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Smart, Efficient Paint Application from 3M
Resources for Surface Prep, Masking and Painting
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Standard Operation Procedures for The Paint ShopHere you will find step-by-step procedures from start to finish, including how to mask a vehicle, feather prime block, preparing bumpers and e-coat panels and mixing and spraying using disposable paint cups. These SOPs are recommended for helping ensure you create the most suitable panels for car paint application.
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Technical Tips for The Paint Shop3M provides vital tips that support car panel repair, critical for an area that combines product, process and pure skill for truly outstanding results. Our tech tips make your life easier, while still allowing you to achieve the best results and auto body shop efficiency. Check them out below.
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Important NoteThere are of course many factors and variables that can affect an individual repair, so the technician and repair facility need to evaluate each specific application and repair process, including relevant vehicle, part and OEM guidelines, and determine what is appropriate for that repair.
3M Standard Operating Procedures for the Paint Shop
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Masking ProcessLearn effective techniques for applying masking products to panels. Ensure protection and prevent paint overspray during coating application.
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Feather, Prime and BlockMaster techniques to prepare panels for primer surfacer and block filler, ensuring readiness for the painting process.
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Primer Application ProcessFollow steps for vehicle primer masking, including cleaning, masking, and edge sealing. Learn to mix and apply primer and clean up the spray gun.
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Paint Application ProcessFollow this SOP for step-by-step information how to prepare and execute a perfect paint job including booth preparation, color & spray equipment selection as well as tips and tricks for use in the booth and in the kitchen cleaning equipment between coatings.
Get more process guides. Download the full SOP books for these three areas.
Technical Tips for The Paint Shop
Maybe more than anywhere else in collision repair, it’s vital to gain valuable insights into best practices in the paint shop. This especially applies when you begin using new or upgraded equipment, such as our 3M™ PPS™ Series 2.0 Spray Cup System. Here are a few tips from the technicians at 3M who can help you convert smoothly to the highest-performing spray cup system on the market.
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Properly Attaching the Lid
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Q: How can I ensure that the PPS™ Series 2.0 cup, liner and lid fit tightly together every time?
A: Place the liner into the cup. Line up the lid with the cup as shown on the right: one tab on the lid should be centered with the clear access window on the cup. Push the lid straight down into the liner. Once pushed down, lock the lid onto the cup with a ¼-turn. There is no need to overtighten.
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Properly Attaching the Spray Gun
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Q: What is the best way to make sure the 3M™ PPS™ Series 2.0 Cup is connected securely to the spray gun?
A: Place the liner into the cup. Line up the lid with the cup as shown on the right: one tab on the lid should be centered with the clear access window on the cup. Push the lid straight down into the liner. Once pushed down, lock the lid onto the cup with a ¼-turn. There is no need to overtighten.
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Best Practices for Spill-Free Lid Removal
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Q: How can we avoid spillage during refilling?
A: The 3M™ PPS™ Series 2.0 Lid is designed to hold up to 3 oz of paint below the filter to minimize sputtering during spraying. After spraying is complete, you should allow a little extra time to let this filtered paint drain back into the cup before you remove the lid for tinting or refilling. To make it go as quickly as possible:
Unhook the air from the spray gun. Invert the gun and hold the trigger open to start the paint drain. To speed up the flow, gently tap the gun and cup assembly against a solid surface. If it appears the paint is not draining, tap a little harder. Remember, there is more paint below the filter, so it will take a little more time vs. legacy PPS™ disposable paint cups.
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Using the PPS™ Series 2.0 Universal Shaker Core
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Q: Can we use the 3M™ PPS™ Series 2.0 Cups in our paint shaker without breaking them?
A: Yes. Use the 3M™ PPS™ Series 2.0 Universal Shaker Core, which works with all sizes of 3M™ PPS™ Series 2.0 paint cups and absorbs and distributes the force from the shaker through the clamps. Simply tighten the shaker core over the lid until snug. Do not over-tighten, as this can cause the hard cup to break (usually along the bottom of the access window).
Remember, you ALWAYS get a FREE hard cup in every case. The 3M™ PPS™ Series 2.0 Cups are NOT designed for extended use.
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Need Help Finding the Right Solution?
These 3M resources are meant to help you save time, save money and get the most out of your collision repair operations. If have additional questions about metal panel repair and replacement or anything related to 3M collision repair products and solutions, we’re happy to help. You can send us a message at the right. Or, if your needs are more immediate (or if you just want to talk shop), we’re ready to chat. We look forward to working with you!
Search all 3M SOPs
Use the drop down selector or open search to find and select the SOP you need. Result will provide the link to download the SOP PDF.
