Expert: Dan Gardener - 2/8/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hello.  I've recently had the plastic (which I presume to be fibreglass) bumper (fender) on my car replaced, by a repairer, with a new one and spray painted.  I'm now replacing another exterior part of the car and want it in another colour.  Can I have the bumper re-painted in the same colour?  (IE spray painted over paint.)  Thanks.  Craig.

ANSWER: Hello Craig
First off tell what kind of car; year, make and model.
Thank you
Dan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, I didn't think it mattered, as it's a general question, and we're in different continents.  However, it's a Ford Falcon BF YT 2007 (Australian model, you can see an example at the address below).  The rear bumper skirts (two) are plastic, the side skirts are metal.  The lower rear skirt is the one recently added and painted.  The side skirts are the ones I'm getting added new (and to be painted).  Question is, can the plastic rear skirt be repainted and still look OK?  Thanks.  Craig

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=9686126&YearFromShort 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294966285 4294966463 4294933368 1651 1681&silo=1011&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=176&__sid=12902F25D4E2

Answer
Hello Craig
The information you provided gives me a good frame of reference. Yes, it is industry standard to paint a variety of sub-strates. We do it all the time. Be sure the shop uses primers which are compatible with these sub-strates.

By the way, color matching has nothing to do with the nature of the sub-strates.
Dan