Peeling Lacquer On Bumper

[Gleese76]

Hi. I bought a C1 last week and the lacquer is peeling from the front and back bumpers. Is this common?? If so anyone know what I have to do please.

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

Our 2003 C3 had laquer peeling off the back bumper but I left it and would vacuum off the loose bits since the colour was not affected and the plastic bumper would not rust away. I did touch up some parking marks on the front bumper using spray paint (primer, colour, laquer) from a car accessory shop and got good results.

 

If you want to do a quick fix, use a laquer spray from a car accessory shop after removing the loose bits, very gently rub the area down with something like 800 grit emery paper, being careful not to remove any of the colour layer, wipe the area with white spirit to remove any grease using a lint free rag or tissue, mask off the car areas not being sprayed to keep off over spray, to avoid a ridge of paint the masking tape should have the painted area edge folded back under itself, then give the area about 3 or 4 coats of laquer, remove the masking about 1 hour after. This will probably last a few years before it starts to peel again. If you need to spray metallic colour, the resulting shade depends on how much is applied at each coat - a thin quick drying coat will be lighter but a thicker coat will be darker but risks paint runs.

 

To do a proper job really needs the full bumper sanding down then using primer, colour coat and then laquer but this takes time and will cost a lot more and if paying a bodyshop it could be several £100. Another option would be replacement bumpers from a scrap dealer but these could still have paint damage. There probably are video clips on the internet that show you how to spray a car.

[Gleese76]

Thanks a lot for your advice. I'll give it a go.

 

Sarah

[paul.h]

When using emery paper, it is normal to use it wet and maybe with a sanding block - so I usually keep dipping it in a bucket of water.

[Gleese76]

Thanks. I'll have a look on you tube for some help. I've just never had a car that the laquer peels off. Is this common with Citroens??

[paul.h]

On our C3 the paint layer under the laquer was not smooth and then I suspect it had been caught and damaged. Once the laquer is damaged rain can get underneath and then it just starts lifting and spreading. I had it previously on a Saab. It can also be caused by poor painting when new.

 

Whether it is common on Citroens, we will have to see if anyone else replies.