HOW TO: Apply and Inspect with 3M Cavity Wax Plus

Ryan Marrinan, 3M Application Engineer, talks about the proper method for reinspection of cavity wax after a repair. Reinspections are a hot topic. You want to make sure to take photos that document proper application of cavity wax.

Step 1: Use a borescope to take pre-photos (00:24)

After you’ve made the weld section joints and the car's been painted and come back for reassembly, take a borescope and go through an access hole or the end of the rail. You’ll need a lighted borescope to get good photos from inside the access holes. You’ll also want an adjustable borescope since you might have to go a longer distance down the rail. You want it to hold its shape as you get into tighter areas for the photo.

Step 2: Apply the cavity wax (02:06)

Ryan demonstrates on a clear mockup of a frame rail. He leaves nothing in the first compartment, then applies one, two and three coats to the next compartments to show the process of getting the 30 mil build you're required to apply in the repair area. Leaving the repair unprotected like in the first compartment makes the car susceptible to rust down the road.

Step 3: Take post-photos (04:20)

Now that you've applied your three coats of cavity wax and have the proper build protecting the inner panels of the repair areas, use the borescope to take post-photos in the same manner that you took the pre-photos. This means you should take the post-photos from the same access point as the pre-photos — so that when you compare them side by side, it’s clear the cavity wax has been applied. Do this before you reassemble the vehicle and send it to be washed.

Step 4: Link the photos to the repair order (04:53)

Put the photos in the estimating system or in the file so they stay with the repair. Then if there's ever a question that comes up on repair methods and proper application, you have documentation to help protect you.

Important note:

There are of course many factors and variables that can affect an individual repair, so the technician and repair facility need to evaluate each specific application and repair process, including relevant vehicle, part and OEM guidelines, and determine what is appropriate for that repair.

Products used in this video:

3M™ Cavity Wax Plus 08852

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-u...

For more advanced tutorials, check out 3M Collision Repair Academy

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/collision...

You’ll find courses that will expand your knowledge, deliver practical procedures that you can use right away, and, in many cases, earn you I-CAR credits.

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