Craters have their place in this world – on the moon, for example. They do not, however, have a place in the auto collision repair industry.
On the job, these tiny craters called pinholes often result from air trapped in filler. They are the things of repair professionals’ nightmares and have a negative impact on a repair shop’s bottom line. Pinholes increase the shop’s cycle time and reduce margins since they require additional staff time and resources to correct.
Business owners and auto collision professionals looking for ways to reduce the occurrence of pinholes in their work have the power of 3M™ behind them.
The company’s Platinum™ Select Filler “is a premium body filler with a fine surface that requires less primer to cover micro pinholes than traditional filler. In fact, Platinum™ Select Filler can decrease primer use by up to 30%.” The product is credited with reducing pinholes by as much as 99%.
The product offers “fast adhesion to aluminum, steel, galvanized steel, e-coat, fiberglass and SMC.” 3M™ notes the “filler is stain-free, delivers excellent corrosion resistance and is perfect for use under all basecoats and clearcoats, including waterborne coatings.”
Before you begin the paint job, it’s a good idea to shine a flashlight carefully across the surface to be painted. This little trick will cause a shadow to be cast by the base of the pinhole, allowing it to be repaired by filling the hole and sanding the spot before the paint ever flows.
If, however, pinholes manage to sneak through to the paint portion, know that it isn’t the end of the world. If you are working on a solid-color car or dark metallic, a tip from a professional with nearly 30 years of experience suggests you can “dab a bit of catalyzed clear into the pinhole” which can then dry and be sanded and polished.
If you’re interested in learning more about 3M™’s Platinum Select Filler, give us a call. Our trained sales and tech teams regularly hold clinics in custom painting techniques, product training and provide operations best practices in the areas of process evaluation, inventory management and advanced data evaluation to our auto body partners. These partnerships result in streamlined body shop operations reflected in increased productivity and profit margins.
Contact us at 818.365.3727. We look forward to hearing from you!
Take a peaceful drive around Southern California and partake in some of these exciting auto events. Whether it’s going back in time or heading into the future, you’ll enjoy doing what you love the most. We all need some car therapy. Please call before attending any community events. It is [...] Read More..
Get your keys and visit some of these car enthusiast events in San Diego and surrounding areas. Whether you like classic cars, custom paint, exotic cars, or hot rods…these events have it all, including donuts and coffee! Please call before attending any community events. It is likely that they will [...] Read More..
Northern California has a lot of exciting auto events to choose from. If you are looking for an early morning brisk drive with coffee, donuts, and cars or an evening night out with entertainment, raffles, and food…choose from any these car enthusiast events. Yep! Cars…cars…and even more cars! Please call [...] Read More..