Hairline clear coat cracks: Detail, repaint, or replace?
 

Someone backed gently into my car recently. I say “gently” because the damage is not immediately apparent, and even when it is, only at certain angles. There are superfine cracks on the nose and around the headlight recesses as shown in the photos. Is this something that will “buff out”, is it better to get a respray, or should I buy a new (or nice used) front bumper?

Very, very difficult to photograph these. Here are pics of the bumper: looking great, damage at the headlight, and damage on the nose.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...574439bc1a.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b8035e7eea.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...697182e3d6.jpg


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So with paint I would always suggest with starting off buffing it. Cheapest way to see if it actually removes the scratches. Are the scratches deep? If you run your fingernail across would your nail catch inside the scratch? Also does the scratch look white or just in the clear? If the scratch doesn't look white or your nail doesn't catch too bad it'll buff out.Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Take off the bumper and look at your crash bar and see if its not damaged. That's the most important issue.

Yes. Good point. I’ll deal with that separately.


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Finally got a better pic. From your description, I’m hopeful (at least as far as the paint’s concerned)



https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c4b1271e66.jpg


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Just realized I posted this in the wrong place.

:bonk:

You are not going to be able to buff that out unfortunately.

As they say "that will buff out".


:thumbsup:


humfrz

Yeah you should get away with buffing that. It almost looks like there was no flex additive added into the clear coat as it was sprayed (which prevents the clear from cracking)Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

i don't know why people are saying cracked paint is going to buff out, that needs to be repainted and you should def check out under the cover for other damages.

Because it's not the paint that is cracked. Looks to be only the clear coat.Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Looks to me like it will have to be repainted. Only way to find out is to try buffing it.

The crash bar is designed to take 5 MPH forces without damage. The paint is hardly cracked so the crash bar will be fine.

This ^

This ^ Except the part about the bar.
The cracks are from the plastic being compressed and deformed. The paint underneath will be damaged as much as the clear coat. It is not just a surface condition.

Tcoat has it.
The paint and clearcoat were over flexed and the coatings were cracked. These cracks will go down to the plastic underneath. If "they" are paying then a complete sand and repaint is in order. If it is on you, you might try to live with it as it is not too bad. It will not get better with time and buffing will not help and will probably make it more apparent.




It is possible that a coating of Nufinish type of protectant could diminish the edge reflection and make it a little less noticeable.