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Making increasingly complex paint shop processes, simpler.
Navigating new and existing paint challenges to help achieve streamlined success.
Automotive paint application is evolving, presenting new challenges for painters. Colour application is increasingly complex, due to increased use of specialty colors and metallics across vehicle manufacturers. Painters need more technical skills to handle colour complexity, match new textures and meet OEM paint requirements. Today's painters must adapt to the intricacies of modern paint formulations.
The evolution of paint colors and techniques continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the industry. Achieving the right finish now requires a combination of adapting to environmental factors, advanced materials, precise equipment, and expert application skills. As these trends continue, being aware of the technology and techniques will be crucial for success in the increasingly sophisticated world of automotive painting.
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Successful colour and paint application starts with:
- Ensuring proper spray gun setup for finer atomisation and smooth finishes.
- Engaging in continuous training to adapt to evolving paint colours and technologies.
- Enhancing your and your shop's understanding of paint properties for effective mixing and application.
- Recognising specialty colours during estimation to account for additional time and expenses.
- Meeting OEM paint standards and staying updated on guidelines for compliant and quality repairs.
Below, explore 3M resources and products to help you navigate complex color applications.
Infographic: Making complex color and paint line application, simpler (PDF, 1.69 MB)
Article: Navigating the complex world of automotive color and paint lines (PDF, 511 KB)
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Spray Guns
3M™ Performance Spray Gun 2
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Atomizing Heads
3M™ Performance Gravity Fine Finish
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Cup System
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Consider implementing these five key strategies to help match these challenging textures:
- Recognise texture variety and learn adapt your technique accordingly,
- Using quality masking materials when creating crisp or soft transition lines,
- Modify spray gun distance, overlap and speed to replicate surrounding panel texture,
- Stay updated on evolving paint technologies and refine your skills and master new application methods, and
- Adjust settings like fluid flow, air pressure, and tip size to achieve desired textures.
Below, explore 3M resources and products to help you match new challenging textures.
Fine-tune your technique: Explore the infographic for matching textures (PDF, 1.69 MB)
YouTube Texture Matching Series including: Matching rock and chip guards, Transition Lines and Final application
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Spray Guns
3M™ Performance Spray Gun 2
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Atomizing Heads
3M™ Performance Gravity Fine Finish
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To meet strict OEM paint requirements consider the following in your repair planning:
- Mil thickness, radar-safe paint formula and non-reparable areas
- Integrate paint processes and formula lookups into your shop's repair planning
- Equip your shop with ferrous and non-ferrous mil thickness gauges for accurate measurements before and after painting.
Article: A starting guide - Meeting OEM requirements for paint (PDF, 495 KB)
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Improving paint efficiency and reducing waste may require some trial and error, but here are some places to start:
- Consider removing parts from vehicles before painting to free up booth space
- Use a dry erase board and create a dedicated booth schedule to plan cycles for the next day
- Implement floor staging to organise parts effectively before you move them into the paint booth
- Use mixing software to ensure accurate paint mixing and consider tinting primers to reduce basecoat usage
- Ensure proper application techniques are used and adjust spray gun settings to suit your needs
Transform your painting process with these efficiency tips— Download the infographic (PDF, 1.69 MB)
Article: Streamline your paint booth process and workflow (PDF, 429 KB)
Designed for the modern professional painter, 3M™ Performance Spray Gun is designed specifically to save you time while delivering top-of-the-line performance. Its integrated system includes quick-change replaceable HVLP and fine finish atomizing heads and 3M™ PPS™ Series 2.0 Spray Cups, which makes for faster cleanup, changeovers and cycle times. Learn more about the whole system below.
See the newest generation spray gun product details or check out our original 3M™ Performance Spray Gun
See the newest generation spray gun product details or check out our original 3M™ Performance Spray Gun
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Where can I find more information about texture matching and the solutions you provide?
We have a few key resources to learn more about navigating new, challenging textures. Learn more with our infographics (PDF, 1.69 MB) that provides helpful tips and tricks when matching undercoats and topcoats. We even have a helpful. YouTube video series on Texture Matching with our 3M™ Performance Spray Gun System.
See our texture matching solutions – 3M™ Performance Spray Gun
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Can you provide more information on training around these paint processes?
Reach out to your local paint manufacturer who often have training and certification classes around their paint lines. For in-person training with 3M subject matter experts, feel free to get in touch through our Contact Us form.
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What’s the benefit of the new 3M™ Performance Spray Gun 2 vs. the original 3M™ Performance Spray Gun?
Experience the same performance benefits as the 3M™ Performance Spray Gun with new, exciting features and a sleek new look.
Here are some additional key updates:
- Fluid/Fan Knob Design: Laser marked control knobs provide visual indication of spray settings
- Fluid/Fan Nut Design: One-piece integrated hook
- Gun Frame Resin Material with Carbon Fiber: New resin provides cleanability improvements
- Trigger Design: Redesigned offset trigger for sleek new look
- Laser Etch Markings: Significant usability improvement
- New Gauge: Higher quality and ranges for HVLP & FF
3M™ Performance Spray Gun 2 is compatible with all PSG accessories and H/O.
- How can my shop implement more processes and solutions to further drive efficiency?
Here are a few helpful resources to minimize waste while maximizing production in your shop.
- READ ARTICLE: Streamline your paint booth process and workflow (PDF, 429 KB)
- DOWNLOAD INFOGRAPHIC: “Enhancing efficiency: Transform your shop’s paint booth process (PDF, 1.69 MB)”
Double down on your shop’s efficiency with the 3M™ Performance Spray Gun System and experience one of the highest transfer efficiencies for industry leading spray guns.
- How can my shop better apply new, complex colors and metallics on the market?
With the 3M™ Performance Spray Gun System, you can switch nozzle sizes in seconds, making the spray gun feel like new each time. Metal spray guns can deteriorate over time, leading to faulty spray patterns or application issues, especially with complex colors. With our system, simply replace the nozzle for a like-new spray pattern every time.
Here are some additional resources to help apply complex colors and paint lines:
- READ ARTICLE: "Navigating the complex world of automotive color and paint lines (PDF, 511 KB)”
- DOWNLOAD INFOGRAPHIC: “Making complex color and paint line application, simpler (PDF, 1.69 MB)”
- What solutions do you have to spray a full range of automotive coatings?
Experience our 3M™ Performance Spray Gun System, designed to spray a full range of automotive coatings, even high-viscosity coatings. Spray solid colors, metallics, pearls, clear coats, sealers, and primers with the same premium performance you expect from your best spray gun. And every time you swap out the replaceable nozzle for a fresh one, you can expect like-new spray performance.
See our Coatings and Nozzle Size Quick Reference Guide (PDF, 105 KB).
At 3M we like to keep collision repair industry professionals, like you, up to date. Receive periodic emails on the latest products, processes, events and promotions. To keep up with what’s new, click to the subscribe button.
Thank You
Thank you for your interest in 3M Collision Repair. A 3M representative will contact you shortly regarding your inquiry.
Our Apologies...
An error has occurred while submitting. Please try again later...
