Heading in, in a few weeks to get the front bumper repainted. It has chips, etc. in it. I was wondering if anyone has any tips for a better than factory paint job?

Can I specify that the body shop add an extra color coat or clear coat? Do either of those tend to prevent future chipping?

And, would anyone suggest going to the dealership's body shop? Not sure if it's more expensive there, but that they might do a better job matching paint? Or if any reputable body shop will do a sufficient job?

 

Bump...er

 

I had mine front bumper refinished(stripped, fixed dings) at dealer recommended shop. It looks flawless now(Dupont finish with written lifetime gurantee) and colour is matched perfectly which is not easy on 2 year old silver car. I did not specify any extra coatings-stone chip is a stone chip, no matter how many layers of paint you put. 3M film application would help, but it I've heard that it is no less expensive than repaint.
I paid about $580USD plus canadian taxes for both front and rear bumpers.
I am not fond of "independent" shops, Maaco and insurance company "recommended" shops. They leave wavy panels and paint dust on entire surface of a car, break and miss plastic clips and not fit body panels back properly, fail to connect headlights and leave them out of alignment.
My mother and sister are lousy drivers and managed to ding/bump/scrape their Honda Civic 5 times within 5 years and I give those examples from personal experience

 

LOL HAHAHAHA that really made me laugh s h i t hahaha



i thought about doing that, but now im just going to replace the whole bumper with an aftermarket one.. and im going to get new sides too so it will look better.. and while im at it ill get a rear too