Spreading Lab Metal

[Banditperformance]

OK, what is the trick with this stuff?? It has like a 18 second working time or what? I am trying to fill in a crease caused by welding. I lay some down, then before I get it spread, it starts balling up. I am using a plastic spreader. It says moisten spreader, but the Lab solvent just evaporated off the spreader instantly. Used 1/4 pint Lab Metal, and over 1/2 can solvent. Pretty expensive bondo if you ask me

[JTW37]

My thoughts also. I've tried to use it and did get better at it, but what a pita. And a bit pricey for bondo. I made mine pretty soupy to get it to work. Don't think much of it though.

[cdaeme]

JB Weld is your friend! Give it a try its much easier to work with and better results too.

Jason

[Blazin_Jason]

I just recently used the high temp lab metal for the first time a couple days ago. It was exactly like you said, balled up pretty quickly. I did 2 applications and am very happy with the results. I've used JB weld also on smaller areas. Used the lab metal on a harley frame, and will be using it to fill a couple small dents on the fenders and hood of my truck before powder coating.

[JeffL]

Could be that it was to dry to start with.You can thin it out by adding lab solvent to the can.....stir real well.Stuff has to be pretty moist to use.Still the working time is pretty short.

[Banditperformance]

Ya, hopefully I can get the last coat on today, and get it smooth. Spending wayyyy to much time on this piece. I have added solvent to it, but added more the last time. Hopefully it'll work alright today

[Banditperformance]

Damn, Lab Metal SUX. Freakin Bubbled on me. Not little bubbles either. This is gona hurt the pocketbook

[Blazin_Jason]

What are you coating? Were you able to get the LM local or did you order online? I tried to order it off here, but caswell wouldn't ship to Canada, so had to get it from alvinproducts. Did it bubble where the filler was feathered and thin, or everywhere? When I did the harley frame I didn't use any solvent. Didn't quite air dry for 24hours, but I did toss it in the oven while we cured something else. Did that for the 2 applications before pretreating and coating. Couldn't even tell that it was filled. So far so good.

edit: I saw in your other post it looks like it was a range hood. Are you using a urethane wrinkle black? If so that could add to your problems.

[Banditperformance]

I am coating new sandblasted steel. I got it form Caswell, like mostall my other powder supplies, but Caswellcanada.ca It bubbled in the thick part of where I applied it. Is there a min wait time before you Powdercoat after application? I was appliing thin coats then heating to 110F for about an hr. Then sanding. Either way, I have an expensive redo now, which ofcourse I don't have the time for, but will have to make time

[JeffL]

I wouldn't bake it to speed up your set time.You can start working it after a couple minutes of putting it on.I do my rough sanding with 60 grit, then after about 24hr. it should be fully cured.Then go back over your piece with real thin coats until you get the part where you want it.I would wait till cured before puttin it in the oven.