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Adhesives, Sealants & Fillers

3M Adhesives, Sealants & Fillersfor Collision Repair

Leading bodyshops follow OEM repair procedures.

Help protect yourself, your bodyshop, and your customer by repairing the vehicle the right way, every time. Repair confidently with 3M Adhesives and Seam Sealers.

Research

Search the original equipment manufacturer’s website for the most up-to-date repair procedures, process guides and bulletins.
Document the Procedure
Make sure to document the procedure at the time of repair. Include in the repair order:

OEM repair procedures used

Before and after photos

Detailed report of a diagnostic scan

Not to forget these steps, you can display this infographic in your bodyshop.
Download the infographic (PDF, 39.3 KB)
Improve Accuracy

Checking OEM repair procedures before starting a repair can help you write more accurate estimates, order the correct parts, and source the proper products.
Always Validate

OEM procedures and products change frequently. Even if you have repaired a vehicle multiple times, always validate OEM procedures are up to date.
Select the Right Products

The solutions used to complete the repair are equally important as the procedure. OEMs call out specific products for use in the repair to achieve the best results.

Explore the online catalog

View the brochure (PDF, 39.3 KB)

Download the guide (PDF, 265 KB)
Get Paid

Following OEM repair procedures can help you to get paid for the work you do and the materials you use to complete the repair. Include your research and materials into the repair estimate.

Read the article

Use trusted products.

OEMs call out products for a reason.

Overview of Fillers, Adhesives and Sealants for Collision Repair - Key Questions and Answers for the Bodyshop

How do I rebuild the structure of an OEM seam to make my repair invisible?
NOTE: The structures of seam seals often differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Four of the most commonly used seams are the swirl bead, push-pull bead, textured OEM bead and flat Bead. In the end, the right choice of nozzle and pressure is key.
Watch the following video showing four options for reproducing seams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BEVI5FCYd4

Steps to reproduce OEM seams:
Assess the OEM Bead: Carefully study the OEM seam or bead that you want to replicate. Take note of its size, shape, texture, and any specific patterns or contours.
Choose the Right Sealant: Select a sealant that is designed for replicating OEM beads or seams.
Masking: Use masking tape to create guides for where you want to apply the sealant. This will help you ensure that the bead is uniform and follows the contours of the original seam.
Apply the Sealant: Load the chosen sealant into a caulk gun or applicator. Apply the sealant along the guides you've created. Be mindful of the bead's size and shape as you apply it. Use a steady and consistent hand to maintain evenness.

Blend Seam with Surrounding Area: Feather the ends of the bead into the surrounding area for a seamless transition. This is important to make the repair less noticeable.
Curing Time: Allow the sealant to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions. It's important to let it fully set before proceeding with any further steps.
Painting: Once the sealant has cured, you can proceed with painting the repaired area to match the rest of the vehicle. Follow the standard painting and finishing procedures for automotive paint to ensure a professional finish.
Final Inspection: After painting and finishing, inspect the repair to ensure that the replicated bead matches the surrounding OEM seams in terms of appearance, texture, and contour.
Optional Clear Coat: For an extra level of protection and to achieve a factory-like finish, you can apply a clear coat over the painted area. This will help protect the repair and make it less noticeable.
Why shouldn’t I apply standard polyester body filler onto welding seams?
Applying standard polyester body filler directly onto welding seams is generally not recommended due to several reasons:
- Adhesion Issues: Polyester body filler may not adhere well to welding seams, which are typically comprised of bare metal. Without proper adhesion, the filler can easily crack or separate from the seam, leading to an unstable repair.
- Rust and Corrosion: Welding seams are often more susceptible to rust and corrosion, especially if the welds are not properly treated or protected. Applying polyester body filler directly over these seams can trap moisture and accelerate rusting, due to its hygroscopic behavior, compromising the longevity of the repair.
Can I use your plastic repair material on all types of plastic?
- PP/EPDM – polyethylene ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (Thermoplastic)
- ABS – Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (Thermoplastic)
- PUR – Polyurethan (Thermo set)
- GFK – glassfibre reinforced plastics (Plastic Composite)
3M has a variety of products for repairing plastics depending on plastic types, but also according to the repair to make:
For scratches: 3M™ Flexible Plastic Repair Material (FPRM, 05900 tubes or 05901 cartridges), to repair all types of plastic parts (PP*, EP*, TPO*, PP/EPDM*, PC, PUR, ABS, etc.)
For holes & cracks: 3M™ Flexible Plastic Patch 05888** together with 3M™ Flexible Plastic Repair Material 5900/05901
For Broken parts for example headlight tab: 3M™ Super Fast Adhesive 55045 (clear) or 04748(black)*
* Use 05917TF Adhesion promotor prior to adhesive application for polyolefins identified by the mold marks (PP, PE, TPO or EPDM, do not use it on ABS).
** 3M™ Flexible Plastic Patch 05888 is used with 3M™ Adhesion Promotor 06396 and can be used on LSE plastics, as well as TPO, PPO, PP, PC, PC and ABS).
For which bonding application can I use which body repair adhesive?
Adhesive repair in automotive applications can be categorized into two main types: structural and non-structural adhesives.

