Detailing System Process

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

OR

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.

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.

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.

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.

OR

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