Underbody Coating
UNDERBODY COATING
Underbody coating is a thick cladding applied to the undercarriage of the vehicle. This coating will provide protection to the exposed underbody metal parts from rust and corrosion. It will also provide protection against impact damage from small stones & metal chips getting thrown from the tires.. Some manufacturers may apply this underbody coating at the factory itself. For other vehicles underbody coating can be done at dealership level or at independent garages. Based on the type of coating it will be either sprayed or painted uniformly.
TYPES OF UNDERBODY COATING
Following are the various types of undercoating available. Each type has different properties, but all of them gives protection against rust and physical damages.
- Rubberized Underbody Coating
- Wax Based Underbody Coating
- Asphalt Based Underbody Coating
- Polyurethane Underbody Coating
Rubberized Underbody Coating
It is the most used underbody coating type. Once applied, it dries to a soft rubbery finish and prevents rust, small physical damages and moisture. Rubberized undercoating can also be safe to use on wheel wells and quarter panels of the vehicles. Rubberized Underbody Coating will adhere to metal, even if it is painted. Undercoating will helps to provide an additional layer of insulation and in turn provide better NVH levels by eliminating road noises and tyre noises up to some extent. Whenever required it can be easily removed with an undercoating removal spray.
Wax Based Underbody Coating
Wax based underbody coating is the cheapest type of underbody protection for a vehicle. However, this type of underbody coating will wear off quicker than other types of undercoating and will need to be stripped and reapplied at least once every year. They are usually available in a spray gun canister, which makes it easier to apply this coating as DIY work at home. Wax based underbody coatings require less surface preparation because they are “Rust Encapsulating” ie; they can be applied over areas with light rust and will stop further rusting.
Asphalt Based Underbody Coating
An asphaltic based undercoating provides excellent abrasion resistance, sound deadening and corrosion protection for use on vehicle chassis and wheel wells. This type of underbody coating is used for large trucks and heavy machinery to have extra durability against rocks, chips, and moisture in off roading, construction, mining and military applications. They remains permanently tacky and provide excellent protection against rust. Due to the type of material used, this coating will have odor till it dry. Asphalt undercoating has the benefit of being less expensive. They protect anywhere up to 5 years and dry to a Firm to Hard coating.
Polyurethane Underbody Coating
This type of vehicle undercoating is made of Polyurethane sealant and it can be sprayed or painted quicker and easier. Polyurethane undercoating will come in canister ready to preload into an application gun. Polyurethane sealant will seepi into the cracks and seams, displacing salt and moisture and oozing around rusty areas to bond with and protect unoxidized metal part. This type generally requires a little bit more surface preparation before applying the sealant. Applying primer to metal surface before using the sealant is generally recommended.
ADVANTAGES OF UNDERBODY COATING
Corrosion Resistance
Main purpose of underbody coating is preventing corrosion. Underbody coating is particularly useful for vehicles being used at near the sea, somewhere where it snows in the winter, flood prone areas and locations with excessive rainfall. Since veehicles are at high risk of getting corrosion especially at the un attented and most vulnerable undercarriage. If you want to extend your car’s life you should get an underbody coating. Overall lifespan of vehicle can be increased by applying undercoating at regular intervals.
Better NVH
Undercoating will act as as extra layer for sound damping and it will be reducing the tyre and road noise from penetrating into the vehicle cabin. The undercoating made up of rubber will absorbs outside noises and provide better in cabin NVH.
DISADVANTAGES OF UNDERBODY COATING
- Cost of underbody coating
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Coating will not last for longer, coating has to be applied periodically.
- Odor of the coating material.
UNDERBODY COATING PROCEDURE
- Choosing the correct type of coating based on use of vehicle, cost and requirements.
- Underbody cleaning.
- Prime and paint the underside of the vehicle.
- Apply an undercoating to the under-body of the vehicle.
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