3M Applying

3M Applying

When facing global challenges, people turn to science.  At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. 

The 3M PPS (Paint Preparation System) is a unique, closed paint system that eliminates the need for separate mixing cups and filters. Instead, paint is mixed in a liner bag which marries to a direct filter and is then mounted on the spray gun with a dedicated adapter. As freshly filtered paint is dispensed, the liner bag collapses, allowing the spray gun to function at any angle. The liner bag and filter are disposable, leaving only the spray gun and adapter to be cleaned. The 3M PPS Paint Preparation system is a cleaner, faster system, safe from outside contamination, and offers considerable time and solvent savings on gun and parts cleaning.

Industrial 3M Paint Application Products

Production-Grade 3M Paint Application Products for High-Volume Shops

At Total Finishing Supplies, we pair top-tier professional finishing supplies with real-world technical support to keep your fluid transfer lines clean and productive. We also stock versatile 3M paint application products designed to streamline fluid delivery and speed spray booth turnover.

Our selection of application tools optimizes coating transfer efficiency while lowering maintenance requirements across all finishing workflows.

Our inventory includes:

• Disposable paint cup liners, rigid outer mixing cups, hard collars, and sealed pressure cup lids.
• Direct-connect spray gun adapters and stainless steel fluid joints.
• Quick-latch coupling hardware and in-line spray cup strainers.
• Disposable spray gun heads and paint preparation accessories.

Upgrade Your Paint Preparation Systems

Optimize your spray performance and slash cleanup times with industrial-grade application equipment. Reach out to our team today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do disposable paint cup systems reduce solvent consumption in finishing shops?

Disposable liners replace traditional rigid metal cups, eliminating the need to wash cup walls with solvent after every coating batch. Operators throw away the used liner or seal it for later use, saving gallons of flush solvent weekly.

Can 3M paint application cups handle aggressive solvent-based coatings?

Yes, industrial-grade liners and lids feature solvent-resistant materials that withstand harsh urethanes, epoxies, lacquers, and thinners without degrading or leaking.

What mesh size strainer should I choose for liquid paint application?

Use 125-micron strainers for waterborne coatings or fine clear coats, while 200-micron strainers work best for heavier solvent basecoats and high-solid primers. Matching the micron rating to the coating helps prevent clogged tips and uneven spray patterns during application.

Do sealed application cups allow spray guns to function upside down?

Sealed pressure liner systems create a continuous vacuum during spraying, supplying consistent fluid flow to the spray tip even when spraying inverted under cabinets or structural beams. This is the same principle behind the 3M PPS liner bag, which collapses as paint is dispensed so the gun keeps performing at nearly any angle.

How do spray gun adapters secure disposable cups to existing spray equipment?

Machined stainless steel adapters thread directly onto your spray gun's fluid inlet, allowing disposable lids to lock securely with a quick quarter-turn movement.