I have a front bumper cover to replace the aftermarket one I have now. My question is....should I paint it before or after I install it? I figure its easier ti prep/primer it while its off, but I dont want to mess up the paint while installing it. Suggestions? Thanks

 

if you are looking for a really good paint match, it ought to be on the car when you paint it. That way you can get some color ( base coat) on the adjacent part then clear over them. Now if your car is black or red, you might be able to get a good paint match with the part painted OFF the car.........allot less masking......if it's a metallic paint of any color, it will need to be on the car for painting, otherwise the match will be bad.........what color is it?

 

Dark bright teal metallic.....I was gonna change the color but this color does look nice when it's done right....plus they're arent many around here that I know of

 

yeah it's gonna need to be blended to make it look right..........gawd i love my simple RED car.........i can touch up anywhere and it always looks good!

 

I know....I had a red one once

 

mines green...

 

Something to keep in mind is, if you paint it OFF the car, you may need a flex additive depending on what paint you go with, feel free to call PPG and HOK tech lines, they are more than happy to help, but dont brag on the phone about being a do-it-your-self painter if you do call them (not saying you are, but just a general suggestion) as they are really lines for auto-shops. If you paint the bumper off the car, you may crack the paint putting it back on the bumper. Paint that is harder/tougher for damage resistance from impact will crack easier when bent or twisted. It is just the nature of the beast.
Personally, I'm still trying to figure out my problem, I think there is still some plastic bumper stripper that soaked into it and slowly leached into my paint job and is blistering my paint. PITA, especially after using the right plastic prep for adhesion, some flex additive just in case and being very considerate of paint prep and mixing and spray patterns, even used an air evaporater to reduce humidity and an oil seperator *sigh*

Just make sure you get the right info before you paint it, dont trust 100% the people who actually sell you the paint as far as technique goes, talk to some actual painters around you as they are usually happy to give tips imo.

Like the other guys said, it is best to paint it on the car for blending purposes, HOK has some sweet blending clear to blend over from part to part. Good luck, pictures after done please