When it comes to compounding, size drives the preferred process

Dec. 2, 2014
When it comes to refinishing, compounding is the most debated step in the process. 3M offers two excellent systems — one with compounding and one without.
When it comes to paint refinishing, compounding is the most debated step in the process. For paint professionals, 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division offers two excellent systems – one with a compounding step and one without.  But how can you tell which process is right for your paint finishing job?

The 3M paint finishing experts say size matters when selecting the best process to deliver high-quality results, as does the color of the vehicle.

“When you have small to medium-sized areas like a door panel or fender, we recommend using the 3M™ Trizact™ 5000 and 3M™ Perfect-It™ 1 solution,” said Todd Bailey, U.S. Marketing Manager, Paint Finishing Systems, for 3M.  “The paint professional can spend more time sanding with a DA and less time buffing with a heavy buffer.  Because this system doesn’t have a compounding step, it eliminates the time and cleanup for compounding and allows the painter to complete the job more quickly.”

But for large areas or dark-colored vehicles, 3M recommends its 3M Perfect-It Large Area Paint Finishing System.

“For a large area like a hood or roof, you’re going to get the best results with a traditional refinishing method,” said Bailey.  “You can achieve a perfect finish with the 3M Perfect-It large area paint finishing system.  The system features the 3M Perfect-It EX rubbing compound, which delivers the fastest cut and easiest clean up.”

3M offers standard operating procedures for both processes online at http://3mcollision.com/library/sops.

About the 3M Perfect-It 1 Paint Finishing System
3M Automotive Aftermarket introduced the advanced paint finishing system that features 3M Trizact abrasives and 3M Perfect-It 1 Finishing Material for small and medium jobs.  The new 3M Perfect-It Paint Finishing System replaces messy compounds and heavy polishers with a 3M Trizact abrasive disc and DA sander.  This new process delivers one-step, high-gloss finishing on today’s automotive paints. 

For paint professionals, the new 3M Perfect-It1Paint Finishing System offers one-step finishing; deeper, glossier finishes; less time with a heavy polisher; reduced rework and comebacks; cleaner jobs and reduced time for detailing.

The 3M Perfect-It 1 Paint Finishing System is available in a convenient kit or as individual products, and includes the following steps:

  1. Defect removal with the 3M™ Hookit™ Purple Finishing Film P1500 disc
  2. Scratch refinement with the 3M Trizact P3000 Foam Disc
  3. DA polishing with 3M Trizact 5000 Foam Disc
  4. Finishing with 3M Perfect-It 1 Finishing Material and Finishing Pad
  5. If needed for black or dark finishes, swirl elimination with the 3M™ Perfect-It™ Ultrafine Machine Polish and Pad

About the 3M Perfect-It Large Area Paint Finishing System
The 3M Perfect-It Large Area Paint Finishing System features the innovative 3M Perfect- It EX Rubbing Compound as the first step, which cuts, handles and cleans up better than any rubbing compound currently available.  It reduces paint finishing time and decreases clean-up time considerably.

Designed with new innovative ingredients and 3M’s high-performance liquid mineral technology, the 3M Perfect-It EX Rubbing Compound won’t stick to panels or leave film due to extreme conditions frequently found in repair shops.  The unique compound provides faster cutting, longer working time with less sling, ease of handling and easy clean-up.  It is also an excellent solution for repairing fresh paint finishes.

The system also utilizes:

  • 3M Hookit Purple Finishing Film
  • 3M Trizact 3000
  • Step 2 3M Perfect-It Machine Polish
  • Step 3 3M Perfect-It Ultrafine Polish
  • 3M Perfect-It Quick Connect Pads

For more information, call 1-877-MMM-CARS, contact your local 3M Distributor or 3M Sales Representative, or visit the website at http://3mcollision.com/products/buffing-and-polishing.

About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $31 billion in sales, 3M employs 89,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

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