The increase, effective from Monday, June 20, is a response to rapidly rising raw material costs, and will see prices increase by an average of 5.4% across the range.

The price increase is variable with some headline products, including many of the core abrasives, 3M Scotch-Brite range and Soft Edge Foam Masking Tapes, being held at their current price levels.

Mark Deakin, general sales & marketing manager for 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division, explained: “We have had to review our prices across the range as we are being charged significantly increased prices by our own suppliers for materials such as PET and propylene. This in itself is being driven by rises in crude oil prices over the past 12 months and restricted raw material supply.

“As always our priority is to secure consistent sources of supply in order to guarantee product availability through our distributor network to our nationwide customer base. This increase will enable us to do that, as we continue to work with our suppliers.”

3M has received confirmation from Audatex UK that it has commenced the process of updating its paint tables, and will reflect this increase within its AudaEnterpriseGold estimating system during the week commencing June, 20.