How to Repair a Valance Panel

The following guide will teach you How to Repair a Valance Panel. Follow the instructions below.

Things You’ll Need:

• Buffing Ball
• Sander
• Screwdriver
• Scraper
• Socket and Ratchet Set
• Spray Gun
• Body Trim Tool
• Scraper Blade
• 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet

Estimated Costs

• DIY Costs: Est. $0.00 parts only
• Shop Costs: Est. $63.24 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car.

Instructions

The lower part of the bumper or a body trim around the lower exterior of the car is often known as Valance Panel. Here are steps to repair the damaged valance panel.

• Take a door trim panel tool (for clips) or a torx head driver (for torx screws). Take the bumper cover away by unfastening all the screws/clips holding the bumper cover in place.
• Next step is to take out the valance from the bumper cover. You have to unfasten the clips first. Valance panels may have reflectors or lamps which you need to detach from the panel.
• Now the valance is separated from the rest of the parts, take sandpaper and sand the damaged area. You need to sand it till the surface smooth down.
• Remove any dirt, dust or greasy substances from the surface. Take a primer and apply a thin coat on the damaged area. After applying the filler, sand the surface again.
• Now you need to prepare the valance panel for paint. Take a mixture of alcohol and water and wash the panel with the mixture to remove the contaminants.
• Now take a primer and apply it to the damaged area. Leave it to dry for few minutes.
• Once the primer is dry, apply the basecoat of paint to the surface. For the smooth transition of the new color with the old color, use a blending technique.
• Let the basecoat dry for some time before applying the clear coat. Apply the clear coat on the damaged surface and slowly to the entire valance panel and let the paint dry for reasonable time.
• Once the paint is dry, examine the paintwork for nibs or trash stuck in the clear coat.
• Use razor blade or nib file to scratch the trash or nibs off.
• Take soapy water in a spray bottle and spray it on the area. Take a soaked 1500 grit sandpaper and sand the area.
• Repeat the sanding process by replacing 1500 grit sandpaper with 2000 grit sandpaper.
• After the sanding has been done, take a mixture of alcohol and water and wipe the area with the mixture. Use cotton sponge to dry off the area.
• Apply a three stage compound polish to remove the swirl marks that are left from sanding.
• Replace the lamps or reflectors back into the panel and fix it in place inside the bumper cover and secure it with clips. Replace the bumper cover and you are done.