Rubber bumper paint removal

I picked up an original Elastomeric bumper for my Cuda was wondering what the best way to strip the old paint layers off? Should I start sanding? Paint stripper? Media blast? What methods have you guys successfully used?

Thanks

Sanding is the safest, but you might want to look at soda blasting if time is important.

Is 80 grit to aggressive?

I would not use 80 grit. 100 would be less aggressive and can easily have scratches filled with hi build primer. When you paint the bumper after final sanding, be sure to use a spray adhesive like bulldog adhesive promotor to ensure the bumper doesn't peel if it gets bumped in a parking lot.

I would get some more input before hitting it with 80 grit. Your cloud do irreversible damage.

Can somebody with actual experience please give an overview of the proper products and steps to correctly strip, surface prep, and paint an elastomeric bumper?

I'm a backyard hack and I could figure it out, BUT this is not an $800 dollar used car.

Like is filler primer good to use on a flexible bumper? Or do we use the bumper repair products sold at paint stores fo late model vehicles? Thanks

I would use 80 on a Palm sander if there are many layers of paint. After which when sanding down to the remaining layer I would switch to 120 grit. 180 for the entire bumper then move to a 220 until very smooth, then block hand sand with 320. you need to ensure that "flex agent" is added to the primer and body color paint. Basic body work after this, several coats of primer sand until you have removed all the nicks. sand primer starting at 180, 220 320 to finish. Be careful not to load up on the primer it may crack if its to heavy. Hope this helps

I agree with Chryco.

I would also check with the GTO guys since they have a lot of Enduro bumpers to restore

Thanks guys. Very helpful.

How are you going to prevent sanding the detail lines out of the surface? 80 grit is pretty aggressive. I would like to soda blast if that is a safe thing to use.

Good idea on the Pontiac guys, know any to ask?