In this video tutorial, 3M demonstrates how to prepare a panel for blending. This is the process of blending new paint into the existing color to produce a color match. After blending the paint, the entire panel will need to be clear coated. If the blend is close to an edge, blending and clearing into the adjacent panel may be necessary as well.
As always, the first step is to always properly clean the surface that you are working on. Next, you will need to sand the surface that is going to be blended and/or clear coated to provide mechanical adhesion. We use 800 grit on a DA with an interface pad for blend area and adjacent panels to be clear coated. However, 3M recommends to use 1000 grit grit on a DA with an interface pad on adjacent panels to be clear coated. Either grit will work, however, the 1000 grit may take a little longer. We have never had a problem with the clear coat covering 800 grit scratches. Be sure to get the hard to get areas and edges with 800 grit sandpaper or a grey scotch-brite. This will assure proper adhesion.
For 3M’s Step-by-Step Procedure PDF, visit Blend Panel Sanding Process