Introducing 3M™ Perfect-It™ 1-Step Paint Finishing System
REQUEST A DEMOSay goodbye to compounding.
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Compounding is messy. It’s hard. And it can create dieback or swirls that require rework. What if you could achieve an even better finish without rubbing compound? The 3M™ Perfect-It™ 1-Step Paint Finishing System features 3M™ Trizact™ 8000 Hookit™ Foam Abrasive Disc, an incredibly fine grade abrasive never before seen in paint finishing. With this system, you get a deeper, glossier finish with fewer steps, less mess and no compound swirls – giving you flawless results with optimal business efficiency.
Get a perfect finish without rubbing compound.
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No more compoundEliminates the longest, most painful step in the paint finishing process.
Deeper, glossier finishesAchieve an outstanding gloss with this one-of-a-kind abrasive, finishing material and pad system.
Less buffing workCut down on time wrestling with that heavy buffer.-
Cleaner jobsMakes less mess with no compound sling, wool fibers or lint.
Reduced rework and comebacksNo need to buff out compound swirl marks or risk burn through.
Designed for easeFrom the newbie to the master technician, this system is quick to learn and even quicker to use.A finer grade for the finest finish: 3M™ Trizact™ 8000
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Transform your paint finishing process with our first-of-its-kind abrasive that delivers scratch removal and lets you skip compounding altogether while achieving an even finer, glossier, deeper finish. 3M™ Trizact™ abrasives have always provided a finer, more consistent scratch when removing paint defects like scratches, runs and dents. Now we present Trizact™ abrasive discs and sheets in an extremely fine 8000 grade. When used as part of the 3M™ Perfect-It™ 1-Step Paint Finishing System, Trizact™ 8000 has the power to change the way you do paint finishing.
A Dynamic Duo: 3M™ Perfect-It™ 1-Step Finishing Material and Foam Finishing Pad
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3M™ Perfect-It™ 1-Step Finishing Material features the cut of rubbing compound with the fine finish of polish.
3M™ Perfect-It™ 1-Step Foam Finishing Pad is a hybrid of our white compounding pad and blue polishing pad, designed specifically to bring up a deep glossy shine after using Trizact™ 8000.
Standard Operating Procedures
See how to achieve deeper, glossier finishes without rubbing compound.
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WATCH: Large Area Repair
See detailed step-by-step instructions for using the 3M™ Perfect-It™ 1-Step Paint Finishing System to refinish full panels of a vehicle without rubbing compound.
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WATCH: Spot Repair
For smaller area repairs, see tips and tricks for achieving optimal results using the 3M™ Perfect-It™ 1-Step Paint Finishing process, including the best pad sizes, techniques and dampness levels.
Meet Brian.
Hear why his shop switched to the 3M™ Perfect-It™ 1-Step Paint Finishing System.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does this new system really let me skip compounding? I’m not sure I believe that.
This system features our Trizact™ abrasive in an incredibly fine 8000 grade, which is brand-new in paint finishing. Trizact™ 8000 refines scratches while also burnishing the paint surface. When followed with the specially formulated 1-Step Finishing Material, you get the same glossy results as you do with compounding.
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Alright, this is interesting to me. But I’ve been compounding for a long time. Are there enough benefits for me to change my process?
We believe so. Compounding is the longest step in the paint finishing process, and it uses the heaviest tool. With the 1-Step system you can trade the heavy buffer for a lighter DA sander. It’s easier to train new techs, and they make fewer mistakes. Without compounding you don’t have compound sling or swirls, and the risk of burn-through is much lower. This means there’s much less cleanup and rework – after a process that’s easier and less tiring.
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OK, I’m sold. But what if I want to skip sanding with Trizact™ 8000? Can I simply buff the surface with the 1-Step Finishing Material after using Trizact™ 3000?
No, we don’t recommend this. The 1-Step Finishing Material was specifically developed to work with Trizact™ 8000. You won’t get the same results if you skip sanding with Trizact™ 8000.
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I like to be thorough. Should I use Trizact™ 5000 too?
Nope! With this system you sand with our 8000 grade after sanding with 3000 grade. While sanding with 5000 won’t hurt, it’s not necessary.
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Can I still compound?
If you really want to, go crazy. But the whole point of the new 1-Step system is to remove compounding from the paint finishing process. Compounding would just be extra, unnecessary work.
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Will I have to finish with ultra-fine machine polish?
The 1-Step system produces a gorgeous deep glossy finish. As with compounding, you may want to follow with an ultra-fine polish when working on black or dark-colored paint (for example, if you need an ultra high gloss shine to match adjacent panels).
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The purple pad is new. What’s the deal?
Our purple 1-Step Foam Finishing Pad is a hybrid of our white compounding pad and blue polishing pad. It combines the firmness of the white pad with the softness of the blue pad and was specially developed to be used with 1-Step Finishing Material.
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What kinds of paints and clear coats can I use this on?
We tested the system extensively on soft and hard-to-buff paints and clear coats. It works well on them all.
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This system sounds amazing. Can I use it on anything besides passenger vehicles?
Yes. We’ve gotten excellent results and feedback on all painted surfaces, including heavy-duty trucks and vehicles, tractors, equipment, watercraft, motorcycles, even bicycles.
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Should I use Trizact™ 8000 wet or dry?
We recommend using both Trizact™ 3000 and 8000 lightly damp for optimal results. A light spray of water on the surface and on the disc is all you need—don’t make it too wet.
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How long does each disc last?
On average you’ll be able to sand at least 6 auto body panels with each disc if used properly.
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Can I use this on on gelcoats?
The 1-Step system wasn’t designed for gelcoat. We recommend using 3M™ Perfect-It™ Gelcoat System for refinishing marine and RV gelcoat surfaces.
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Can I use Trizact™ 8000 by hand?
You can, but Trizact™ 8000 won’t be as efficient when used by hand. We recommend using it with a DA sander if you can.
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There are other 1-step compound formulas out there. How is this different?
The 3M™ Perfect-It™ 1-Step Paint Finishing System is the only 1-step solution that exclusively uses abrasives instead of compound for scratch removal. Trizact™ 8000 is specially designed to produce a unique conformed scratch pattern, and it’s so fine it easily achieves the same results as compounding – without the hassle and mess.
Resources
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At a glance, everything you need to say goodbye to compounding. Highlights system features, benefits, products and ordering info. -
Cleaner jobs. Faster buffing. Better finishes. Discover how 3M™ Trizact™ abrasives can reduce overall polishing time by up to 75% vs. traditional abrasives. -
Discover benefits and ordering info for our complete range of single- and double-sided foam pads, including 3M™ Perfect-It™ 1-Step Foam Finishing Pads. -
An easy overview of the entire system, from defect removal to polishing, right on your wall. This handy chart features each product you’ll need with simple directions for use. -
The definitive guide to paint finishing with the 3M™ Perfect-It™ brand. Provides detailed information on the new compound-free 1-Step system and our classic paint finishing system.
Related Applications
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For those who prefer to compound, our classic 3M™ Perfect-It™ Paint Finishing System offers products for every stage of the paint finishing process. From defect removal with 1500-grade 3M™ Trizact™ Hookit™ Foam Abrasive Discs to compounding with Perfect-It™ EX AC Rubbing Compound and swirl removal with 3M™ Perfect-It™ EX Machine Polish, our classic system will leave a refined finish on all auto paint surfaces.
