What is the 3M Paint Preparation System (PPS)?
3M's Paint Preparation System (or 3M PPS) is a system of 3M HVLP Disposable cups that can be used with any spray guns. The 3M PPS disposable cup system is a great alternative to reusable cups because it makes the painting process much cleaner and more efficient. Paint can be mixed directly in the cup and minimum clean-up is required after each use.
There are currently two different series of 3M PPS cup systems: the original 1.0 series and the new and improved 2.0 series.
The 3M PPS 1.0 system was the original 3M HVLP disposable spray cup system that was designed to eliminate waste and streamline the cleaning process. 1.0 Series products can be distinguished by part numbers that begin with 1 (for example, the 3M PPS kit 16000 is part of the original 1.0 series). Many of our 1.0 items are on clearance, so check those out here as they are available while supplies last!
The 3M PPS Series 2.0 spray cup system includes all of the same items as the original system. There have been some major updates with the new system that have made it even more efficient. The series 2 items are distinguished by part numbers that begin 2 (such as 26000 or 26012).
The PPS system is comprised of all of the following pieces:
- A clear, hard cup with mix ratios included on the side
- Disposable liners that go inside the cup
- Lids
- A ring for screwing the lid onto the cup
- Adapters for attaching the PPS cups to the spray gun
In the original 3M PPS series, kits come with lids and liners only and hard cups have to be purchased separately. The 3M 2.0 PPS kits now include a hard cup with measuring guides right on the cup. There are measuring guides that can be used with scales as well as universal ratios that can be used when a scale is not available.
Additionally, every lid has either a 200 micron filter or a 125 micron filter and the domed lid also includes a quarter turn lid locking feature to ensure that the cup is secure.
The new kits also include a ceiling lock cap that can be used to seal the paint cups when shaking paint, when disposing the cups and when the cups are not in use.
The table below offers some guidance on which size is recommended for various uz
3M 2.0 PPS comes in multiple sizes designed for various uses. The table below offers some guidance on what the ideal use for each size.
Series Size |
Cup Size |
Ideal Uses |
Micro |
3 oz/90 mL |
Spot repair |
Mini |
6.8 oz/200 mL |
Larger spot repairs, blends or one panel repairs |
Midi |
13.5 oz/ 400 mL |
7/10 base coats, ideal for 2 panel repairs and most bumpers |
Standard |
22 oz/650 mL |
3 panel repairs |
Large |
28 oz/850 mL |
4 panel repairs, completes or for large batches of clear coat |
PPS Adapters:
3M also has a series of PPS 2.0 adapters that can be used to attach disposable PPS cups to any paint sprayer. Check out our 3M PPS Adapter Guide and Chart for a full guide on purchasing 3M PPS adapters. This page will answer questions like what is a PPS attachment and which adapter do I need for my spray gun?
How To Use 3M PPS:
- Put on all of the recommended safety gear including a coverall, respirator mask, hearing protection, gloves and safety glasses.
- Place a 3M PPS Liner inside the hard cup
- Use the measuring guides available on the side of the hard cup to measure and mix paint directly in the lined cup
- Place the lid on the cup. Utilize the quarter turn lid locking system to ensure that the lid is locked into place.
- Optional Step: Place a ceiling plug into the lid of the cup. Then place a shaker core around the closed cup. Place the whole cup in the paint shaker. Once you are done shaking the whole cup of paint, remove the shaker core and ceiling plug.
- Insert your 3M adapter into your spray gun and turn it a quarter turn to lock it into place. Attach the PPS cup to the other side of the adapter to attach the cup to the spray gun.
- You are now ready to paint!
- When done painting, turn the spray gun upside down and pull on the trigger to return any excess paint to the cup before disconnecting
Part Number Guide:
There are many different options for purchasing including PPS lid liner kits, starter kits, refill kits, lids only and hard cup only. Liner only options are also available for the original 1.0 series. Use the charts below for guidance on which item best matches your needs.
The following Starter Kits each come with 6 lids and liners, 16 sealing plugs and 1 hard cup:
Part Number |
Size |
Standard (22 oz, 650 mL) |
|
Midi (13.6 oz, 400 mL |
The following Refill Starter Kits each come with 12 lids and liners and 16 sealing plugs.
Part Number |
Size |
Standard (22 oz, 650 mL) |
|
Midi (13.6 oz, 400 mL |
Lid and liner kits can be purchased in each size option and with either 125 Micron filters 200 Micron filters. Each kit comes with 50 lids and liners, 32 sealing plugs and 1 hard cup.
125 Micron Liner System
Part Number |
Size |
Large (28 oz, 850 mL) |
|
Standard (22 oz, 650 mL) |
|
Midi (13.5 oz, 200 mL) |
|
Mini (6.8 oz, 200 mL) |
|
Micro ( 3 oz, 90 mL) |
200 Micron Liner System
Part Number |
Size |
Large (28 oz, 850 mL) |
|
Standard (22 oz, 650 mL) |
|
Midi (13.5 oz, 200 mL) |
|
Mini (6.8 oz, 200 mL) |
|
Micro ( 3 oz, 90 mL) |
Hard Cup Only kits come with 2 cups each.
Part Number |
Size |
Large (28 oz, 850 mL) |
|
Standard (22 oz, 650 mL) |
|
Midi (13.5 oz, 200 mL) |
|
Mini (6.8 oz, 200 mL) |
Lids Only kits come in a couple different sizes and with the 125 or 200 micron filter options. Each kit comes with 25 lids.
Part Number |
Size |
Micron Filter |
Large/Standard |
200 micron filter |
|
Large/Standard |
125 micron filter |
|
Midi/Mini/Micro |
200 micron filter |
|
Midi/Mini/Micro |
125 micron filter |
If you have further questions or would like assistance selecting PPS products for your needs, please reach us at info@spraygunplaza.com or at 858-722-1135.