So I got a nice scrape on my bumper in a parking lot, guy didn't stick around and insurance are being expletive deleted so I think I might try to fix it myself, because quite frankly I don't have the $100s it will take at a body shop. The whole thing is about 2-3 inches tall and an inch long, there are some pretty deep gouges in there, too. Anyone want to let me know how hard this will be? Am I really in over my head? Again I simply don't have $400-$500 that body shop wants so unfortunately that's not an option.

Here's a pic:

 

Looks familiar! xD

 

Misery loves company...

 

A temporary fix maybe to use some of that stuff called color back... (Its a new finish product).. sorta like a wax with color in it..It isn't a perfect fix..But probably better than what you have now. With enuff applications you will see a noticeable improvement.

Or, with any luck check out the local boneyards for a bumper cover of the same color..(Might get lucky)... Worse case scenario... You find one of a different color and paint it with a rattlecan? Painter supply can color match from the paint color code of your vehicle and put it in a rattle can. (I have done it)... and you cant evevn tell that it was ever there... With the proper sanding, primeing, painting, wet sanding and clearing and wet sanding polish and waxing ...It'll shine and look brand new... It takes time and patients... You have all seen the rust repair on my 5th gen that my stepson did ... Its invisible! Good luck and take lots of pics of the process to show ev1 whats possible.
Thanks!

 

I have a putty over the scrape on my bumper and It looks like crap. Exactly like Josh's scrape. Im waiting for tax time and I'll have it done up right. In the mean time it doesnt really look any better to do patch work.

 

Patch work is definitely an art form...Not everyone can do it correctly...
However, My stepson..He's got mad skills.

 

Can your nephew come touch up this? haha

Its hard to see it in this picture but its a terrible patch job.

 

Honestly, in this case, I would just use paint to build the surface back up. It doesn't look deep enough to mess around with filler.

First, sand the area to remove rough edges, plastic strands, etc. then see how much of the light-moderate surface scratches you can buff out with medium-fine rubbing compound. Then, come back with touch-up paint and a small artist brush to fill in the remaining scratches and build-up the gouged areas; this will take multiple applications and drying to get the paint built up correctly. Once the paint is built up to where you're happy with it, do a fine wet sand to get everything smooth then come in and do a final buff/polish to bring the shine back.

I've done this method before and it works very well.

 

He's definitely has Mad skills and I'm sure he could!..
He's already done some work for others here on the forum.
If you happen to move to Michigan... Come look me up!

 

Thanks guys for the replies! Any suggestions on brands of touch up paint?