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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Is Conductive Filler Needed before Powder Coating
Q. Need to fill dents in motorcycle tank, most small, one or two up to 1/4" deep for powder coating. Will your [Coleen's] products work? What special application tasks might help?
Bob
hobby - eugene, Oregon
October 28, 2021
A. Hi Bob. Coleen's posting was from 15 years ago, so she probably is neither monitoring this thread nor reachable.
Your question refers to the products of a particular company so it may be best to contact them directly.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
⇩ Related postings, oldest first ⇩
Q. We are currently powdercoating some parts for a company who is experiencing problems with pinholes in the welds and with lines and marks on the steel of the product. Our process is to sandblast the parts to remove the metal scale before powdercoating, but this is not removing these marks . This customer is very concerned about the smoothness of the finish and is wondering if there is anyway that we can fill these pinholes and smooth out the metal. We have not successfully found any type of metal filler that will withstand the temperatures needed to cure powdercoat and be unnoticeable after curing.
Does anyone know of such a product...
... or have any other suggestions? We have already suggested that they check with the welder to see if any of these problems can be eliminated before the parts ship to us, but they are still asking us to check in to using a filler of some sort.
Tammi L [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Cedar Rapids, Iowa
1998
A. Dear Tammi, I have used a two-part component made by 3M. It can air dry or be stoved to around 375-400 degrees. I cannot remember the exact product name or number but it works well. It can only be used for very small pinholes (1/8" or less) due to the non-conductivity of the filler. . Try it! I think it will work for you...Bob
 Bob Utech Benson, Minnesota |
 Ed. note: Bob is the author of: "High Performance powder Coating" on eBay or AbeBooks or Amazon [affil links] |
A. Tammi:
There is also a filler made by a company called DEVCON. I am not sure of the name. It is an aluminum-filled epoxy that withstands a good amount of heat. (Ed. note: perhaps Devcon #10610 Aluminum Putty ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] ) Once product is mixed, you have approximately 30 minutes to apply. Cure for at least 1 hour at 150 °F. When cooled, you can sand or grind smooth.
A company called HYSOL manufactures a similar product: EA-934. Can be worked just like the above material.
I use these products to fill holes in alum., steel, etc. that have been drilled in the wrong places. (Hey,it happens!)
It can be machined also.
Good Luck!
Patrick L [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]A. Tammi,
There is a two-component epoxy putty on the market called TIGER DRYLAC - EPO STRONG. This putty has been developed by a powder coating manufacturer and features excellent heat resistance (up to 450 °F), no shrinking and excellent conductivity for powder coating.
Thomas F. GratzSt. Charles, Illinois
A. Dear Tammi
if you still have pinhole problems, a solution is to increase the heat in your pre-stove oven. This will swell the metal, and while the item is very hot then coat it. After stoving you will find the pinholes are not existent.
Vince M [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]freelance - England
2000
A. We have a metal filler or powder coating filler called Thermobond 3. This product was made just for powder coating applications.
Coleen Sirois- Lake Elsinore, California
2006
A. Thermobond 3 is used by the powder coating company we use.
Fernando Cendejas- Anaheim, California, USA
October 8, 2013
A. Alvin products Lab-metal ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] is the stuff I have used.
Joe Smith- Portland, Oregon
Looking for a Bondo-like material suitable for powder coating
Q. I manufacture decorative hardware on a custom level. Just recently completed 75 aluminum castings, measuring 36 tall in the shape of an hour glass( table bases). The finish is powder coating, of which my company has it own line.(better quality control)
My problem is that when we media blasted the pieces the pores opened up, and these beautiful castings look like they got hit with buck shot. It's not the media, it's the nature of aluminum.
I want to know if there is a self-leveling powder coating, to hide imperfections. Not interested in textured powders.
The color we're using is bright chrome, we must have that clean look. In plating there is acid copper! What's out there? Thanks...
Andrew maltz- Little Ferry, New Jersey
1999
----
Ed. note: We appended your inquiry to a thread which may answer it for you -- Lab-Metal
⇦ this on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil links]
but get back to us with any remaining questions.
Multiple threads merged: please forgive chronology errors and repetition 🙂
Q. I need to know if anyone has a suggestion for a powdercoat filler to cover surface imperfections in steel. Bondo won't do as it emits gasses that won't allow good adhesion.
