If this is the first time you are using Lab-metal or Hi Temp Lab-metal, please call (800) 537-7023 for technical questions.

Each application is different and requires multiple methods of surface preparation, application procedures, dry time, heat curing, sanding/grinding/smoothing.

Alvin Products/Lab metal stands behind Lab metal and Hi Temp Lab metal since 1950. Beware of negative reviews from users who simply did not follow instructions. Solvent evaporation is how Lab metal dries. Heat curing needs to be done with Hi Temp Lab metal. If surface preparation, dry time, re-coat windows, heat curing instructions are not followed, negative results/failures could occur. Please contact Alvin direct prior to each application. You can call (800) 537-7023 for technical questions.

Regular Lab-metal air dries and can be sanded smooth.

Lab-metal 450 air dries but then needs to be heat cured prior to sanding and should only be used if for powder coating temps up to 450F.

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Repair needs to be baked first then sanded.

Yes. Lab-metal will accept ground during coating. Powder coating of cast metal parts is a rapidly growing process due to environmental problems with solvent based coatings. The powder coating process normally requires the exposure of the metal part to temperatures in the range of 400ºF to 425ºF. Although these temperatures exceed Lab-metal's maximum recommended exposure temperature of 350ºF, because the time in the oven is normally less than 20 minutes, regular Lab-metal is being used very successfully in this process. Hi-Temp Lab-metal has also been proven in the powder coating process.

Apply no thicker than 1/4 inch per application. It is better to apply one thick coat instead of multiple thin coats. The application must air dry for at least 24 hours. It must then be heat cured (before applying a second coat). 

To heat cure: Hi-Temp Lab-metal must be heat hardened by exposing it to a temperature of 425ºF for one hour. Heat hardening must be completed prior to powder coating.

Since Lab metal dries to an "aluminum" surface, it can be plated over. Submitted by an actual chrome plater/metal finisher.

1. Apply Lab metal and allow to air dry
2. Alkaline cleaner
3. Aluminum etch
4. Deoxidation
5. Zincate
6. Deoxidation
7. Zincate
8. Acid and copper plate
9. Nickel
10. Chrome