Touchup paints for steel bumper - test comparison

JAY · Jun 3, 2025

Reposting a helpful write-up from sister-site Jeepgladiatorforum by JonMN.

_______________________

Someone cut a little too close to my bumper and left a large scuff. I am guessing he got the worst of it, however

. Some of the scratches were deep, so I would have had to sand down to metal to actually smooth it out. I decided to go with just painting the surface--turned out very acceptable.

Looking thru various forums, I saw three main candidates for paint. I had one of the Rustoleums already, so I bought another as well as the AEV designed for this.

Short version: Rustoleum Textured worked great.

Here are the paints I compared.

Jeep Wrangler JL Touchup paints for steel bumper - test comparison img_9213-

I taped some black plastic to cardboard and sprayed it to get some samples for comparison. While it was a bit of a challenge to photograph, here are the samples next to the bumper. In person, the choice was pretty obvious; RustOleum textured was really close. TruckBody was too coarse, and the AEV was a little too shiny. All would probably be acceptable, but the Textured was the clear winner to me and a couple others I showed the samples to.

For comparison, here are the samples:

RustOleum Truck Body:

Jeep Wrangler JL Touchup paints for steel bumper - test comparison img_9211-

AEV:

Jeep Wrangler JL Touchup paints for steel bumper - test comparison img_9209-

RustOleum Textured:

Jeep Wrangler JL Touchup paints for steel bumper - test comparison img_9208-

So here are the before and after. Quite an improvement!

Jeep Wrangler JL Touchup paints for steel bumper - test comparison img_9206-

Jeep Wrangler JL Touchup paints for steel bumper - test comparison img_9215-

Jeep Wrangler JL Touchup paints for steel bumper - test comparison img_9216-jpg

Terrymo · Jun 3, 2025

Thanks for that comparison. I do like Rustoleum textured for touch up. @wibornz recommended Rustoleum Truck Bed Liner for a respray and periodic touchups where you will have repeated trail damage. It is shinier and has a coarser texture but covers more flaws and dries to the touch in about an hour. Definitely not OEM looking but perfect for many aftermarket parts like bumpers, rock sliders etc that regularly get abused.

The Last Cowboy · Jun 3, 2025

I've used the Rustoleum truck bed liner paint and I don’t recommend it, except as a textured undercoat. It’s expensive for how far it goes, and the mil thickness is not what I expected. Next time I will use the textured paint, which I nearly picked over the truck bed paint last time I needed it.

acomputernerd · Jun 3, 2025

This is good to know, guess I need to get at it with a wirebrush and then paint. Stupid rocks

AFD · Jun 3, 2025

Haven't really had too much of a need for touch-up on my OEM steel bumpers, but bought a can of the Rustoleum Bed Liner spray since it was recommended in a few threads here. Iirc, it was suggested to spray a small amount into the lid (or another container) and then use a sponge or something similar to dab the paint onto the surface where needed, rather than spraying it directly on.

Terrymo · Jun 3, 2025

AFD said:
Haven't really had too much of a need for touch-up on my OEM steel bumpers, but bought a can of the Rustoleum Bed Liner spray since it was recommended in a few threads here. Iirc, it was suggested to spray a small amount into the lid (or another container) and then use a sponge or something similar to dab the paint onto the surface where needed, rather than spraying it directly on.

My comments are off topic since my bumpers, sliders, and tire carrier are not OEM. I use these small cups and foam brushes for smaller touch up. I have had better luck blending in the Rustoleum Bed Liner than the Rustoleum textured paint. My Jeep won’t win any Jeep shows. I’m just trying to keep it presentable and mitigate any rust.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MT359S5?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_15&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MT359S5?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_15&th=1

Flip · Jun 3, 2025

I did a bull bar delete to a brand new bumper. I have arthritis so as a short cut I used a grinder on the whole thing. At first glance, I thought, I'm never going to hide all of those grinder marks. I hosed it down with Herculiner. The damn thing looks great and its held up better than some powder coated bumpers I had in the past.

wibornz · Jun 4, 2025

I have gone through about 10 cans of the Rustoleum Textured Bed Liner or more. I just redid my front bumper and rock rails. I also use it to touch up the skid plates.

watchluvr4ever1116 · Jun 4, 2025

A little off topic, but what are you guys using on the frame? I plan on cleaning up some spots on the frame soon.

Terrymo · Jun 4, 2025

@watchluvr4ever1116
I use Rustoleum Satin Black on the frame…close enough for me but not an exact match. If you are particular maybe try Eastwood chassis black. Here’s a pic below. Factory on the left and Rustoleum satin on the right. A little time and dirt and it blends right in.
https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-o...UsrdPyvJ_kfHL0PC8ud4v0J57AxJMW5xoCu78QAvD_BwE

Jeep Wrangler JL Touchup paints for steel bumper - test comparison IMG_3501

Gio · Jun 4, 2025

Terrymo said:
Thanks for that comparison. I do like Rustoleum textured for touch up. @wibornz recommended Rustoleum Truck Bed Liner for a respray and periodic touchups where you will have repeated trail damage. It is shinier and has a coarser texture but covers more flaws and dries to the touch in about an hour. Definitely not OEM looking but perfect for many aftermarket parts like bumpers, rock sliders etc that regularly get abused.

Hey,
this is slightly off the main topic but have you or anybody reading this tried that on the standard, black hardtop? I have a few scrapes up top that need a little attention.

watchluvr4ever1116 · Jun 4, 2025

Terrymo said:
@watchluvr4ever1116
I use Rustoleum Satin Black on the frame…close enough for me but not an exact match. If you are particular maybe try Eastwood chassis black. Here’s a pic below. Factory on the left and Rustoleum satin on the right. A little time and dirt and it blends right in.
https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-o...UsrdPyvJ_kfHL0PC8ud4v0J57AxJMW5xoCu78QAvD_BwE

Thank you! Looks close enough to me.

GreyWolfJT · Jun 4, 2025

JAY said:
Reposting a helpful write-up from sister-site Jeepgladiatorforum by JonMN.

_______________________

Someone cut a little too close to my bumper and left a large scuff. I am guessing he got the worst of it, however. Some of the scratches were deep, so I would have had to sand down to metal to actually smooth it out. I decided to go with just painting the surface--turned out very acceptable.

Looking thru various forums, I saw three main candidates for paint. I had one of the Rustoleums already, so I bought another as well as the AEV designed for this.

Short version: Rustoleum Textured worked great.

Here are the paints I compared.

I taped some black plastic to cardboard and sprayed it to get some samples for comparison. While it was a bit of a challenge to photograph, here are the samples next to the bumper. In person, the choice was pretty obvious; RustOleum textured was really close. TruckBody was too coarse, and the AEV was a little too shiny. All would probably be acceptable, but the Textured was the clear winner to me and a couple others I showed the samples to.

For comparison, here are the samples:

RustOleum Truck Body:

AEV:

RustOleum Textured:

So here are the before and after. Quite an improvement!

All I can say is.... Great job, looks great!

AVGeek99 · Jun 5, 2025

Perfect timing for this post. My wife and I completed the Mesabi Mtn BOH trail in MN this past weekend. Lots of big boulders and my wife's Rubi 4xe is still stock right now so she got several dings on her bumbers and rock sliders. I was wondering what paint would work best. Looks like I'll be getting some Rustoleum Textured.

Blueliner3 · Jun 5, 2025

watchluvr4ever1116 said:
A little off topic, but what are you guys using on the frame? I plan on cleaning up some spots on the frame soon.

Rustoleum Hammered.

Touchup paints for steel bumper - test comparison

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