Wyatt Buchananbinghamton, New York
1999
A. Although maybe not too efficient for large scale operation, when we have a few parts that have pits, we use a Metal Repair Stik made by Permatex [Permatex Multi-metal Epoxy Stick [affil links]]. It's a small roll of 2 components that you pinch off, roll into a well mixed ball, and smooth onto the imperfection. While it is still soft, we can smooth it with just a good rub of the finger. Good luck.
Paul Norman
- Odessa, Texas
A. WE ARE MOTOR BODY BUILDERS WITH IN-HOUSE POWDERCOATING. WE USE ACRYLIC LATEX ADHESIVE TO FILL PIN HOLES AND SEAMS. THE FINISH IS RELATIVE TO EFFORT. NO GAS PROBLEMS IF CURED. ALSO WE HAVE EXPERIMENTED WITH POLYURETHANE ADHESIVE - NEEDS TO BE WELL CURED AND HAS A MAX. TEMP (STILL TRYING).
TONY LORENZ- BENDIGO. AUSTRALIA
2000
Q. I am interested in learning what conductive putties or fillers can be used on parts with porous or rough surfaces that would still be able to withstand normal 400 degree/20 minute reflow temperature cycles.
Greg Sample- Wilsonville, Oregon
2000
Suppliers in India?
RFQ: If anyone in India is reading, please help me too find a similar product which is available locally here.
Khozem Vahaanwala
Saify Ind
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
2000
RFQ: Hi!
Do we have any mfg. in India who manufacturers filler to be applied before Powder coating to hide small blow holes / pin holes on a cast surface , to hide grinding marks on a 18 / 16 swg m.s. sheet.
thanks,
Atul Bhide
jobshop / applicator - Mumbai, India
2004
Q. Technical assistance required for the types of and the correct processes for using auto body fillers that would subsequently be powder coated.
Specific problem: Material - Binhai Donghao Compound Material Co., Rapid Dry Putty and Rapid Dry Catalyst (2 catalyst and 100 putty mix together), Type: 951-001 Spec. Q/32092BDH-96
Cure period: 1/2 hr. at 77 °F., relative humidity 60%. Shelf life: 6 mo.
The auto body filler (2-part material, catalyst and putty) is not curing at a consistent rate. If the ambient environment is warm and dry it hardens sufficient for sanding within 1 hr. at 77 °F., relative humidity at 60%. If the ambient environment is cold and humid it will take from 6 to 8 hrs. to harden. Why does this happen and how do I keep the drying process consistent?
The product substrate is welded and then shot peened hot rolled steel. The body filler is applied to correct any minor cosmetic defects on the outside surfaces. The product is then powder coated in convection ovens.
Peter WoodworthSentry Group - Rochester, New York, USA
2003
Q. We use a titanium putty on some sheetmetal products that we manufacture to fill some gaps where we join parts by welding. However, sometimes the putty bubbles up and some times it does not. Does anybody else out there know of a filler that can be used under the powdercoat that gets baked at 200 °C.
Mark Chandler- Melbourne, Australia
2003
A. Peter,
Any two-part fillers using a catalyst depend on a chemical reaction between the parts to harden. Single-component coatings, like paint, count on a solvent evaporating. Since chemical activity is temperature dependent, epoxies and other two-part fillers take longer to 'set' or catalyze at lower temperatures. Epoxies seem to be quite non-linear in this respect, for instance a 30 °F temperature drop may cause cure time to go from 2 Hrs to 24 Hrs. So, to stabilize cure time, stabilize the temperature.
Mark,
Since the putty you are using 'sometimes' works fine and other times 'bubbles up', I suspect a curing problem. If it doesn't cure completely before baking, the volatile components will boil out, showing up as blisters when they can't get through the surface. Try warming the workpiece on the non-putty side after application and see if that helps. Also you didn't say if the putty was a two-component compound or not. In any case, make sure it is thoroughly mixed before use. If it's two-component, the components must be in intimate contact for proper curing. One-component fillers may separate in the container and have different amounts of volatiles when applied.
Tom Gallant- Long Beach, California, USA
A. Pin holes or surface imperfections can be filled with epoxies or structural adhesives which allow painting.
For the Gentleman from India who wanted to know a source of these products:
Permatex is available through Timken Bearings India and Permabond products through JJ Gandhi Chemicals Mumbai.
Satish Agrawal
- Visakhapatnam, AP, India
Metal filler putty "Piocol Fixup" is available in India from M/s.Prkntek Engineering solutions Pvt Ltd. Mumbai.
Joseph Maney- Mumbai-India.
