Metal fabricators, welders, auto body shops and powder coaters are always looking for high temperature one part fillers to use to smooth out rough welds or patch surface imperfections, as well as something suitable for powder coating.
Bondo or two part body filler products can cause complications after powder coating metal parts, since these don’t typically bind well with metal surfaces and often outgas during the heat cure process.
1. Thermobond-3
Every powder coater needs to address imperfections in their metalwork, such as dents and dings, so finding an efficient filler that can withstand high temperatures and be easily applied, sanded, and coated is vital. One product commonly used by powder coaters to fix imperfections is Thermobond-3 from Alvin Products – its cost- effective formula easily fills gaps while Lab-Metal from Alvin also helps create smooth finishes.
Since bondo does not provide adequate high temperature resistance, powder coating over it could result in outgassing that causes uneven surfaces and outgassing that could potentially create outgassing issues. Instead, find body filler designed specifically for powder coating that can withstand higher temperatures to avoid this risk.
These fillers include Dura-Chem Inc’s Thermobond-3 and Alvin Products’ Lab Metal Epoxy Putty as examples of such fillers, while some examples from Dura-Chem may also work, like Thermobond-3 from Dura-Chem Inc and Lab Metal Epoxy Putty from Alvin Products respectively. Although these products are more costly, their superior results far outweigh trying to powder coat over Bondo, which would melt and create irregular surfaces; also, these materials are much simpler to apply and sand than regular putty; giving your finished product an additional professional touch that would not exist with regular putty!
2. Spectrum
Powder coating is a dry product, meaning no solvents or adhesives are required for application or curing. Once on a surface with static electric charge application, it’s heated until its hard “skin” forms a strong and protective surface layer that has excellent long-term durability.
Powder coaters and fabricators alike often face challenges with metal parts filled in with plastic resin or two-part body fillers that contain two-part fillers such as two- part body fillers. Such fillers often shrink, outgas, burn or leave a ring under light powder colors which creates an unsightly appearance after heat curing, which can be costly to rectify.
Cloverdale Paint offers several products designed to prepare surfaces for powder coating over body filler, including Spectrum. Spectrum is easy to use, dries quickly, and allows easier sanding than many other body fillers – plus, its cartridge dispenser takes the guesswork out of mixing the correct ratio!
Evercoat Quantum1 offers another great choice, combining the strength and stability of an epoxy with the sandability of polyester resins. Convenient cartridge dispensers make this solution great for busy shops working to tight deadlines or production runs with high volumes.
3. Lab Metal Epoxy Putty by Alvin Products
Lab Metal is an easy-to-use metal repair putty, dent filler and patching compound made with aluminum filler that fills dents quickly and economically in both metal and nonmetallic parts quickly and economically. No heat or special tools are necessary – simply plug away! Lab Metal can be applied directly from the can using a putty knife or similar tool for fast, permanent repairs. Lab Metal sticks securely to virtually every clean and dry metal surface including those coated in powder paint, powder coat or paint finishes; wood, hard plastics, glass and plaster surfaces as well as various other materials like wood or hard plastics – without ever rotting or mildewing! Lab Metal also stands up well under corrosion vibration or fluctuating climatic conditions and once hardened can be machined, chiseled sawed drilled ground or filed without shrinkage or cracking!
Lab-Metal can be thinned down to paint consistency with Alvin Lab-solvent and applied by brush or spray for an antirust, water resistant hard metal finish that’s both rustproof and water repellant. Furthermore, this application method won’t interfere with powder coating processes when covering welds, rough spots or surface imperfections.
Prior to applying Lab Metal, surfaces should be sanded and free from oil or grease build-up. Lab-Metal powder coating can be done up to 425degF but needs curing at higher temperatures (please follow instructions). Lab Metal contains aluminum powder which requires air exposure for hardening purposes – therefore giving an optimal finish and results.