Metal finishing Q&As since 1989
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Low temp cure basecoat for ABS
2004
Q. I'm looking for a suitable low temp cure basecoat for ABS. We are currently running polycarbonate parts through a spray cleaner, dry off oven, electrostatic basecoat, cure, vacuum metallizing and topcoat application. We tried running ABS (it's almost 1/2 the price of PC) as a substrate, but couldn't get a good low temp (< 150 or so) paint that would do the job. At the elevated cure temps we were warping parts. The application is decorative and for interior use. If anyone has had any experience painting ABS, I would appreciate your help.
Thank You,
Trent Kaufman
electroplater - Galva, Illinois
A. Hi Trent,
I was never in the painting field ... but you just ask about painting ABS ... and, Mr. Chemist, I'd try to find a solvent approach, a low grade one.
ABS would be eminently paintable were you to use MEK / methyl ethyl ketone or acetone [on eBay or Amazon] or maybe ( I don't know) perhaps even an alcohol based solvent.
Methyl hydrate should, I think, eventually attack it.
Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).
2004
A. If a solvent is what you are wanting, there is a product known as Bulldog Tie Coat [affil links] that is made exclusively for plastics. It is made to spray on cleaned plastics then proceeded by bc/cc, or ss urethane.
Don Barnett- Waycross, GA, USA
2004
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