Advice – buff or repaint?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,281
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From: Pittsburgh PA
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Advice – buff or repaint?
My 06 black Vette was rear-ended the other day. Nothing serious, but the rear lower bumper cover is scratched, some in the clearcoat and some into the paint beneath. My local body shop, which has done some Vettes in the area, suggested buffing it as well as possible and then seeing if it’s good enough. Their concern is that a repaint won’t be as flexible as the factory paint so there could be adhesion problems in the future, especially if it’s ever bumped.
Does this make sense? I’m sure it will still be visible after buffing, but probably not unless you’re looking for it. The other person’s insurance will be paying, so money isn’t the issue, but I don’t want to create more problems by having it taken apart and repainted.
Does this make sense? I’m sure it will still be visible after buffing, but probably not unless you’re looking for it. The other person’s insurance will be paying, so money isn’t the issue, but I don’t want to create more problems by having it taken apart and repainted.
Le Mans Master<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/5k-6k.gif" border="0">
Joined: May 2007
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Not so much. Flex additives usually make this a non-issue. I think the idea of buffing it out first is good, but I'd get a second opinion.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 3
From: Austin, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Houston, Dallas, Hong Kong, Elgin, etc.. Texas
My 06 black Vette was rear-ended the other day. Nothing serious, but the rear lower bumper cover is scratched, some in the clearcoat and some into the paint beneath. My local body shop, which has done some Vettes in the area, suggested buffing it as well as possible and then seeing if it’s good enough. Their concern is that a repaint won’t be as flexible as the factory paint so there could be adhesion problems in the future, especially if it’s ever bumped.
Does this make sense? I’m sure it will still be visible after buffing, but probably not unless you’re looking for it. The other person’s insurance will be paying, so money isn’t the issue, but I don’t want to create more problems by having it taken apart and repainted.
Does this make sense? I’m sure it will still be visible after buffing, but probably not unless you’re looking for it. The other person’s insurance will be paying, so money isn’t the issue, but I don’t want to create more problems by having it taken apart and repainted.
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 585
Likes: 0
From: Ocean County NJ
I used to own and operate a detailing facility which I sold to attend professional school. I still detail cars regularly - it is my therapy. That being said, I would have to see the damage before I would comment.
As your body man told you, the damage will still be visible even after the buff out. If what he says is true, I would find a damn good body shop and let them reshoot it. I would not be happy with a buffed out scuff if it was my car.
A good repaint will be virtually unnoticeable and as good, if not better, than the original.
As your body man told you, the damage will still be visible even after the buff out. If what he says is true, I would find a damn good body shop and let them reshoot it. I would not be happy with a buffed out scuff if it was my car.
A good repaint will be virtually unnoticeable and as good, if not better, than the original.
Last edited by 07 Z51; Nov 4, 2008 at 07:09 PM. Reason: typos - I can be a moron at times
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,563
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From: Dallas Tx
They should try wet sanding and buffing. If that doesn't take it out, then it needs to be refinished. To make paint flexible, all you do is add a flex agent. That has been a common industry practice for decades, no reason for them to say it won't be flexible enough. Flexible bumpers have been around 30 + years and get refinished every day.
