Bumper Repaint Match - Acceptable?

So our 2023 4Runner with less than 5k miles on it was in a very low impact (1mph) crunch that required the rear bumper to be repaired and repainted. I am conflicted, as in the sun it looks phenomenal, but in the shade it looks a bit off I think. I’ve attached some photos to show what I mean. Is this acceptable, or would you have them re-do it? I’d really prefer not to blend the quarter panels if I can help it. The last 2 photos with 20” stock wheels and is the original paint.

 

I would have it redone. It’s definitely off.

 

I feel like it’s one of those things where it’s only noticeable if you’re looking for it.

would getting it redone cost you anything? If not, might as well have them redo it. But if it sets you back at all, I wouldn’t worry about it.

 

No, just our time and inconvenience of not having the vehicle for another week. I also don’t really like the idea of them possibly making it worse or causing unintentional damage as well. The shop is willing to repaint it for us, so now it’s just decision time on whether we want to proceed.

 

Yeah, I mean, only you know how much of an inconvenience it would be. Personally, if it wouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience, I’d have them redo it. If you don’t, you’ll probably be bothered by it every time you go out to your car.

 

It is way off and should be redone. It's one of those things that you see on your car and then cannot unsee it every time.
If you can deal with the inconvenience, get it done.

 

I wouldn't have noticed it if you had not mentioned it.

 

It is noticeable to me, and I am not even professional. You will be dinged for this on the trade in if you go that way.

 

Many people here are like “it’s way off” - and I don’t think that’s true at all. Seems pretty good to me. When you re do it, what are you hoping the outcome will be? You’re gonna paint the damn thing 10 times. By the time they get the color right the surface is gonna be so obvious that it’s been painted over and over again.

I don’t see anything wrong with it. Some photos it may look “off” but that’s true or almost any bumper out of the factory if you want to look at it that closely.

In fact, in your first and second photo lighting affects even more dramatically your rear windows / quarter panel area greatly mismatching the top of your trunk lid.

 

I think the idea of going through insurance to bring it back to factory-like conditions is my expectation. Maybe that expectation is too high given it won’t ever be able to sprayed in factory conditions and the OEM paint.

 

Understandable. But from you photos I personally don’t see anything wrong. You should walk a Toyota lot with new 4Runners. Or better yet, stare at your front bumper and fenders in different conditions. Guaranteed you’ll find a difference too. If you don’t find a difference at all, and you easily see something off in the rear bumper. Then redo.

 

Good point, I literally did just that this evening haha. Photos from within the same minute and orientation of the vehicle, so same lighting conditions. I know bumpers will always be slightly off. Comparing the two, I’m just wondering if it might be a bit more off than it should be. I will say the right side of the rear bumper that was only cleared over looks closer to the front bumper. The driver side (repainted) is maybe a shade or two lighter I think? That said, I know 1g3 paint is incredibly difficult to match, so trying to keep my expectations in check as well, hence the post of this.

 

on this particular photo, the rear does look more off than it should. Yes.

 

I had my rear bumper repainted as well. We took the spray out card out to the car and it looked like an exact match. So he took the bumper off, painted it, put it on and it was off to the exact degree yours is. Turns out there are two different variants for Lunar Rock. Mine is the other one. That could be the case with yours. Silvers and Grays do tend to be the hardest colors to match, but I would at least look into that.

 

yup, I’m conflicted. I’ll most likely have them re do it.

 

Good to know! I’ve heard there are over 30 variants for MGM lol.

 

As a retired auto appraiser employed by several large carriers over the years, handling thousands of auto claims, it was very rare that blending from a bumper cover into adjacent panels were approved. There is always some degree of color variation, or appearance of it in different lighting because the panels are made of different materials. Go to a new car lot and look at similar vehicles and you will see subtle variations on most cars. I have had my own vehicle claims turn to crap via slight color mis-matching and can remember thinking; should left it the way it was the first time. Shop got over spray all-over my car, ruined expensive mldgs and trim. Good painters are a asset to any collision shop, and are paid very well. Too bad not many young Americans are going into the auto repair trade these days, and their even fewer trade schools that teach the skills required.

 

It’s the prep work that messes it up and the way they spray it. They may have color matched the paint perfectly in the bottle and didn’t apply it properly. It’s quite tricky.

 

Thanks for the insight! So I take it your recommendation would be to leave it as is?

 

Ok it’s going back for sure, I might see if I can get another shop to do the work. Just found a 5” run in the paint.

 

Maybe Mgm is a tough color to match correctly?

 

Hey OP,

even before seeing the paint run, I would say have it redone...the paint run makes even more proof it should go back

that's a great looking truck, and you've already noticed it...you can't unsee it and it will only bother you more as time goes on

And when you trade it in, you know the dealer is going to notice the difference

good luck