Underbody Coating

UNDER-BODY COATING

DEFINITION OF UNDER-BODY COATING

• Undercoating is usually a black, thick liquid that is sprayed on the underside of the car. Often confused with rust protection, which occurs in the inside of your car, undercoating happens outside on the underbelly of your car.
• Undercoating can be applied as a liquid, typically sprayed or brushed on, then allowed to dry. Undercoating can be sprayed on any type of new and old cars, trucks.

PURPOSE OF UNDER-BODY COATING

• It is used to protect the metal from rust and corrosion.It is most commonly applied to vehicles that are used in wet or salty environments and bad roads rock getting thrown from the tires and denting the metal.
• It helps to protect the axle, engine, brake system, transmission, exhaust and fuel systems, suspension parts, gas tank, floorboards.

TYPES OF UNDER-BODY COATING

1.Wax or Paraffin-Based Undercoating:

• It is the preferred undercarriage coating for cars often driven on highways and normal roads. Sometimes referred to as wax-based undercoating, it provides sufficient guard for cars in fairly moist regions.
• Advantages: Readily flows into seams to guarantee any exposed and prone surfaces are protected
• The most inexpensive undercoating option
• Conveniently available in spray guy canisters or aerosol cans
• Disadvantages: Wears off quicker in comparison to other types
• Unlike the rubberized type, it does not really dry
• Needs to be stripped and reapplied at least once a year as soon as signs of wear and tear start to show

2. Rubberized Undercoating:

• Ideal for cars driven in rough terrain, as its name suggests, this undercarriage coating involves applying a rubber agent to the underbelly to protect and cushion it against dents, dust, and moisture.
• Advantages: Easy to apply and Long lasting
• Quickly applied with no fuss
• Undercoat can be painted for a neat finish
• Provides satisfactory protection
• The simplest way to undercoat your car
• Safe to apply, safe for wheel wells and panels
• Truly dries to a soft rubbery finish that prevents further rust, damage, or moisture seepage

3. Polyurethane Undercoating:

• The polyurethane used in this product is a high-quality and durable material that is perfect for any weather condition. It is ideal for standard vehicles.
• Advantages: It has a long lifespan and is resistant to wear and tear
• Easily and quickly applicable
• Trickles into cracks and rusty spots already present on the underbelly of your car and fills them, hence protecting the underlying metal
• Quick and simple to remove, as it sands easily
• Dislodges salt, moisture, and oozing around rusty areas to bond with and protect unoxidised metal
• Can be painted over
• Disadvantages: For better adherence, needs undercarriage preparation before application
• Requires time-consuming etching with primer to bare metals

4. Asphalt-Based Undercoating:

• When it comes to large trucks, heavy machinery, military, and all-terrain vehicles, asphalt-based undercoating provides added durability against rocks, chips, and moisture. It’s usually available from professional service shops.
• Advantages: Formulated to protect from dirt, rust, and corrosion, it normally has a shelf life of up to two years. Sold in five-gallon containers
• Provides extra durability as it is the strongest and thickest undercoating available
• Disadvantages: It takes time to harden and so requires more cure time than the other three types
• Unlike the other three, it is also, not paintable as such, not very aesthetically suitable for standard vehicles
• For best used only for the undercarriages of utility vehicles and trucks
• The only type of undercoating with a limited warranty

5.Water-Based Undercoating:

• Water-based undercoating is a protective layer that helps your car stay protected from harsh weather conditions. It is made from an advanced polymer that is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
• The product can be applied to any surface, including metal, plastic, rubber, and glass. It will keep your car protected from rust, salt, and moisture.
• Advantages: Thin-set, it takes a short time to dry
• Can be done at home
• Disadvantages: It requires frequent repetition as it’s not very durable
• It cannot repel ice and water like petroleum-based undercoating

6.Petroleum-Based Undercoating:

• Petroleum-based undercoating is a heavy, viscous oil-based liquid product that provides an effective barrier against moisture and corrosion. The liquid dries and hardens to provide tough, durable, and long-lasting protection against moisture and corrosion.
• This product is typically applied to the undercarriage of automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles.
• Advantages: Has greater deflective abilities for road salts and grime
• Repels ice and water because of its petroleum base
• Disadvantages: Requires annual replacement

PROS AND CONS OF UNDERBODY COATING

Pros	Cons
May prevent rust Some forms, like oil,water and dust can’t penetrate May prevent damage and extend your vehicle's life May qualify you for a small insurance discount Dampens road noise Can be a DIY job Hides welds, repairs & bodywork	Can be costly Can be time-consuming to apply must wait for the undercoating to dry. Doesn't fight existing rust Rust (usually) needs to be removed before undercoating is applied May void your manufacturer's warranty Must be reapplied regularly (every 1-3 or 3-5 years depending on type,environment and maintenance) Adds weight