Total Panel Repair and Replacement Solutions from 3M
Resources for Smoother Metal Repair Processes
Body repair technicians have one thing in common: their commitment to deliver a perfect repair. 3M provides easy-to-access, easy-to-view standard operating procedures (SOPs), technical tips, in-depth articles and more. From small dent repair to panel bonding, from door skins to weld sealing, from express repairs to large panel replacement, you’ll find ways to help fuel that commitment and expertise for you and your entire shop.
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Standard Operating Procedures for Panel Repairs
3M helps ensure that you’re using the best techniques and tools for a full range of panel repair and replacement jobs. You’ll find clear, step-by-step procedures for basic metal repairs as well as specific jobs such as door panel replacement and panel bonding.
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Technical Tips for Panel Repairs
3M provides vital tips that support the grinding, bonding, sanding and finishing required for panel repair. Our experts can help you achieve excellent appearance, long-term performance and shop efficiency. Check them out right here.
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Important NoteThere 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.
Featured 3M Standard Operating Procedures for Metal Shop Repairs
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Large Damage Repair
Achieving a smooth, well-prepared metal surface is more challenging when repairing larger auto panels. The 3M SOPs for Large Damage Repair provide the steps for prepping, filling, sanding and inspecting repairs where the original paint layer has been broken and the damage includes significant denting. This SOP is available in English and Spanish.
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Small Damage Repair
Less complicated than large damage repair, small damage repair involves fewer steps and a more streamlined process. The 3M SOP for Small Damage Repair shows procedures for repairs from rough to paint shop ready. These SOPs are available in English and Spanish for both aluminum and traditional materials.
More 3M Standard Operating Procedures for Metal Shop Repairs
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Express Damage Repair
The basics for success in any body repair shop – express repairs, or removing minor dents and dings from panels where paint hasn’t been compromised. Check out 3M SOPs for small damage areas.
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Door Skin Removal
As much as any other job, door panel repair requires extra care to avoid damage and rework. These best practices can help make the entire repair smooth and efficient.
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Door Skin Replacement
These 3M resources for replacing door panels will help you restore the vehicle’s appearance – as well as its safety and corrosion protection – to OEM standards.
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Panel Bonding Excluding Door Skin
3M SOPs for Panel Bonding provide best practices for pre-fitting, cutting, panel prep and installation when following OEM recommendations for panel bonding adhesives.
English Download: Panel Bonding Excluding Door Skin (PDF, 155 KB)
Spanish Download: Panel Bonding Excluding Door Skin (PDF, 229 KB)
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Steel Part Replacement
High-strength steel demands its own best practices for repair jobs. These SOPs cover removal, weld prep, reassembly and more.
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Welding and Spark Protection
In itself, using welding and spark protection is a best practice to keep your work safe and clean. Here is how to use welding and spark deflection protection paper and welding drapes.
English Download: Welding and Spark Protection (PDF, 136 KB)
Spanish Download: Welding and Spark Protection (PDF, 137 KB)
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Metal Working
Effectively removing creases and dents without further damaging the panel is big challenge for smooth, efficient metal repair. Here are 3M SOPs to help the process.
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Sealer Coating Removal
A critical step in panel replacement: here are the best tools for removing previous seam sealers or coatings for effective metal prep.
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