Underbody Coating

Undercoating process:

Underbody coatings are those which are used to prevent car bodies against rust & corrosion. This underbody coating helps in protection from dust and moisture also some other factors such as poor road conditions, rocks getting thrown from tires and denting the metal and salt from water during monsoon which plays an important role in damaging the underbelly of a car.

Modern automotive coating process:

The modern automotive coating consists of five steps:

1. Pre-treatment: removes and cleans excess metal and forms an appropriate surface structure enabling bonding of a corrosion protection layer.
2. The next step is electrodeposition (ED) of the anti-corrosion or rust prevention layer.
3. A sealer like Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) is applied for anti-corrosion, elimination of water leaks, and minimization of chipping and vibrational noise.
4. A primer is then applied to promote adhesion between the surface and the basecoat; it also imparts a smoother surface for subsequent layers and has anti-chipping properties.
5. Finally, the topcoats that include a basecoat and clear coat are applied; they provide surface properties that are sought after, including colour, appearance, gloss, smoothness, and weather resistance.

Types of Undercoating process:

1. Rubberised undercoating:

Rubberised 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, rubberised undercoating 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 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.

3. Wax/ Paraffin based undercoatings:

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 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.

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.

Pros:

1. Protection against corrossion resistance:

Undercoating offers a layer of protection against corrosion and rust. Any debris will be repelled by the undercoating. You can expect years of protection from undercoating although it wears out in the end. This is the reason why the process is popular.

2. Extend the life of the vehicle:

It will extend the life of your car. Undercoating stops rust. Corrosion isn’t just about causing an issue with the metal under your car but it can also get into cables and wires – in fact anything made of aluminum or steel can be affected including the engine and transmission.

3. Cover small damages:

You can undercoat damaged parts of the car such as scratches, chips and nicks caused by debris flying up as you drive.Modern undercoating can cover small areas of damage.

4. Reduce the noise in the car:

Undercoating your vehicle can reduce noise inside the car while you’re driving. The coating creates a sound barrier meaning the interior of the car will be quieter.

Cons:

1. Vehicle's warranty issues:

Vehicle’s warranty might be voided if you opt for a third-party undercoating treatment. Some new cars already come with undercoating so adding anything else risks your warranty.

2. Increase in weight of the car:

It makes the vehicle 10 to 20 pounds heavier which affects fuel economy (how far you can travel on one tank of gas). This is negligible in terms of fuel costs but still something to bear in mind.

3. Expensive:

Reapply it every 3 to 5 years. This is the only way to ensure your vehicle is protected properly. Since it can cost $1500 to get the undercoating professionally applied, this is quite a big cost to do it regularly.