3M Corrosion Protection Quick Reference

Automotive aftermarket product supplier 3M has recently released a quick reference guide on corrosion protection. Shawn Collins, Advanced Technical Specialist at 3M writes, “With all the questions about seam sealer and corrosion protection, I put together a quick reference one-pager. One of the biggest questions was, what can I seam seal over? The drawing is the optimal joint protection including something to seal and protect the welded flange, sealing the outside of the joint over the correct substrate and then cavity wax in the cavity or inside the panel. If you do all this thoroughly, the repair will outlast the car.” Let’s take a closer look at this quick reference.

It should be noted that this document is specific to 3M’s product line and may not apply to any other product lines. Also, 3M recommends referring to relevant vehicle repair and OEM guidelines prior to starting all repairs. The document has an image showing panel and product layering, to achieve what is 3M’s best “optimal joint protection”. The document shows several different products, and recommends putting one of the products between all welded flanges. There is also information on what the different types of substrates are compatible with 3M’s seam sealers. Check out the full document Corrosion Protection At A Glance on the RTS website. If your repair facility utilizes 3M’s product line this would be a great document to print off and have readily available for reference.


Related I-CAR Courses

  • Repairer Driven News: Rivian Updates Door Handle Procedure Sunday, 4 February 2035

    Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article featuring an updated Rivian procedure.

  • 2025 SkillsUSA National Competition Results Monday, 30 June 2025

    The 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference took place on June 26, 2025. Every year I-CAR sends volunteers (virtually in 2021) to judge the collision repair technology competition....

  • Ford/Lincoln Rocker Panel Reinforcement Sectioning Friday, 27 June 2025

    We are often asked, “Can I section this panel?” Let’s take a look at Ford/Lincoln vehicles and sectioning the rocker panel reinforcement.

  • Back-To-Basics: Backside Panel Refinish And Edging Thursday, 26 June 2025

    Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When repairing and refinishing, you might need to refinish the panel's backside and edges.

  • Hyundai Position Statement: Pre- And Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE Monday, 23 June 2025

    Hyundai released an updated position statement relating to pre- and post-repair system scanning.

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations Tuesday, 17 June 2025

    Have you had an experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and...

  • Digital Key Considerations Tuesday, 17 June 2025

    The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner...

  • Back-To-Basics: Tire Tread Pattern Wednesday, 11 June 2025

    Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Let’s see how to identify tire tread patterns and their repair considerations.

  • Corrosion Protection Guidelines: Ford/Lincoln - UPDATE Tuesday, 10 June 2025

    A key factor in collision repair is making long-lasting repairs. When a vehicle is repaired, many areas of corrosion protection are disturbed. This creates corrosion hot spots that, left untreated,...

  • Rivian Restraints Wiring Thursday, 5 June 2025

    The question is often asked, "Can supplemental restraints system wiring be repaired?" The answer is: it depends on the vehicle maker. Let's take a look at Rivian's position on this subject.