Underbody Coating

UNDERBODY COATING

Underbody coating is a special coating given to the underbody of an automobile. Underbody coating will be applied after cleaning of the underbody to removing of dust, debris in that. The primary reason the coating is applied is to prevent and reduce corrosion/rusting of the surface, which occurs due to oxidation of the metal. It is also necessary to apply this coating to reduce damage caused by the flying debris from the tyres onto the surface. This coating can be specified by the customer to be applied onto the surface during the manufacturing process or can be applied separately after the vehicle is recieved.

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STEPS INVOLVED IN UNDERBODY COATING:

• Cleaning the under body (degreaser, grinding, sanding)
• Applying priming
• Applying under body coating

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF USING AN UNDERBODY COATING:

Advantages:

i) Rust Prevention: Underbody coating ideally should be applied when the car comes out new from the factory, when there are no dust particles present. This will result in a good adhesive coating to prevent rusting of the underbody surface and also extending the life of the parts. It becomes extremely important to apply this coating when the vehicle is to be driven close to coastal areas

ii) Protection from debris: this is one of the main reasons to apply underbody coating to the vehicle. While we travelling on the road the vehicle will hit by the debris from ground, it may come with wind or by the tyres of vehicle. They can damage the underbody components of the vehicle. The underbody coating will help us to improve the lifetime of the underbody components or parts in vehicle. In that way we can achieve good surface protection.

iii) Sound reduction: if any object or debris hits the under body the noise will comes into cabin. By coating the underbody with rubberized paint upto some thickness we can reduce the sound from outside to cabin it may be comes from the road, tyres and from debris.

iv) Easier maintenance and increase the life span of vehicle: by giving a good underbody coating will protects from the moisture, that means while cleaning the underbody with water can’t harms the it. Water does not enter into components to form the rust and damage material. Slush also not created because of water resistance. That means it will increase the life span of the vehicle.

Disadvantages:

i)High cost: The cost of underbody coating has reduced over the years, but it is still expensive. The option of applying a coat at the dealership can get quite expensive, since dealerships will look forward to making profits and hence increasing the price for an underbody coating.

ii)Damage during application: In case of thick rubberized paints, if the coating is not applied properly, then there is a possibility of the paint getting into moving parts and create mechanical failures. It can affect the differential, propeller shafts, joints and even the suspension. If not done carefully, there is also the possibilty of the coat damaging the paint job at the lower edges of the car.

iii)Added weight: Although insignificant, there is a possibility that the extra weight can affect the fuel economy of the vehicle.

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TYPES OF UNDERBODY COATING:

1.Rubberized Underbody Coating.

2.Wax based Underbody Coating.

3.Asphalt based automotive Underbody Coating.

4.Polyurethane Underbody Coating.

RUBBERIZED UNDERBODY COATING:

Rust-Oleum Rubberized Undercoating is an easy-to-use black rubberized protective coating. It provides corrosion protection from water, salt and other chemicals. Its helps deaden sound and provides a barrier against rust on cars, trucks, trailers and other recreational vehicles. This is generally thought of as the best underbody coating for the car. It preserves the underbody well, protecting it from scratches. Applying this to the undercarriage is not much of a hassle either.

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PROS:

• The coating also prevents retention of water within the parts
• This method is suitable for cars, trucks and trailer as well.
• It reduces the noise.

CONS:

• It will not help if the corrosion is already existing.
• It is expensive.

WAX BASED UNDERBODY COATING:

A paraffin-based undercoating will be the cheapest and quickest option available with which to protect the undercarriage of the vehicle. 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. On the upside, wax-based undercoating puts up a big fight against moisture.

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PROS:

• It is also the most affordable option out there.
• quicker drying time when compared to others.

CONS:

• It will wear off quicker than other types of undercoating
• It will need to be stripped and reapplied at least once every year.
• Wax-based under coatings never truly harden.

ASPHALT BASED UNDERBODY COATING:

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. It is generally contains a little bit of rubberized material that sets up firmly and also helps soften noise. Generally sold in five-gallon containers, 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.

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PROS:

• Best suited for lorries, trucks and large vehicles
• It provides a greater degree of protection compared to rubber-based coatings.
• The undercoating is often made up of rubber it absorbs some of the rackets.
• They protect anywhere up to 5 years.

CONS:

• The process of applying this coating is a bit time-consuming though.
• It is not suitable for all vehicles.

POLYURETHANE /PVC UNDERBODY COATING:

This is a special type of coating used to works on sealing up cracks and seams. Used for protect from salt and moisture to prevent the corrosion. this will be used for personal use and manufacturing by using robotic arms. In this coating we should prepare the surface before applying the coating to it. The preparation means we should apply etching primer to the metal.

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PROS:

• It fix the cracks and dent.
• It increases the lifetime of the chassis.

CONS:

• It will increase the weight.
• It is costlier when compare to others.
• Dryness time may higher.