3M Sun Gun

Lighting is a frequent topic of conversation on the major detailing forums, and it is fair to say that our understanding of it and how best to use it has evolved considerably over the last five years. In the past most professional detailers relied upon halogen lamps as a source of light for conducting correction work, but these generated unwanted heat and failed to show up a lot of defects as a result of having a limited colour spectrum. As time passed, detailers began trying out alternative options and a hand held light originally developed by 3M for colour checking purposes in bodyshops began to attract attention. Our own early tests with this device, known as the 3M Sun Gun (although sometimes also referred to as the 3M Colour Check Light), highlighted paint defects more clearly than ever before and opened up a whole new world of possibilities in terms of defect identification and correction; in many ways, the 3M Sun Gun is responsible for the extremely high standards we now work to today. Although alternative options exist, in our opinion the 3M Sun Gun remains the best portable lighting source currently available on the market, and the two units continuously in use in our studio are certainly amongst the most valued pieces of equipment we own.

The 3M Sun Gun is an extremely powerful hand held torch that makes defect spotting in overcast conditions or indoor settings extremely easy. The patented 35W bulb outputs up to 3000 lux of fully daylight balanced light (Colour Rendering Index > 99%) and features two modes of operation; full power (3000 lux) and half power (1500 lux). The 3M Sun Gun is powered by a 12V rechargeable NiCd battery housed in the base of the handle; an internal cut out switch limits the length of time the bulb remains lit after being switched on to around 60 seconds, so as to preserve battery life and prevent overheating. A fully charged battery will easily enable up to 8 hours of intermittent operation in half power mode, and charging takes between 2 - 4 hours using the supplied mains powered charging cradle. Each 3M Sun Gun comes supplied in a convenient hard plastic carrying case along with a 12V rechargeable NiCd battery, a charging cradle, power cables and an instruction manual.

Use the full power mode to ruthlessly test your correction work, or the half power mode for general defect spotting during inspections. Recharge the battery as and when required in line with the enclosed instructions; if you detail professionally you may find it useful to purchase a spare battery and rotate them during use so as to ensure you never run out of light at an inconvenient moment.