Collision Repair Applications

  • From metal and plastic repair, to sanding, paint finishing and car clean-up, 3M has the products and auto body repair procedures for you. Feel confident your repair is done professionally and efficiently using our Standard Operating Procedures. These procedures will help you consistently produce quality, time-proven solutions for any of your collision repair needs. Below you’ll find links to download our full process guide books, and links to online SOP chapters and additional information not included in the books.

  • As the automotive industry incorporates more aluminum for lightweighting and fuel-efficient vehicles, 3M offers a wide selection of products, technical advice and standard operating procedures (SOPs) specific to aluminum repair.

  • This vital area of collision repair requires specialized expertise and solutions for working with flexible components. Discover 3M products and process guides for the repair of automotive plastics and composite parts.

  • Corrosion is the biggest enemy in any repair. 3M dedicates a broad selection of products and information toward eliminating corrosion (important today), and preventing corrosion (crucial to your ongoing collision repair operation).

  • Far beyond just standard procedures for installing windshields, this collection of important information and products helps illustrate how maintaining up-to-date auto glass expertise supports and improves your overall collision repair.

  • When the repairs get larger and the materials involved range from steel to aluminum to sheet moulded compounds (SMC) and fiber reinforced plastics (FRP), 3M provides products, process guides and technical know-how to match.

  • Metal work today means much more than just the art and process of straightening dented metal. 3M delivers abrasives, body fillers, primers and adhesives for today’s metal shop as well as a wealth of information on working with metal panels.

  • 3M provides complete processes and procedures from surface prep to proper masking to paint application. You’ll find printable and video SOPs along with information and technical tips on our next generation spray cup system – the 3M™ PPS™ Series 2.0.

  • Here are the best practices for truly setting yourself apart during the vital finishing touches to your collision repair work. Resources cover paint finishing for areas from full panels to tiny nibs, as well as headlight restoration and final cleaning.

  • For long-term protection and professional appearance – or both at once – 3M provides products, standard operating procedures and technical tips for the proper use and application of seam sealers and coatings.

  • Every 3M SOP includes helpful products for staying safe during any collision repair job. These are just a small part of a full selection of personal protective equipment (PPE) including respiratory, protective eyewear and hearing protection products.


  • Important Note
    There 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.