6 Best Paints For Bumpers (Plastic & Metal – 2023 Reviews)

The car's bumper is the structure that's attached to the front and rear of your vehicle, designed to absorb any impact. However, over time, these bumpers can look worn and scratched, requiring a touch-up bumper paint job.

With the best paint for plastic car bumper, you can make your vehicle look like new again. There are a plethora of painting options for auto parts. However, some of them are suitable for plastic components such as bumpers.

We review the top spray paint for plastic car bumpers.

Quick Guide - Our Top Picks

Best For Plastic Bumpers
  • Any-angle spray tech
  • 12oz
Highly Rated Black Option
  • Flexible BUMPER COATER
  • 16oz

6 Best Paints for Bumpers Reviewed

1. Rust-Oleum 251574 - Best Spray Paint For Metal Bumper

On Sale Today
Rust-Oleum Black BlackRust-Oleum Automotive...
  • Ideal for renewing the look of metal trim,...
  • Contains Stops Rust formula to prevent and...
  • Dries to the touch in 20 minutes and covers...
  • Creates a matte finish that resists...

Finish

Matte

Dry Time

1 hr.

Coverage

15 sq. ft.

Can Size

11 oz.

The best spray paint for bumpers made from metal is from Rustoleum. This premium 11-ounce can of paint will cover up to 15 square feet, so you might only need two cans to do both the front and rear bumper.

As a high-quality trim paint and bumper paint, you can use this on any automotive metal. Not only does it provide a sleek matte black appearance, but it also protects the metal.

If your bumpers or moldings are discolored or weathered, you can quickly upgrade the look. Plus, applying this spray is simple with the any-angle technology.

You don't even need to be a professional to make it look like your car just came from the auto body shop.

As a top choice, you would expect this automotive spray paint to cost a fortune, but it's quite reasonable. That's just one more reason we placed it at the top of our list.


2. Rustoleum Automotive 248649 - Best Spray Paint For Plastic Bumpers

Rust-Oleum Black Automotive 248649 12-Ounce...
  • For use on automotive plastics,...
  • Specialized formula adheres to difficult to...
  • Dries to the touch in 20 minutes and covers...
  • Indoor/outdoor spray requires no priming...

Finish

Gloss

Dry Time

24 hr.

Coverage

14 sq. ft.

Can Size

12 oz.

We also have a Rustoleum automotive paint for painting plastic bumpers to consider. Not only can these be used on your plastic car bumper, but also all automotive plastics.

This gloss black bumper paint will restore and renew the plastic bumpers to make it look new. It comes with the same any-angle technology and a comfort tip, just like the last option. With this design, the application is easy and ends up looking quite professional.

Because it offers many purposes, you can use the leftover bumper paint on a number of surfaces instead of plastic surfaces. It's designed for indoor and outdoor use, allowing you to apply paint to fiberglass, PVC, acrylic resin, polypropylene, and polystyrene as well as automotive plastic bumper.

As a 12-ounce product, you can expect to paint both bumpers with just a couple of cans, allowing you to keep the cost down. However, every penny spent on Rustoleum is well worth the expense, as seen by the rave customer reviews.


3. SEM 39103 Flexible Bumper Coater

SEM 39103 Black Original Flexible Bumper...
  • Manufacturer: SEM
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 39103

Finish

Flexible

Dry Time

48 hr.

Coverage

10 sq. ft.

Can Size

12 oz.

If you want a black paint for chrome bumpers, you might consider this flexible coating and durable coating from SEM instead. It's rated as a top black paint for painting plastic bumpers, helping to restore the OEM finish that you had when you drove off the dealership lot.

This can is easy to use and comes complete with simple instructions right on the can. However, the different finish will only cover ten square feet, so you might require some additional product.

The current customers have over-to-the-top things to say about this product, further proving it is one of the best spray paints for your bumper cover. However, you can't expect this formula to dry like a typical automotive spray paint.

In fact, it might take up to 48 hours until it is completely hardened, while still providing a flexible look and feel. Use any leftover product on plastic claddings to provide even more protection. 


4. SEM 39853 - Best Textured Spray Paint For Bumpers

SEM 39853 Black Texture Coating Spray Aerosol...
  • Manufacturer: SEM
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 39853
  • Item Type: Single Item

Finish

Textured

Dry Time

1 hr.

