Powder Coating News

Powder Coating news launches a new article about repairing and patching metal prior to powder coating. Metal fabricators, welders, machine shops, auto body shops and powder coaters are constantly looking for a bondo for powder coating and what can take the powder coating process and also have heat resistant properties.

Powder coating over a two part epoxy or plastic body filler could cause problems under the powder coating. These usually shrink, pop out, burn, outgas or leave a ring through the powder which can be very visible especially light colors. Finding filler that can be used under powder coating must be heat resistant and take the charge of the powder coating process. Smoothing over rough welds, patching surface imperfections, fixing small dents and repairing metal surfaces can all be done from a one part ready to use high temperature filler for powder coating.

Powder Coating is a process of painting or applying a paint that comes in powder form. The Resins and fillers melt, flow and fuse together in an oven during this curing process which then forms a painted surface. The powders are charged electrostatically and applied from an air powdered spray gun. This charge attracts the paint to the metal surface and adheres during the curing process at temperatures that can exceed 400F.

Metal parts that are filled in with plastic resin or two part body fillers can cause problems for powder coaters and fabricators. The powder does not typically bind or adhere to the fillers’ surface which will cause visible damage to the metal part after the heat cure. Filling in dents or voids with welding rod could also create a rough or uneven surface and will likely be rejected by the customer. Before filling dents for powder coating, find out the temperature of the oven, how many times the metal part will go in and out of the oven and for how long (duration) the metal parts are in the oven during the curing process.

When using a one part body filler, you can simply allow the repair to air dry, sand smooth and powder coat. You might also need to “heat cure” the high temperature one part filler to make sure all the solvent comes out of the repair. The Instructions from the manufacturer should detail this. Metal parts have gouges, scratches or dents.  These be filled in before powder coating and is easy to use. The filler can be thinned out and applied like auto body filler and can be sanded and buffed hours later. High temperature epoxy fillers that are single component far superior to typical automotive body fillers.  These fillers can be used in conjunction with primer powder coat to fill and shape part imperfections.  They can also fill in functional areas on metal after TIG welding and will fill in structural areas before powder coating.

Filling in dents and pits for powder coating should be a one part high heat resistant, made in the United States by a manufacturer who can support the sales and technical details when it comes to preparation, application and then final powder coating process.

Contact the leading manufacturer of metal patching compounds and epoxy fillers for powder coating to discuss your repair and application.

www.alvinproducts.com