Painted Bumperettes from Bumperplugs

[vpcar]

With all the new models out there looking great, I felt that it was time to do a little update to the look on my 02 C4S's rear end. I've added dual exhaust tips and painted bumperettes from Bumperplugs (came in today thanks Eric). I know this has been said in other posts in years past but let me say it, the quality of work done by them on these in my opinion is breathtaking. Well worth the wait and the $300. I thought long and hard about the DIY thing and I'm so glad I didn't attempt it. The bumperettes have a better than factory feel to them without a doubt. Here are some before and after photos. I'm thinking of getting the Carrera 4s emblems done in the same color. Comments are welcome. Just thought I'd share.

[logray]

They look great, but for $300 I will pass. I could probably accomplish the same or similar results on my own with a can of custom paint from paintscratch.com for example.

[vpcar]

Logray, I'm sure you could probably come close with a lot of elbow grease. I thought about it believe me but how long would it last is the question? Once I took them out of the box and felt them though. I knew, at least I could never come close to reproducing them. They have an almost hardened powder coated feel but still slightly flexable. If you've ever had something powder coated then you know what that feels like. I assume it has a lot to do with the layering and curing process.

[Eric (Plug Guy)]

Um, guess I can weigh in here. Our paint process is quite unique, and is not a quick spray job. The paint process itself involves over 15 stages, and requires nearly 9 working days to complete.

Spraying the rubber bumperette with a rattle can of paint, even the best paint, will give you nothing more than pebble textured, rubbery looking finish, in the color of your choice. It will likely spider and crack within days.

When ours are completed, they are smooth, flexible, and mimic the same finish as the bumper. Moving slowly through the process, something we've learned in 14 years of painting rubber, is key. We cure every stage of the finish, so that in the end you get something worthy of installing on a fine vehicle like this, AND something that will last a long time. We have our painted bumperettes on some vehicles over ten years, and they look as good as new. You cannot, under even the best skill, achieve that with a rattle can in the backyard.

But of course, some people will try. And I can't blame them. But it's $249, not $300, for the complete painting, and it does take a long time and a lot of labor to complete. Shipping does add some cost.

Questions? Feel free to email me anytime. eric@bumperplugs.com

Many thanks....and VP, they look stunning!

Edited February 4, 2012 by Eric (Plug Guy)

[logray]

No doubt it's worth the price, Eric's stuff is high quality

[johnj.moran]

Um, guess I can weigh in here. Our paint process is quite unique, and is not a quick spray job. The paint process itself involves over 15 stages, and requires nearly 9 working days to complete.

Spraying the rubber bumperette with a rattle can of paint, even the best paint, will give you nothing more than pebble textured, rubbery looking finish, in the color of your choice. It will likely spider and crack within days.

When ours are completed, they are smooth, flexible, and mimic the same finish as the bumper. Moving slowly through the process, something we've learned in 14 years of painting rubber, is key. We cure every stage of the finish, so that in the end you get something worthy of installing on a fine vehicle like this, AND something that will last a long time. We have our painted bumperettes on some vehicles over ten years, and they look as good as new. You cannot, under even the best skill, achieve that with a rattle can in the backyard.

But of course, some people will try. And I can't blame them. But it's $249, not $300, for the complete painting, and it does take a long time and a lot of labor to complete. Shipping does add some cost.

Questions? Feel free to email me anytime. eric@bumperplugs.com

Many thanks....and VP, they look stunning!

I had mine painted by bumperplugs over five years ago and they look like new and pefectly match the paint on the rest of the car.

[mattdillon]

15 stages & 9 working days to complete 2 BUMPERETTES (& $249) are you serious! I cannot imagine what you would charge for a WHOLE Car. They look good but ****, they should for that price & 9 days. jmo

[biopsea]

looks great, and sounds reasonable to me.

[mattdillon]

They DO look better, & like one of the other members said, his still look great after 5 years so I guess you can't ask for more than that!