Out of the many epoxy adhesives found in the market, very few can come close to JB Weld. This product is highly effective at filling and bonding to metal, wood, fiberglass, fabric, marble, glass, ceramic, and many other surfaces.
If you plan to restore your car using JB Weld and then powder coat it afterward, you may wonder if it’s okay to do so. After all, JB Weld can withstand high temperatures of up to 500 degrees F, which is the same temperature range used in powder coating.
Will Powder Coat Work on JB Weld?
It’s possible to powder coat over JB Weld and achieve a perfect finish. However, there are specific requirements you have to meet.
The biggest issue with powder coating JB Weld is that the latter tends to shrink or outgas when exposed to high temperatures.
To avoid that, it’s essential to give the JB Weld time to cure before powder coating. Around 24 hours should be enough. Powder coating right away will cause the uncured JB Weld to shrink.
The other thing that you must do to JB Weld before powder coating is sanding it and the surrounding area. From there, apply primer and sand it using 500-grit sandpaper. Finalize with a powder coat, and you won’t run into any issues.
Be Mindful of the Size of the Pits
When it comes to powder coating over JB Weld, the pitting size matters a lot. If you are filling shallow pits, you are unlikely to run into any issues.
Some people even powder coat directly over freshly applied JB Weld, and they don’t run into any problems. However, if the pits are relatively large, the results may not be smooth.
Before embarking on such a project, make sure that the size of the holes being filled is considerable. If you are filling large pits, we recommend pre-baking the JB Weld before powder coating.
That will minimize the chances of outgassing and shrinkage. When dealing with large holes, make sure that you sand and primer fast.
Is the High Temperature a Problem?
In most powder coating jobs, the temperatures range from 350 to 400 degrees F. according to the manufacturer of JB Weld. It can withstand a temperature of 500 degrees F.
That means that JB Weld should withstand the temperatures involved in powder coating. However, withstanding temperatures is one thing, and state change is another.
The experiences people have had with powder coating JB Weld show that the latter shrinks in such high temperatures. The shrinkage is more severe when the JB Weld isn’t given enough time to cure.
The bottom line is that powder coating over JB Weld isn’t a straightforward procedure that guarantees flawless results. There may be some drawbacks, but they can be avoided using the tips shared above.
JB Weld vs. Lab Metal
Before we go much further with whether you can powder coat over JB Weld, there is an alternative you need to familiarize yourself with, and it’s called Lab-metal.
On most forums, car owners recommend lab-metal instead of JB Weld if you want to powder coat over a metal surface.
This is a ready-to-use compound that can fill flaws and dents in both metal and non-metal parts for those of you who may not be familiar with lab metal.
Lab-metal is made by Alvin Products, and it’s water-resistant and rustproof. It boasts the ideal features needed for an automotive filler.
Lab Metal is a popular choice for powder coating because they are specifically designed for this purpose. Unlike JB Weld, Lab Metal will dry much quicker, and its thickness remains the same when exposed to high temperatures.
If you are yet to buy JB Weld for powder coating, you may consider switching to something designed for this particular job.
You will have a higher chance of success. If you have already bought JB Weld, you can also powder coat it but use the tips we have shared with you above.
What Surfaces Can You Powder Coat Without Issues?
Seeing how complicated it is to powder coat over JB Weld, you may be wondering what surfaces are easy to powder coat. Metal is the most popular powder coat candidate.
Due to its ability to hold an electrostatic charge, powder coating metal is very easy. Besides metal, powder coating can also work on steel alloys, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Surfaces such as plastic, wood, and glass can also be powder coated. With some research, you can quickly identify what surfaces can be powder coated.
Is It Possible to Powder Coat JB Weld Steel Stick?
The steel stick is a different variation of the JB Weld. It’s a hand-mixable steel-reinforced epoxy putty that can be used to repair or patch steel components.
The JB Weld steel stick can be used to rebuild all metallic surfaces. The steel stick can be powder coated. It can also be tapped, filed, or sanded.
What are Some Fillers that Can Be Powder Coated?
Before embarking on a powder coating job, it’s essential to research whether the filler you are using is ideal for such a project.
So far, there is one filler that we have discussed and mentioned that it’s perfect for powder coating, and that is Lab Metal by Alvin Products. You can order this product online and use it for powder coating.
Should you be unable to get your hands on Lab Metal, you can use another equally effective filler known as Thermobond-3.
This filler has the properties needed to withstand the high heat of powder coating. It is also very easy to sand and apply. You will therefore have an easy time applying this filler to your car.
Besides these two, other fillers may require special application. For instance, JB Weld has to be left to cure and sanded thoroughly after.
How Long Does Powder Coat Last on JB Weld?
If applied correctly and on a small area, powder coating can last for years over JB Weld. However, if the pits being filled are large and then the surface is powder-coated, the JB Weld can shrink and won’t last very long.
The lifespan of a powder coat and JB Weld depends heavily on the size of the pit and the application process.
In case you don’t succeed with JB Weld, you can use the alternative fillers we have mentioned above. You have a higher chance of the restoration job lasting longer with these.
Should I Let the Powder Coating Expert Know That I Have Used JB Weld?
If you hire someone to powder coat your car, you must mention the JB Weld used to fill or bond the part being powder coated.
Understandably, most people pay for their car parts to be powder coated. The reason is that not all of us have powder coating equipment in our homes.
So if you are using this approach, you should inform the powder coat about the presence of JB Weld. They will sand, prime, and let the JB Weld cure before powder coating.
Because different powder coaters have had varying experiences with JB Weld, they may decide to remove it and use another different product to achieve better results.
How to Deal with a Non-Uniform Finished Caused by Powder Coating JB Weld?
Suppose you apply a powder coat over JB Weld and end up with a non-uniformed finish. There are several steps you can take to remedy this.
An orbital sander can help create a smoother finish then you can add an extra coat of powder coat to get a uniform finish on that particular part.
Please use an orbital sander because using sandpaper will require an abnormal amount of elbow grease. Also, you may spend the entire day getting a smooth finish on the powder coat.
What is the Original JB Weld Formula?
When researching powder coating JB Weld, you will hear a lot about the original formula. If you have never used JB Weld products, you are probably wondering what this original formula is.
As mentioned earlier, JB Weld makes different types of epoxies. The original formula is the one recommended for powder coating purposes.
Should you decide to use JB Weld to powder coat over JB Weld, make sure that you use the original formula. Using anything else may result in a not-so-pleasant finish or results.
Should I Powder Coat Over JB Weld?
These days, many car owners are gravitating towards DIY methods of repairing their vehicles. Powder coating over JB Weld is an excellent example. A powder coat adds an extra layer of protection to the surface of a car.
Powder coat is stronger than paint and other types of finishes. The problem with JB Weld is that it’s not an ideal powder-coating surface.
But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to powder coat over JB Weld. Using the tips mentioned above, you should complete this project successfully.
You can powder coat over JB Weld. But it’s important to know that there are other better options. Good examples include Thermobond-3 and Lab Metal Epoxy. These are more friendly to powder coating, and unlike JB Weld, they won’t shrink.