Adhering Two Powder Coated Surfaces

Q. I am trying to get two powder coated surfaces to permanently adhere to each other. I have been told to use Liquid Nails, to scrape through to the metal underneath and use epoxy, and we are experimenting with Covert, a two-part epoxy in various ways, sanding both surfaces, drilling holes in the frame to which the 1/8-sheet aluminum attaches then applying epoxy. The verdict is not in. What, if anything do you recommend? We have 32 x 40 x 1/8 inch aluminum powder coated sheet attached to all sides to 1 x 1 inch powder coated steel tubing. M.B.

A. I have one question. If your sheet is attached to all sides of the tube and you have to sand off the coating to bare metal to get the adhesive to bond to the tube, why coat the tube at all? Am I missing something here? Can’t you use mechanical attachment methods? Using screws, rivets, bolts and the like will allow you to attach these surfaces without disturbing the coating.

I am not an adhesive expert by any means. However, some of my clients do use adhesives to bond adjacent surfaces together. Before selecting an adhesive, they worked closely with their powder supplier to ensure that the coating was conducive to this method of assembly. Secondly, they developed a relationship with an adhesive supplier to come up with a workable solution. I recommend that you follow my client’s methodology to be successful.