Skip to 3M.com Primary Navigation Skip to Site Navigation Skip to Main Content

3M Automotive Aftermarket

Solutions
Products
Promotions
Training & Resources
Support
Step 1

Sanding

  • Removes defects such as deep scratches, dust nibs or excessive orange peel.
  • Dry sand with Dual Action Sander, foam interface recommended for contours OR wet sand by hand.
  • Be careful: Sanding through clear coat will require repainting.
  • Be careful: Thinning clear coat may cause paint failure.
  • Follow with Scratch Refinement and/or Compounding Step

   Dry sand with Dual Action Sander

OR

Wet sand by hand

 
Step 2

Scratch Refinement

  • Damp sand with 3M™ Trizact™ disc on Dual Action Sander.
  • Use foam interface pad for contours
  • Produces Semi-polished finish.
  • Follow with Compounding Step.

   Scratch Refinement
 
Step 3

Compounding

  • Removes imperfections, such as car wash scratches, medium to coarse scratches, medium oxidation and stains.
  • Use wool pad for faster and more aggressive cutting.
  • Follow with Polishing Step.

   Compounding
 
Step 4

Polishing

  • Removes swirls, fine scratches and very mild stains.
  • For Dark Colors use finer polish and finer foam pads.
  • For Lighter Colors use more aggressive polish and foam pads.
  • Caution: Swirls and imperfections remaining after this step will reoccur after waxing step products wash or wear off.
  • Follow with Waxing Step.

   Polishing
 
Step 5

Waxing

  • Waxing fills swirls, very minor scratches and imperfections by leaving a thin layer of wax protection.
  • Wax does little to further refine paint after the polishing step. After wax is washed or worn away, the imperfections remaining after polishing will reappear.
  • Apply a thin even coat.
  • Apply with a Dual Action Sander.
  • Apply by hand on a damp pad.

   Waxing

OR
 

3M™ Automotive Detailing System | System Chart | Detailing System Process | Hiding vs. Removing Paint Defects | Order Info

For safety always wear goggles, face shield and respirator when grinding or sanding or spraying. For safety always wear goggles, face shield and respirator when grinding or sanding or spraying.