DIY Plugs?

[Guest]

Hey everyone. I'm brand new to powder coating, and I'm just getting set up. My apologies if this question is seems ridiculous.

I'm wondering if its possible to use a silicone caulk to fabricate custom plugs for sealing threads, etc.

I've been spending money like water lately to get a basic hobby-type setup and I'm looking for ways to get creative and save some money (laughable because plugs are reasonably affordable). If it is possible to use some sort of caulk, this would also allow me to dip and coat intricate parts that I do not want flowed into.

Thanks for any help!

[Guest]

Re: DIY Plugs?

For a fluidized bed application (dipping) you need to use special powder that is not readily available so you may be traveling the wrong the path....pm me your email address and the powder coaters manual is yours

[Guest]

Re: DIY Plugs?

PM sent! Thank you.

I misspoke somewhat. I meant dip say...a threaded rod into the silicone, let it harden, and then spray and cure, to ensure that the threads don't get coated. I suppose tape would work as well, but I'm constantly trying to think of different ways of trying stuff. I'm nowhere near the fluidized bed yet! Thanks!

[Guest]

Re: DIY Plugs?

Hmmm thats exactly what I was curious about, that makes a lot of sense. I'll have to check some tech specs on typical caulk and I'll let everyone know what I find. Tin foil sounds like it'd do the trick also.

Thanks for the quick replies everyone.

[wiseguyz]

Re: DIY Plugs?

By the way, welcome to the forum. You don't need to worry about what NOT to coat. Soon you'll be coating everything you can get your hands on! Your wife will even be hiding the silverwear.

Best of luck.

[Guest]

Re: DIY Plugs?

Thanks Dan! I'm getting really anxious to start. I'm sure this forum will be my second home before long.

[Guest]

Re: DIY Plugs?

I bought some plugs, but alot of the times, because I dont have every freeking size there is, I roll foil until I get the size of the hole and its really easy to thread the foil in.

[Guest]

Re: DIY Plugs?

Welcome to the forum

Harley

[pchotrodder]

Re: DIY Plugs?

If you are wanting to PC bolts and stuff you could take a metal plate and drill some holes in it large enough for the bolt to go through. I have done this in the past and I have not had any problems with the threads getting powder build up causing any problems. Just remember to twist the bolts from the threaded side as soon as it come out of the oven to prevent them from sticking to the plate.

[Guest]

Re: DIY Plugs?

FYI...Another quick way to do Bolt heads is to take piece of cardboard/carboard box and wrap it with Aluminum foil. Then put holes in it and push in the bolts ,but leave a small 1/16-1/8 gap between bolt head and foil so bolt heads dont stick to foil during baking..

Attach ground right to foil on box , Then spray and bake..

No box wont melt or catch fire.. as long as its not real close to heating element..

Ive done 100's of Times with no problems..

[Guest]

Re: DIY Plugs?

Previous post on bolt heads:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=588

Thats the one I was going to post. Great minds think alike.

Harley