JB weld is epoxy based ,not sure it will hold up to a temperature much over 150 F ,how high is powder coat at?

Good info thanks JOG. I watched a video using an oven designed for powder coating and it was set to 400F and found out not to use mom's oven , as after it can't be used to prepare food later.

I have been powder coating at home, and trying to fill dents is a big problem for me.

I have tried JBWeld, and it does hold up to the powder coating temperature long enough to get it baked.  My problem with it is the powder isn't attracted (electrostatic) the same as it is the bare metal.....and the finish turns out badly.

I have also tried LabMetal.  It is supposed to apply like body putty and you can sand it.  The problem is that it uses a solvent like acetone and it sets up so fast you get very little time to spread it.....you only get one pass before the surface is dry.  It sands very hard, and it doesn't feather edge well.....so the finish shows a fine line and the powder cures differently so you can see where the LabMetal is.  There is a YouTube video that shows a fellow painting a motorcycle tank black after using LabMetal and it works perfectly - I tried using it about 20 times and it never worked for me.  The product needs to be fresh and it goes bad in the can....there is an expiration date on the can.  I tried both types multiple times - one cures at room temperature and can be baked in a powder coating oven once....the other type needs to be baked and it can be heated multiple times.

I have also tried using Eastwoods Lead kit.  You only get one try to make it right.....unlike body filler you can't add more and re-sand/file - as adding heat and more solder melts everything and you are starting over.

There is supposed to be some new wonder "filler" for powder coating - I don't know what the name is.

Wow, Thanks for all the replies and personal experience.  Has anyone tried this:  Thermobond-3

http://www.thermobond3.com/index

https://www.powdercoatingonline.com/thermobond-3-powder-coating-metal-repair-...

HaHa, you are absolutely right Batman...and I was thiiiiiiis close to leaving the dents on the bucket.  But, one dent in particular was in a prominent spot and I just couldn't do it.

That Thermobond 3 stuff looks interesting.  If you use it, let us know how it works.  Thanks for the links.

I got the Thermobond-3 yesterday and was able to put it onto the headlight bucket.  This filler is specifically made to be powdercoated over.

Looks like it is on pretty thick.......  lots of sanding ahead for me this weekend.

I called this company before I applied it so I could talk with a technical rep.  They had a rep call me back within an hour, and she (Colleen) went over the entire process.  Answered all questions.  She told me I have her cell phone and to call her if I had anymore questions.  Great service.

You stick the tub into the microwave for no longer than 15 seconds...then stir.  Then, if needed, another 15 seconds then stir.  I put it in for 30 seconds total.  It is supposed to be the consistency of Silly Putty.



Apply the product to the bucket and press on it hard for 30 seconds with your GLOVED hand.  Need to keep the oils from your skin off the product.  It should not be thicker than 1/4 inch.  If needed, you can apply additional layers after curing inbetween.

Again...I'm not looking forward to sanding this.




Thankfully I have an oven in my garage.  Depending on the temperature in the oven, will depend on how long to cure it.  At 375 degrees it should be left in the oven for 10 minutes.  At 400 degrees, for 7 minutes.



Here's what it looked like after 10 minutes.  Looks like the top of the bucket was too close to the top of the oven, so that got cooked a little more.  It did not crack, so I should be ok.



This product cannot be wet sanded, and no other liquid should be applied to it.  Any liquid applied to the product at this stage will introduce the possibility of out-gassing and blistering.