Coverage

Varies

Can Size

16 oz.

If you are looking for the best textured paint for plastic bumpers, SEM has an option for this as well. The Texture Coating offers a proprietary blend of flexible materials, ideal for renewing the textured finish on most automotive bumpers.

However, it is also useful for dashes, fiberglass tops, as well as additional plastic parts. You will notice that this unique formula does cost more than the gloss and matte finish listed above.

It's unclear how many square feet this 16-ounce can will cover, but it's expected that about two should cover most bumpers.

The customer reviews suggest that this is a top choice among textured options. It should also dry completely within about an hour, offering a quick solution if you want to get back on the road.

There aren't many textured products that come with as much praise as this can does, which is why we believe it's worth paying more for.


5. Rust-Oleum Automotive 251572 - Best Primer For Bumpers

On Sale Today
Rust-Oleum 251572 Automotive Adhesion...
  • Bonds topcoats to vinyl, plastic, fiberglass...
  • Works on surfaces such as automotive...
  • Dries to the touch in 10 minutes and covers...
  • Ideal for both interior and exterior use

Finish

Primer

Dry Time

1 hr.

Coverage

10-12 sq. ft.

Can Size

11 oz.

If you want to create a quality paint finish on your bumper, it helps to start with the best primer. We had to choose this primer from Rustoleum based solely on performance alone.

Apply adhesion promoter. The adhesion promoter works well on vinyl, fiberglass, plastic bumper, and more. You can use this primer on your bumper, and also trim, automotive plastics, plus a variety of other plastic surfaces.

As with some other Rustoleum sprays, this option has an advanced design that allows you to use the can at any angle.

Plus, it has a comfort spray tip combined with a wider finger pad for optimal coverage of the plastic bumper. Expect one can to cover between 10 and 12 square feet, and it should dry within one hour. 

You might not be a professional auto painter, but you surely can complete your plastic bumper paint jobs like one, especially when you use the best primer before applying your chosen spray paint color on plastic bumper. 

This paint is formulated with a tough resin base that resists cracking, chipping, and peeling even in extreme weather conditions such as rain or snow.


6. Dupli-Color ECS101007 - Best Chrome Spray Paint For Bumpers

Dupli-Color ECS101007 Chrome Instant Enamel...
  • Package Dimensions: 6.35 H x 19.812 L x 6.35...
  • Fit type: Universal
  • Package Weight: 0.249 kilograms
  • Country of Origin : United States

Finish

High-Gloss

Dry Time

1 hr.

Coverage

12-14 sq. ft.

Can Size

11 oz.

If you want your car to stand out, you should look for the best chrome paint for bumpers. Of course, Dupli Color trim offers a durable and sleek option. This automotive spray provides that brilliant metallic finish you are searching for.

You can use it on the bumper, and also your grille or as a trim paint. The instant enamel dries to the touch in just a few minutes, plus it can be handled in an hour. However, some customers found it took a little longer.

The 11-ounce spray is durable and dries with a high-gloss finish. There is also a Gold-colored option if you are looking for something even flashier.

Expect to bumper cover between 12 and 14 square feet with one can, so it's probably best to purchase at least two.

While that might lead to a higher bill than some other options, you can't really get this chrome finish for less. Of course, paying for a professional bumper paint job will cost far more.


Bumper Paints Compared

Image

Model

Dry Time

Finish

Can Size

Check Price

Rust-Oleum Black BlackRust-Oleum Automotive...

Rust-Oleum 251574

1 hr

Matte

11 oz

Rust-Oleum Black Automotive 248649 12-Ounce...

Rust-Oleum Automotive 248649

24 hrs

Gloss

12 oz

SEM 39103 Black Original Flexible Bumper...

SEM 39103 Flexible Bumper Coater

48 hrs

Flexible

12 oz

SEM 39853 Black Texture Coating Spray Aerosol...

SEM 39853 Texture Coating Aerosol

1 hr

Textured

16 oz

Rust-Oleum 251572 Automotive Adhesion...

Rust-Oleum Automotive 251572

1 hr

Primer

11 oz

Dupli-Color ECS101007 Chrome Instant Enamel...

Dupli-Color ECS101007

1 hr

High-Gloss

11 oz

How to Choose the Right Paint for Your Car Bumper

Finish and Durability

You will require a different option if you want the best bumper paint for metal bumpers versus plastic bumpers.

