Should You Repaint or Replace Your Bumper

Should You Repaint or Replace Your Bumper?

 


Whether it’s a parking scrape, a minor fender bender, or a cheeky driveway kiss from a shopping trolley — bumper damage happens. But when your bumper cops a hit, the big question becomes: Should you repaint it or replace it?


Here’s how to know the right move.

 

 

 

1.

Check the Damage Type

 


🛠️ Scuffs & Scratches?

If the damage is mostly cosmetic — paint transfer, light surface scratches, or small chips — a respray or spot paint repairis usually the way to go. It’s more affordable, keeps the original bumper, and can look brand new with the right prep and colour match.


🛠️ Dents, Cracks, or Deep Gouges?

If the bumper is cracked, warped, or dented, repainting it won’t magically erase the structural damage. In these cases, replacement is safer and more cost-effective in the long run — especially if the bumper’s plastic has lost integrity.

 

 

 

2.

How’s the Paint Matching?

 


If your car is a few years old or has a pearl or metallic paint (especially Tesla’s multi-coat finishes), blending a repainted section to match the original colour can be tricky and more costly.

In some cases, replacing the bumper with a colour-matched OEM one or doing a full bumper spray might actually be the better value option — especially for resale.

 

 

 

3.

Are Any Sensors Involved?

 


If your bumper houses parking sensors, cameras, or autopilot hardware — especially on EVs like Teslas — you need to be careful.

Replacing the bumper may require calibration of those systems afterward, while repainting too thickly can interfere with sensor performance. Always ask your smash repairer if recalibration is required either way.

 

 

 

4.

Insurance Might Decide For You

 


Even if the damage looks minor, some insurers will write off a bumper as a full replacement to avoid liability if there’s any hidden cracking or internal damage. If you’re going through insurance, they’ll often default to replacement over repaint — especially with modern vehicles.

 

 

 

5.

Cost Comparison

 


Here’s a rough idea (actual prices will vary depending on the car and finish):

Option

Typical Price Range (AUD)

Bumper respray (minor damage)

$400 – $800

Bumper replacement (aftermarket)

$500 – $1,200

OEM bumper replacement (with sensors/cameras)

$1,200 – $3,000+

 

 

 

So… What’s the Verdict?

 


💡 Repaint if:

 

  • The damage is only on the surface (scratches, scuffs)

  • Your bumper is structurally sound

  • You want to save money and keep original parts

 


🧰 Replace if:

 

  • There are cracks, dents, or warping

  • Sensors or cameras are affected

  • You’re chasing a factory-fresh look or resale value

 

 

 

At Rosetta Automotive, we’re all about honest advice and quality repairs — no upsells, no guesswork.

Whether it’s a quick colour touch-up or a full bumper replacement, we’ve got you.


Need a second opinion or free visual inspection?

Contact us and we’ll help you figure out the smartest move for your ride. ✅

 

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