Underbody Coating

A coating, from a surface engineering point of view, is a layer of material deposited onto a substrate to enhance the surface properties for corrosion and wear protection.

Common types of Metal coating using are,

1)Anodizing

Anodizing is a process used to promote the formation of a protective oxide layer on the surface of a metal. The resulting oxide layer forms more rapidly and is usually thicker than if it was produced naturally. While several non-ferrous metals can be anodized, aluminum responds most effectively to this process.

2)Galvanizing

Galvanizing involves immersing the metal (mostly steel or iron) in a molten zinc bath. Once removed, the coated metal reacts with oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to form a protective zinc carbonate layer.

3)Electroplating

Electroplating, also known as electrodeposition, involves depositing a thin layer of one metal on the surface of another metal. During electroplating, both metals are placed in an electrolytic solution. The metal to be coated acts as the anode, while the coating metal acts as the cathode. An electric current is applied to the electrolytic cell, causing metal ions to move from the cathode to the anode, thus forming the coating.

4)Powder coating

Powder coating, as its name implies, involves coating an object with a powder-based substance. It is an electrostatic process, whereby the coating particles are electrically charged with a polarity that is opposite to the part to be coated. The difference in charge causes the powdered particles to adhere to the metal's surface. The coated object is then heat-treated in an oven to harden the coating.

5)Paint coating

A painted coating is essentially the application of liquid paint. It is the most accessible and cost-effective type of coating. Different paint formulations can be used depending on the type of metal, the operating environment and the performance requirements.

Automotive coating process:

During manufacturing, some vehicles are painted with a two-wet monocoat paint process. This process uses a primer coat that requires only a few minutes of open-air drying time before the color coat is applied. The color coat is formulated with the same appearance and protection properties of the clear coat, which eliminates the need for a separate clear coat. The painted body is fully cured in an enamel oven after the color coat is applied.

The total process removes one paint application step and one oven drying step when compared to conventional paint processes. This technology reportedly results in more durable paint, uses less energy and water, and reduces carbon dioxide and particulate emissions compared with conventional paint processes.

Under body coating:

Underbody coating is usually a dense cladding (often based on rubber) applied uniformly to the undercarriage of the automobile. It is normally sprayed or painted on when the car is just out of the dealership and is clean. But even if you are getting the undercoating applied after a couple of years, it’s fine too. This is because it can prevent further damage to the undercarriage.The main purpose of undercoating is to check rust especially in the body components like frame rails along with other exposed metal parts. Underbody coating can also reduce wear and tear.

Types of Under body coating:

1)Rubberized under body 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.

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 Under coating

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 canistersc 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 or Paraffin based Under coating

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.

Process to be followed while coating :

1. PRETREATMENT
2. ELETRODEPOSITION
3. RUST-PROOF MATERIALS (SEALER/PVC)
4. PRIMER
5. TOPCOAT