Underbody Coating
UNDERBODY COATING :
underbody coating provides long term protection from corrosion to acar'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.
Types of Underbody Coatings.
1. Rubberized Undercoating
Rubberized vehicle undercoating 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.
Overall, rubberized coating is generally the best option for protecting your vehicle's undercarriage, as it provides the simplest and best protective measures against rust and moisture.
2. Polyurethane Undercoating
The other option for undercoating your vehicle is to use a polyurethane-based sealant. This type of vehicle undercoating is a little bit quicker and easier to apply.
Oftentimes, polyurethane undercoating will come in canisters 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 un-oxidized 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.
3. Wax or Paraffin-Based Undercoating
A paraffin-based undercoating will be the cheapest and quickest option available with which to protect the undercarriage of your vehicle. However, keep in mind that 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 undercoating 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.
4. Asphalt-Based Undercoating
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. 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.
The steps that are carried out in under body coating process are-
- The car is hoisted on a lift and the underbody is inspected for flaws
- The under body is cleaned removing out the dirt and grease
- Critical components like silencer are covered in a film to avoid the coating from sticking to it
- Rest of the under body is spray painted evenly.
- The silencer film is removed and zinc coating is sprayed on it
- Final inspection is done to look out for flaws
- Done , the car is ready to leave the workshop.
PURPOSE :
- To Protects Against Rust & Corrosion.
- For Reduces NVH (Noise Vibrations Harshness) Levels.
- To Prevents Paint Chipping.
- To Protects Vital Components.
PROS :
The pros of undercoating are the protection it provides to the carriage of your vehicle. If you live in an area where salt and sand are used on the roadways in cold weather, these materials can be corrosive to your vehicle. Undercoating gives you an extra layer of protection against rust and corrosion, protecting your car. Undercoating will eventually wear out, but you can get years of protection from it. Even vehicles in warmer climates gain protection as debris is repelled and kept away from eating at the vehicle.
CONS :
Undercoating will work best on new vehicles that have not been exposed to road conditions. A used vehicle may already have residue on the bottom of the car or even have spots of rust and corrosion. Undercoating will not help you if corrosion already exists and the corrosion needs to be removed first before it can be applied, which can be expensive for you.
CONCLUSION :
By stuying underbody Coating process, I came to know this is mandatory process which is carried out on BIW state of vehicle. Which gives long time protection from Rust, Corrosion and from wear of bottom surfaces of the vwhicles. It is aways better to have more underbody surface to be coated.