January 31, 2013
Multiple threads merged: please forgive chronology errors and repetition 🙂
Q. I am working on restoring a motorcycle and want to re-powdercoat the frame. Unfortunately, there is a dent about 2 inches long in the tube steel and I would like to smooth it out prior to coating. Is there a material which can be used to fill in this large of an area and still achieve proper bonding?
RFQ: As I do not have the proper materials for doing this myself, I would welcome suggestions as to where I could get this done in my area.
Brian McDowell- Hillsboro, Oregon
2001
Ed. note: Sorry, this RFQ is old & outdated, so contact info is no longer available. However, if you feel that something technical should be said in reply, please post it; no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?)
A. Brian-
We have had good success with a product called All-Metal ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . Check out an auto body or auto paint supply store, look for Bondo-type products that have aluminum or titanium materials in the mix. They ARE out there, sometimes hard to find, though. They are easy for you to apply yourself, if you have any experience with Bondo filling and feathering.
Hope this helps...
Lynn Hughes- Kent, Washington
Multiple threads merged: please forgive chronology errors and repetition 🙂
Trouble hiding fasteners under powder coating
Q. I manufacture a series of parts that apply to custom built computer systems, these parts are cosmetic and in plain view of the end user. These are custom computer screen bezels to be exact, and require a powder coat finish. I have been having trouble with hiding the fasteners that are pressed in through the front of the part, I have tried recessing the fastener head, and filling what is left of the c'bore with Lab-metal ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , Thermobond3, JB Weld ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , and Metal To Metal filler -- usually the filled area is only a few mills thick, nothing has proven to be completely effective. Usually the filler is shrinking during the powder coating curing process, and leaving a witness mark of where the fastener is. I've almost exhausted my resources. Any suggestions? The bezel is made of aluminum, and the fasteners are PEM type steel 6-32 captive, flush type studs.
Thank You,
Jesse LopezMachinist/Shop Owner - Ukiah, California, USA
2004
A. Hi Jesse,
I presume you refer to what we call body filler?
We supply a alloy wheel mfgr. here in the UK -- he had problems with rejects due to poor casting (blow holes and deep recesses). We now produce a epoxy powder primer for him which seals the blow holes and partially fills the low points on the metal. This coating allows them to use a body filler where necessary (primer also improves the adhesion of the body filler). This type of powder can be wet/dry sanded without any difficulty. So they: prime , fill, sand and fill again if required and sand - then top coat with alum poly powder and finish with a poly transparent.
You may find a mfgr. in the STATES to develop such a product but it's the only way I know to overcome your problem.
Terry HicklingBirmingham, United Kingdom
A. Have you considered using weld studs, rather than press in studs. If the component is 18 SWG or thicker, usually, a weld stud won't distort the visible face.
Lee Mullinsmasking products - Shefford, Bedfordshire, UK
Or don't try to hide them at all - make them significantly different from the bezel itself so they become a cosmetic decoration.
Bill Reynolds [deceased]
consultant metallurgist - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
We sadly relate the news that Bill passed away on Jan. 29, 2010.
Q. I am interested in the discussion of filling underneath powder coating. I am working on a project to convert a range of sheet metal parts from a painted to a powder coated finish. Unfortunately the parts have very high cosmetic appearance standards and we have found it impossible so far to find a filler that completely covers up joints and fasteners under the surface of the powder coat without leaving a visible line or indentation. This problem appears to be electrostatic as it is visible before the powder is baked and does not occur where there is continuous metal under the filler (e.g around studs). We have tried a range of conductive fillers and it seems the more conductive the surface the better, but we don't have a solution yet. Can anyone suggest a product that works?
Tim McLean- Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
2007
A. We've appended your inquiry to a thread where many vendors have been suggested, Tim. I think the best strategy may be to pick a promising one and work closely with that vendor towards a solution. Best of luck.
Readers: We apologize if this thread is looking a bit stilted, but while this forum works well on technical issues it works poorly on sourcing issues because there is potential commercial gain. Sales people took the opportunity to describe their offerings in effusive terms, with each feeling obligated to outdo the previous; next came the phony "testimonials" from "satisfied customers" (sharing the same IP address as the salesperson).
So we had to go back to the beginning, remove each testimonial, and just leave bare names of potential sources which people can google. We'll post names of additional potential sources as they are submitted -- but no testimonials!! Sorry, but there is just no way for readers to tell genuine helpers from phony plants :-(
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007
Need flawless filler for vintage dirt bikes
Q. I'm trying to restore gas tanks for vintage dirt bikes. Many are old and have a lot of dents and dings and they also MUST be powder coated. I finished 4 and sent them to the local powder coaters and when they came back, everywhere I had feathered the filler it had raised up. I used a metal to metal filler (on the same basis as JB Weld ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] ). Since these tanks are for vintage bikes, they need to be flawless, or close to it, but the tanks I received are far from it. I asked some local businesses and some said to use JB Weld, others have hinted about filling with lead, but I haven't came across a concrete answer and I can't take anymore chances with lifted filler and wasted money and time, and I also have a deadline. PLEASE HELP!
