Paint match after accident

I agree it is thick now. So, is sanding properly not an option or does it just mess with the three stage process not starting from scratch?
I hate to let them win when I pay insurance for 30 years but if its not right again I found prepainted oem shipped for around 1000$. https://www.paintedoemparts.com/pro...-toyota-4runner-rear-bumper-cover-genuine-oem

Could this be a viable option just to stop this headache. Time being more valuable than money at this point.

 

Two points here. First, nobody will ever be able to evenly sand down that bumper cover - especially in the tight areas. A new cover is the only proper way to start. Isn't that what you paid the shop for in the first place? The fact that they've screwed it up beyond repair is not your fault.

Second, if you go with one of those pre-painted bumper covers, you'll also be getting an aftermarket bumper cover underneath. I don't know about you, but I always insist on collision repair parts being exactly what came with the vehicle from the factory. That would only be Toyota OE parts. Anybody who tells you that the aftermarket crap - even the CAPA Certified stuff - is the same is lying.

Full Disclosure: I deliver parts for a large dealer group including 2 Toyota dealerships. I deliver OE parts all day long to collision shops. They hate aftermarket parts because of the fitment issues but have to use them in some cases because certain insurance companies will not pay for OE.

 

Sand blasting will get every crevasse. But it will still never match perfectly because the old paint will never match the new. That's why good body shops will feather the paint from the bumper forward.

 

You can't sand blast plastic.

 

Don’t go the pre-painted route, unless you want a bigger headache.

I would insist that you want to use another shop of your choice that may or may not be on the insurance carrier’s list. Also, insist that they start over with a new bumper. This may result in the insurance company cutting you a check to take care of it on your own.

Sanding down plastic isn’t always going to turn out like you picture it. If the prep wasn’t done properly in the first place, any additional layers of paint will succumb to the poorly prepped layers underneath. The problem with plastic, is you can’t sand blast it, you can’t used overly abrasive pads, and you can’t chemically remove the paint without damaging the plastic.

In all honesty, you could’ve painted the bumper in your garage with auto paint in cans and done a better job. The number one key to a good paint job is proper prep.

 

Blindly without caution i agree. But...

 

Ok, I'll agree with you there - sort of. Most folks (shops included) will turn the average bumper cover into a screen door while attempting to sand blast it. I can only imagine what the shop that's destroyed the OP's bumper cover could do based on the talent level they've displayed so far.

 

Just closing this thread out with final update. Thanks for all the knowledge here. After the fourth time and two new bumpers, (thanks (Too Stroked) they finally matched the color correctly. Is it perfect? NO!. Now there's a run noticeable in some light and was put on wet with a little paint transfered to the tail lights I was able to remove which disturbed the edges of paint on the bumper. I can live with it. If the deductible is cashed I might leave a review but will just forget them until then. Lesson learned. Choose a reputable shop and get in line and wait.

 

While we appreciate the follow up, technically we would all like to see PICS!

 

Yes please. We are all emotionally invested in it too.

 

Good call. Just a quickie. I do need to take some better ones and enjoy it now. Looking at new suspension Eiabach if XREAS ever fails.


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