That's why it's important to look at the overall finish the product offers.

Additionally, you want a spray that's going to be durable and long-lasting. Otherwise, you will have wasted your time.

Color Match

You can't merely choose any touch-up paint for plastic bumpers. It must match the color of your automotive paint job.

Otherwise, your car is going to look a little strange with two different hues on it.

Most paint manufacturers make it easy to find the appropriate car paint code for a perfect match.

Drying Time

The last thing you want to do is paint your bumper and then wait several days before you can drive again.

Instead, look for a product with a fast drying time so that you can move on with your life.

Most have a drying time of less than 24 hours, although some work even faster than that.

Ease of Use

Are you a professional automotive painter? Probably not. However, you can still want to paint your car like a pro without advanced expertise.

Just look for a product that applies evenly and is easy to use. Read through the customer reviews to get a feel for what other people thought about the application.

Size and Coverage

Don't let the size of the can fool you. Some of the smallest cans cover more ground than the larger options.

Instead of simply buying the largest can on the market, do a little research to see how many square feet it will cover instead.

You will probably need to add a few coats for a bumper, so keep that in mind.

Brand Trust

You might be tempted to save some money on a cheap, no-name brand, but that's not wise.

Instead, spend a little extra and go with trusted brands, such as Rustoleum, Dupli-Color, and SEM. 

With these companies, you know exactly what you are going to get and have someone to contact if something's not right.


DIY Advice For Painting Your Car Bumper

The automotive bumper takes a lot of abuse, even if you are careful. Over the years, it will start to look worn-out with scratches, dings, and UV damage that causes oxidation of the paint.

To keep the car looking its best, you want the bumper to be in like-new condition, especially if you plan to sell it soon. With the best paint for plastic car bumpers or plastic surfaces, you can increase the value and reduce the eyesores.

Painting a bumper requires the best automotive paint and the right steps. Here are the basic instructions for painting your plastic car bumper.

  1. 1
    Prep the bumper. Mark off any areas you don't want to be painted. You can also use a pressure washer to clean off all the debris first.
  2. 2
    Wet sand or lightly sand your bumper with 600 grit sandpaper using alternating directions.
  3. 3
    Wipe the bumper down, ensuring that it is completely dry.
  4. 4
    Use a spray can or automotive paint gun to apply the covering to your bumper.
  5. 5
    Wet sand or lightly sand imperfections with a 1500-grit sandpaper. Wipe it down again.
  6. 6
    Repeat the painting and drying process another one or two times, until you get the coverage desired.
  7. 7
    Add a clear coat to protect the paint.
  8. 8
    Allow the clear coat to dry completely before driving.

The high-quality formula of this paint fluid ensures it will be resistant to fading or peeling and lasts for years with minimal maintenance.

Lightly sand with an electric sander or fine grain sandpaper the part that you want to paint.

After you have removed everything you can by hand, use a paint thinner and a soft cloth to remove any remaining residue. Here's a helpful YouTube video if you need more instruction.

Bumper Painting FAQs

Do plastic bumpers need a primer?

Yes, it's recommended to use a primer before painting a plastic bumper to help the paint adhere and prevent cracking or peeling. Use a primer designed for plastic surfaces.


How many cans does it take to paint a bumper?

If you are doing two to three coats, you will likely need at least a couple of cans of spray paint to do the bumper. It will depend on the size of the bumper, though. Most cans tell you how many square feet can be covered.


What’s better, wrap or paint?

If the bumper is extremely damaged,  then vinyl wrap is better choice. If you only have minor scratches or dents to cover, the paint might be better. 


Can I wrap an unpainted bumper?

Yes, you can wrap an unpainted bumber. Vinyl works great on unpainted plastics, non-metals, and ABS. 


Can you wrap black plastic bumpers?

Yes! Because it is a plastic bumper, you shouldn't have any trouble adhering a wrap to it. 


Conclusion

What is the best paint for bumpers? If you have a metal bumper, you will need a special rust formula like that found with the Rust-Oleum 251574 Black Automotive Spray Paint.

It is a top-of-the-line, professional-grade, black automotive primer and sealant with excellent rust inhibiting properties. Add this matte black bumper paint for a sleek look.