Underbody Coating

Introduction

• A cars underbody is most prone to corrosion, rust and absrasion. The car passing through poor roads can be damaged by rocks getting thrown from the tires and denting the metal, and corrosion from road salt in the winter all play a huge part in the damage or decay of a vehicle's underbelly. Used vehicles especially will need a little underbelly protection while it's already been exposed to contaminants and rust, applying undercoating will prevent further damage.

Under Body Coating & Purpose :

• Underbody coating is a process that provides long term protection from corrosion to car’s underbody.
• It also protects parts like internal body panels, frame rails and other inner cavities that are not physically accessible but are prone to corrosion.
• It is usually a dense cladding (often based on rubber) applied uniformly to the undercarriage of the automobile.

Figure: BEFORE & AFTER Under Body Coating Procedure.

Rust proofing/ Undercoating :

Rust Proofing : Rust-proofing is the treatment of specific areas all around the vehicle where rust can claim an initial foothold.

Undercoating : Undercoating is the sprayed application of a wax or rubber-based composite onto the entire underside of the vehicle. It's designed to create a rust-proof layer between the underside of the vehicle and the water, ice, and salt of the road.

Under-Body Coating Types:

The different types of underbody coating differs by the type of undercoating applicant used for the process. The different types of underbody coating consists of

1. Rubberized Underbody Coating :

• This is generally thought of as the best underbody coating for car as it preserves the underbody well, protecting it from scratches.
• Applying this to the undercarriage is not much of a hassle either. It is easy to apply and offers sound-cushioning as well as protection from dust, moisture, and dings or dents.
• In addition to your undercarriage, rubberized undercoating is also safe to use on wheel wells and quarter panels, and dries to a soft rubbery finish that prevents further rust, damage, or moisture seeps.
• The coating can be painted over and, if necessary for bodywork, can be easily removed with an undercoating removal spray.

2. Wax or paraffin based Underbody Coating :

• This – more or less – ephemeral undercoating will wear away in a few months’ time. On the upside, wax-based undercoating puts up a big fight against moisture. It is also the most affordable option out there.
• A paraffin-based undercoating will be the cheapest and quickest option available with which to protect the undercarriage of your vehicle. However, it will wear off quicker than other types of undercoating and will need to be stripped and reapplied at least once every year.
• Wax-based undercoatings never truly harden. During application, they drip or flow into seams and cracks to provide protective properties. They are usually available in a spray gun canister or in an aerosol can and offer at least a base protection in moderately humid climates.

3. Asphalt based Underboady Coating :

• Best suited for lorries, trucks and large vehicles this provides a greater degree of protection compared to rubber-based coatings. However, asphalt-based coatings contain little amounts of rubber for sound-insulation purposes. The process of applying this coating is a bit time-consuming though.
• For standard vehicles, any of the aforementioned types of undercoating will provide sufficient protection. For large trucks and heavy machinery, asphalt-based undercoating provides a bit of extra durability against rocks, chips, and moisture.
• Asphalt-based undercoating generally contains a little bit of rubberized material that sets up firmly and also helps soften noise. This type of undercoating also needs more cure time than the other three, and is NOT paintable, making it best to use only for undercarriages.

4. Polyurethane based Underbody Coating:

• This coating closes up splits and fractures on the underbody of the vehicle. It offers up good protection against corrosion and also bonds with the metal. Unlike in the case of asphalt-based coating, you can paint over the polyurethane coating.
• This type of vehicle undercoating is a little bit quicker and easier to apply. Oftentimes, polyurethane undercoating will come in canister ready to preload into an application gun.
• This type of sealant works by seeping into all cracks and seams, displacing salt and moisture and oozing around rusty areas to bond with and protect unoxidized metal. It also sands quickly in case you'll need to perform bodywork and can be painted over.
• On the flipside, this type of car undercoating generally requires a little bit more surface prep work before applying -- sanding and applying an etching primer to bare metals before using are generally recommended.

Pros of Under Body Coating:

• Prevents rust and corrosion.
• Absorbs Noise.
• Provides Reinforcement.
• Prolongs car life.

Cons of Under Body Coating:

• Few coating type may not last long.
• Expensive.