Domestic and industrial use of adhesives supplier Pratley Steel Putty’s eponymous epoxy filler continues to increase, especially among motor spares companies, owing to its versatily.

In the automotive industry, for example, the product can be used to seal metal water tanks, and repair cracked sumps, metal castings, radiators, petrol tanks and the like.

“One of the main advantages of Pratley Steel Putty is that it can be extensively machined after it has cured, meaning that you can cut it, drill into it and sand it down,” says Pratley national sales manager Mark Bell.

Pratley Steel Putty can also fill blowholes and can be used on engine castings.

Another beneficial feature of Pratley Steel Putty is that it is not prone to rust. “This is a concern of many clients down at the coast, but the durability of the product allows for it to be used in humid environments without the worry of corrosion. There is also no need to protect or strengthen the Steel Putty once it has hardened. Paint or spray paint can be used to cover the product for aesthetic purposes,” explains Bell.

As with all do-it-yourself epoxies, Pratley Steel Putty should ideally be used in applications below 100 °C as prolonged exposure to higher temperatures could result in strength degradation.

“Once Pratley Steel Putty has been applied to a surface and cured, it is very difficult to remove. Pratley formulates their adhesives for reliability making it their job to stick. The only effective way to remove it is to introduce high temperatures using a blow torch, however, this would result in the destruction of the putty and the surrounding areas.”

Bell further explains that the putty is designed to be used as a filler and, although it has hundreds of uses, it should not be used as an alternative to welding.

The intention behind Pratley Steel Putty is to liken it to actual steel in terms of colour. This is ideal for repairs where aesthetics are an issue. The mixing of the product is also straight forward and is a one-to-one mix ratio, meaning equal parts of resin and hardener mixed together.

The surface to which the steel putty is applied needs to be free of rust, oil, paint and dirt, and can be cleaned using acetone or Pratley Safety Cleaner. A rough surface will also enhance adhesion, which can be done by sanding down a smooth surface.

“The versatility and strength of the Pratley Steel Putty has allowed for applications beyond do-it-yourself projects and its usefulness in industry is proven,” concludes Bell.