Old timer's tip about filler shrinkage saved my bumper job today

I've been in the trade about 6 years now but a guy named Dave at the parts counter told me to always use a skim coat and let it shrink before sanding. He said "just trust me, come back in 20 minutes." I did exactly that on a 2018 Honda Fit rear bumper and the finish came out glass smooth. First time I didn't have to redo a repair because of pinholes or low spots... anyone else get advice from the old guys that actually works?

3 comments

3 Comments

robertb4723d ago

Didn't Brian just say the same thing but with primer?

brian32823d ago

It's funny how many tips like this just work but nobody teaches them in school. You kinda stumble onto them by accident or some old dude saves you years of trial and error. Same thing happened to me with drying times on primer. I used to rush it and always got cracking. Now I just wait longer than I think I need to. It's like the whole world runs on patience but nobody wants to admit it.

mila_brown1013d ago

The 2018 Honda Fit? Those bumpers are already thin plastic, I'd be terrified to even breathe near one with filler. I mean, 20 minutes for shrinkage? On a bumper? That sounds too good to be true honestly. Last time I tried a quick skim coat on a Kia Soul rear bumper I had to redo it twice because the flex agent kept making it sag. Maybe it's just me but I'd probably mess it up if I didn't wait like an hour just to be safe. Dave sounds like a wizard or something.