Justin Wellmanauto body tech - Columbiana, Ohio
2006
A. The best approach may be to have the powder coater do the filling and be responsible for it because it otherwise the origin of the problem always remains debatable. Although there is no guarantee that will achieve success just because some other body technician and some other powder coating shop have done so, we appended your inquiry to a similar thread, so please review the above suggestions for some recommendations. Good luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2006
A. Good day, Have your coaters check with their powder manufacturers: some new, low temp paints are available that might allow you to coat over certain fillers without ruining the paint job. A typical job shop will give you a typical powder coating cure of 30 min @ 400 °F -- much too high for most fillers.
It's not a restoration if you are powder coating; if you apply coatings that are original to the machine, it will be a lot less expensive and will make the bikes more valuable. If you are allowed to powder coat, than you should be allowed to re-pop some new tanks, then you wouldn't have to worry about dents and stuff.
Sheldon Taylor
supply chain electronics
Wake Forest, North Carolina
2006
Q. Hello everyone!
I hope someone can help me.
I have some sheet metal parts that I'm going to powder coat. Those parts have flush PEM's studs inserted. After powder coating, the heads are visible. The part is very cosmetic and I need to cover the groove between the stud head and the steel metal.
Could you help me?
Thanks
Monterrey Metal Products - Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2006
A. Apply a heavy coat of powder only to the area with the stud head(to fill the groove), cure it, sand it, then paint the entire part. Fast, easy and cheap. What's more compatible with powder than powder? This way you don't have to introduce a new product or process into the shop.
Sheldon Taylor
supply chain electronics
Wake Forest, North Carolina
2006
Q. I'm restoring a classic motorcycle and have shot blasted and rust treated the mud guards but this has left pits which I can't sand out as the metal is too thin, is there a good product that has electric conductivity for powder coating? I have ordered a product called high temp Lab-Metal ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] but this is not conductive can it still be coated?
Chris SamsonPowder coating hobbyist - Jersey U.K
2007
A. I believe Pyro-Putty 2400 by Aremco will do the job.
Regards,
- Concord, California, USA
A. Hi Chris. The Lab-metal you ordered will be fine for powder coating. Powder coating just uses the "static electricity" that gives you shocks from carpet in winter or makes hair stand on end.
Now if you were trying to electroplate that mud guard, non-conductive filler would be a problem :-)
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
RFQ. I am searching for a caulk that can be used to seal large weldments prior to powder coating. We used to use a product that worked great but is no longer available from the manufacturer. We have tested several products but have not been able to find anything that is spreadable and can hold up to the heat from the ovens. Is there an easy solution or is this a unique situation?
Andy Michog- Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
February 6, 2012
Ed. note: Sorry, this RFQ is old & outdated, so contact info is no longer available. However, if you feel that something technical should be said in reply, please post it; no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?)
Hi Andy. We appended your inquiry to a similar thread. As you will read, there are appropriate materials, but the issue can also be one of technique -- with several insightful suggestions having been posted. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Can we powdercoat over smoothed Labmetal?
Hello. I do a lot of custom Harley painting and sometimes we send frames out for powder coating. My question involves a custom frame that has been "molded" or smoothed with Labmetal. I wish to have it powder coated with a primer coat that we can come back on and sand to perfection, especially in areas where the Labmetal has been applied, and then powdercoat again with the final color. All of this effort would be to achieve a near perfect and uniform surface overall. Can this be done without problems and what powder would be best?
ted schoonard- sorrento, Florida, usa
May 8, 2014
Q. Hi
I hope someone could help me.
I have some sheet metal parts that I'm going to powder coat. Those parts have flush PEM's studs inserted. After powder coating, the heads are visible. I need to cover the groove between the stud head and the steel metal.
I have tried by applying Epoxy Putty, still the the outer ring of the stud is visually seen.
Could you help me?
- Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
December 2, 2017
A. Hi Rajmohan. It's a bit hard to understand what you are describing, and a photo would probably help. But have you considered taking a piece to an automotive body shop to let them try? Some things are more about acquired hands-on skills than technical tips :-)
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
December 2017
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