HOW TO: Replicate the Seam Sealer Bead on a Toyota Wheel Arch

Ryan Marrinan, 3M Application Engineer, shows how to replicate and match a seam sealer bead on the inside of a Toyota Wheel Arch. Working upside down can be a challenge, so we're going to share some quick tips on how you can accomplish this without much effort.

Step 1: Prep your spreader

Use a standard mud spreader and cut a notch in it. Use a hole punch and create a dimple. This will help act as a guide as you make the bead and remove any excess material.

Step 2: Prep your seam sealer

Here we are using 3M Heavy-Bodied Seam Sealer 08308. Start by equalizing the two-part cartridges up right into a paper towel. After that, apply the static mixing nozzle. Once the ring is secure, dispense a little bit of material out onto a mixing board or into a paper towel. You want to make sure you have adequate mix coming down the nozzle before you dispense it on the vehicle.

Step 3: Lay the material

Lay the material onto the surface first, take the spreader and use the notch edge as a guide and drag it along the wheel art. Stay consistent and perpendicular to the surface, so you get a nice square bead all the way around.

Step 4: Clean the edge

While the material is still wet, you can clean up any excess material without disturbing that edge. Or you could also wait until the seam sealer is cured and sand it to a smooth finish so that after it's painted, you’re left with a nice smooth bead on the wheel arch.

A word from our lawyers:

There are many factors that can affect an individual repair, so the technician and repair facility need to evaluate each specific application and repair process and determine what’s appropriate. 3M recommends referring to relevant vehicle repair and OEM guidelines prior to starting all repairs. 

Products used in this video:

3M™ Heavy-Bodied Seam Sealer, Part Number 08308.


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



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.

Website: 3MCollision.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/3MCollision
Facebook: facebook.com/3MCollision

Automotive,Car,Collision Repair,Rust,Corrosion Protection,Seam Sealer,Toyota,Wheel Arch,Rust Repair,Epoxy,Auto Repair,Car Repair,OEM,Tech Tips,Auto Body Repair,For Beginners,Epoxy Primer,Bodywork,Water Seal,Texture Matching,Seam Texture,OEM bead,Seam Repair,Paint Prep,How to Seam Seal Your Car,Match Seam Sealer,3M Collision Repair Academy,iCar,i-Car,Training,