3M PERFECT-IT 3000 Training Class Pictures

[David Fermani]

I had the pleasure of sitting in on my 2nd 3M Large Panel & Spot Repair training class & I’d like to share some of the highlights that took place. 1st of all, I’d like to give a special thanks to 3M’s Sr. Account Rep Louis Federico for responding to the need for training at one of my largest Direct Repair Shops here in S. Florida; Maroone Collision. Maroone repairs all makes & models and is factory certified for Mercedes & Land Rover (very strict compliance). Most shops, mostly because of training & time limitations, really fail to produce the final finish that should exist when restoring a vehicle to pre-accident condition. 3M has come out with a system called their Perfect-It 3000 series that allows shops (and enthusiasts) to produce a flawless, swirls free finish.

Here are some pictures of the carrying case for the entire kit. Really cool!!

















This 4 step system is great for both spot repair as well as complete panel finishing. Below are some pictures of the steps in the system:



Step 1 – Sanding

1st the surface is cleaned with 3M surface prep aerosol cleaner. This removes any wax or debris that might be on the surface that could hinder the performance of the products used in the following steps.









The entire panel or desired areas are 1st dry sanded with 3M 1500 grit sand paper via DA sander. This is used to quickly flatten most orange peel as well as dirt particles on top of the finish.









Step 2 – Compounding

Next, the same area is wet sanded with 3M Trizact 3000 grit paper via DA sander. This refines (knocks down) the 1500 sand scratches originally installed and actually gives off the appearance of a semi-polished surface. Sanding wet allows the paper to smoothly glide across the finish and more uniformly refine the surface.















Next, 3M Extra Cut Rubbing Compound is buffed via a rotary buffer with wool cutting pad. Suggested buffer speed = 1400-1800 RPM. You’ll notice again the compound leaves the finish with a more polished look.















Step 3 – Polishing

Next, 3M Swirl Mark Remover is buffed via rotary buffer with foam polishing pad. Suggested buffer speed = 1400 – 1800 RPM. This removes the swirls created by the compound, but also leaves very faint traces of holograms that can usually be detected on dark colored vehicles. On lighter colored vehicles, it can be very difficult to detect swirls and therefore may not need further swirl removal. *Swirls were noticeable on the black vehicle after this step*













Step 4 – Swirl Elimination

Finally, 3M Ultrafina is buffed via rotary buffer with final finishing pad. Suggested buffer speed = 1400-2000 RPMs. This polished is designed to be “left wet� upon final finishing and is to not be over-buffed/buffed dry. This product/pad will insure that the finish is 100% swirl free without the use of any fillers.

[Old Pirate]

Great mirror finish David!

[imported_rydawg]

Nice write up David!



I`ve been using the 3M system for a while now and love it. UF is my absolute favorite.



They have a great sanding/finishing system for sure.

[wannafbody]

I`m impressed with the cut of the 3000 series compound

[gmblack3]

Does 3M put on these schools anywhere?

[Frito Bandito]

I would love to go to one of these schools.



I have a question: Why do they get so aggressive after sanding with 3000 grit? I`ve been able to remove 3000 unigrit sanding marks with my PC and Optimum Compound on an orange pad. Seems like they wouldn`t need to use a heavy cut compound with a wool pad.....I could easily be missing something, though. I have ZERO experience with any of the 3m products used in that video.

[wannafbody]

They used 1500 first. The 1500 sanding scratches are deeper than the 3000. Too fine of a polish would remove the 3000 sanding marks but not the 1500.

[Frito Bandito]

But wouldn`t sanding with 3000 remove the 1500 grit sanding marks?

[jeteast99]

where can i find 3000 grit paper for my da. the shop i go to only carries up to 2000

[imported_rydawg]

But wouldn`t sanding with 3000 remove the 1500 grit sanding marks?

Exactly what you said. It refines the 1500 grit marks. The 3000 grit is actually a unique sanding disc. It`s not a paper at all. It`s called 3000 Trizact sanding disc.



The higher the number, the finer the finish. 1500 is fine-coarse and 3000 is ultra-fine.

[imported_rydawg]

I would love to go to one of these schools.



I have a question: Why do they get so aggressive after sanding with 3000 grit? I`ve been able to remove 300 unigrit sanding marks with my PC and Optimum Compound on an orange pad. Seems like they wouldn`t need to use a heavy cut compound with a wool pad.....I could easily be missing something, though. I have ZERO experience with any of the 3m products used in that video.

I hope you mean 3000 and not 300.:soscared:

[imported_rydawg]

where can i find 3000 grit paper for my da. the shop i go to only carries up to 2000

What kid of DA do you have?

[Frito Bandito]

I hope you mean 3000 and not 300.:soscared:

Yeah I meant 3000. Oops!

[imported_rydawg]

Yeah I meant 3000. Oops!

You had me worried:chuckle:

[imported_Dave1]

Ultrafina question......



I read here that it was made to remain wet......



Quote: "This polished is designed to be “left wet� upon final finishing and is to not be over-buffed/buffed dry."



Hmmm, I have used it a few times now and found that it has a longer life than most for polishing. And I have continued until it was almost dry like Menzerna....



Am I over buffing with ultrafina....?