Here are the key differences and their respective applications:

Non-Structural Adhesives: primarily used for bonding and repairing non-load-bearing components. They are ideal for cosmetic and minor repairs.
- Bumpers
- Trim pieces
- Interior components
- Roof skin
- Door skin
- Sill
- Quarter panels/Truck Box/Van Side
- Frame members
- Roof panels/skin
- Front Upper/Lower Rail
- Body Side
- Structural pillars (A, B, C pillars) uniside
- Sill
- Rear Unibody/Wheel Opening
The choice between structural and non-structural adhesives depends on the severity of the damage and the specific automotive component you're repairing. Structural adhesives are essential when restoring the vehicle's overall strength and safety, while non-structural adhesives are suitable for cosmetic and less critical repairs. Always follow manufacturer recommendations and guidelines when selecting and using these adhesives, as they can vary based on the make and model of the car.

Refer to our brochure for more information related to our structural adhesives.
3M Solutions for OEM Repair Procedures (PDF, 1,474 KB)
How thick can I apply body filler?
Independent studies have shown a negative impact of thicker layer of body filler material.
3M recommends for polyester-based as well as epoxy-based body fillers, to apply them in layers no thicker than 2-3mm at a time. Applying thicker layers can lead to problems with drying and curing, as well as air inclusion.
Recommendation for body filler application for car repairs:
Ensure the surface is clean and free of rust, dirt and contaminants.
Prepare the surface and products, ensure they are at recommended usage temperature.
Prepare body filler according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Use appropriate safety equipment, including gloves, eye protection and a dust mask when working with filler.

Curing of Body Fillers:
Proper curing is crucial for achieving a strong and durable repair when using body fillers. The curing process varies depending on the type of filler you're using, whether it's polyester-based or epoxy-based. Refers to 3M technical documentation to follow the right curing or forced curing process depending on the product used.

General Tips for Curing:
Ensure the repaired area is in a well-ventilated space while curing to allow any fumes or gases to dissipate.
Avoid exposing the curing filler to excessive moisture during the curing process, as this can negatively affect the quality of the repair.
Temperature and humidity can influence curing times - warmer conditions typically speeding up the process.
If you're uncertain about whether the filler has fully cured, you can perform a "thumbnail test." Gently press your thumbnail into an inconspicuous area of the filler. If it leaves an indentation, the filler may not be fully cured.

In summary, understanding and following the recommended curing procedures for the specific type of body filler you're using is essential for achieving a successful and long-lasting repair. Always consult the manufacturer's instructions and consider environmental factors to ensure proper curing.

Seam sealing replication made easier

Help save time and effort with 3M OEM Match Family of seam sealer solutions

Replicate OEM Seams - Explore 3M products

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41 Products

Your selections:

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3M™ OEM Match Sprayable Tip, 1K, 33991

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3M HEAVY GENERAL PURPOSE FILLET 51072 51075

3M™ Heavy General Purpose Filler, 1 L, 51075

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