Underbody Coating

Underbody coating 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. Salt from water during monsoon which plays an important role in damaging the underbelly of a car.

Underbody coating includes mainly 5 steps as listed below.

1. Pre-treatment: In this process all the dirt, oil and metal residue are removed which comes from manufacturing process.
2. ED Coating: Electrodeposition Coating is also called as anti-rust coating with prevents the body from rusting.
3. Sealant: Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) sealant is applied on inner and outer parts of the joints and welds it will prevent the leakage and also reduces the vibrations.
4. Primer: Primer is applied to the body it promotes the adhesion between surface and base coat.
5. Final coat: The final step in the body coating process is to apply the topcoat, which consists of two layers—the base-coat and clear coat. Base coat contains the primary color pigment and Clear coat protect it from the environmental effects.

Now let us look at the various kinds of automotive underbody coating you can go for, for your vehicle.

• Rubberized Underbody Coating: This is generally thought of as the best underbody coating for your car. It preserves the underbody well, protecting it from scratches. Applying this to the undercarriage is not much of a hassle either.
• Wax 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.
• Asphalt Based Automotive Undercoating: 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.
• Polyurethane 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.

Advantages:

1. Minimizes Sounds
2. Heat Insulation
3. Anti-chipping property

Disadvantages

1. No effect on already corroded parts.
2. Costly process.
3. Not preferable for short term car users.