piece and the rear has h2 molded into the side of it.im sure with the proper prep the factory bumpers will hold up though.

Look into Polyamide Epoxy. It's a 2-part system but very flexible and strong. Don't know much about color matching though.

Another could be the Gel Coat paint they use for boats. This stuff is pricey but it's used for most fiberglass boat hulls. Quite flexible too. Good for color matching.

Re: Can I paint the plastic bumpers?
 

Anyone else have input on how painting this plastic holds up? I am so tired of looking at all my grey/nearly white bumpers!! :(

Re: Can I paint the plastic bumpers?
 

Re: Can I paint the plastic bumpers?
 

The parts can be painted if done the right way. Mine have been done for about 2 yrs and 65000 mile and have less chips than my hood.

Re: Can I paint the plastic bumpers?
 

If you guys recall the old 1980-1983 Toyota SR5 4.4 trucks they had the rear fender wells painted and they were a very flexible fender piece, When Imron paint came out so did the Flex Additive product and they never cracked and they were super flexy and then some.

Talk to Lanzini Painting in Huntington Beach and ask him what he thinks, Hes a cool guy, you will find him and his work on Fooses show, overhaulin.

http://www.lanzinibodyworks.com/

Re: Can I paint the plastic bumpers?
 

Wow. Back from the dead.

Just as most have said. Plastics can be painted if the proper bonding agents are used, in addition to the flex additive. Primer doesn't like to stick to plastic if it's not prepped correctly. Especially if it's seen Armor All!

Re: Can I paint the plastic bumpers?
 

I know a dealer here in town does the color-tinted Rhinolining on a ton of trucks. I don't know how it holds up, but it looks good.

Stacy