Underbody Coating

REPORT ON UNDERBODY COATING

Underbody coating:

Underbody coating is a sparyed application of a wax or rubber based composite onto the entire underside of the vehicle.It is mainly designed to create a rust-proof layer between the underneath of the vehicle and the water,ice and salts of the road.

While travelling in the different road conditions like in muddy water,ice and salty roads, the underneath metal parts of the vehicle like body frame,suspension arms, axles, transmission shafts,door beams, mufflers etc; are exposed to the tear,wear and also leads to corrosion,rust.So in order to eliminate that issues, underbody coating is applied which provides long term protection from corrosion.Also the underbody coating acts as good thermal insulation which dissipates the heat while travelling on roads during summer.

                                    

Main purpose of underbody coating:

1.Prevents stone chip damage-

An underbody coating provides a durable elastic over the underbody and wheel arches which protects the substrate from stones,gravels and other dirt grimes which is thrown up by the road.

2.Minimise the sound and vibrations-

The noise of debris hitting a vehicle, or vibrations from the road can be dampened by the application of an underbody coating.They prevent vibrations and because they are elastic they make far less noise when struck than the metal underneath.

3.Heat insulation-

It insulates the interior of car from extreme temperatures from beneath the vehicle providing a comfort cabin experience.

4.Protects from corrosion-

Underbody coatings having a highly-functional wax and high adhesive,it is resistant to cracking and peeling and it blocks the factors of rust,moisture,salt and oxygen to protect the vehicles from corrosion for a long period.

Different types of Underbody coatings :

Rubberized underbody coating:

Rubberized undercoating provides corrosion protection for undercarriages, wheel wells, and quarter panels.This undercoating dries to a soft,rubbery finish that helps to reduce road noise and protects against moisture,rust and road debris.

                                                                     

Bitumen-Based underbody coating:

Bitumen based underbody coating is a fast drying agent,designed for permanent protection of underbody against rust.After drying product leaves tightly adherent coating,good mechanical protection in different climatic conditions.It is also characterized by excellent soundproofing properties.

                                                                     

Wax or Paraffin-Based underbody coating:

A paraffin-based undercoating will be the cheapest and quickest option available with which to protect the undercarriage of the vehicle.It will wear off quicker than other types of undercoatings and will need to be stripped and reapplied atleast 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 aerosal can and offer atleast a base protection in moderately humid climates.

Resin-Based underbody coating:

Resign based underbody coatings are very popular because of their elastomeric properties which provide long term stone chip damage, corrosion protection and sound deadening effects.The most commonly used resin is polyurethanes and they are particularly good for salted roads.

                                                                      

Asphalt-Based Underbody coating:

Asphalt-based underbody coatings are mainly used for protecting underbodies of large trucks and heavy machinery of providing a extra durability against rocks, chips, and moisture.It generally contains a little bit of rubberized material that sets up firmly and also helps soften noise.

                                                                       

Methods of applying Underbody Coating:

Spray method:

Spray method is the traditional and commonly used method for underbody coating which consists a tar-like substance and that is sprayed on the underneath parts.It acts as a good barrier for moisture,oxygen,road salts which are causing rust,corrosion.

Electronic method:

Electronic method involves of allowing the weak electric current through the material, which removes the electrical current capacity from the underbody parts results in reducing chances of rust,corrosion.

Drip oil spray:

This method is mainly used for applying the coating very dense and having the wax like substances which is effectively protect the underbody parts.But this method involves of taking a long time to dry the applied coating.

Dripless oil spray:

Dripless oil spray is more watery than drip oil spray and having the wax like substances which is effectively protect the underbody parts,but it doesn't take much time to dry;however, the coated layer can easily tear and wear than the other methods.

Steps to apply the undercoating-

1.Lift up and masking

First raise the vehicle by using lifters,remove the tyres and then mask the areas of the vehicle that shouldn't be painted-the wheel wells,the brake rotor,catalytic converter and the drive shaft.Use the masking paper or masking tape to cover it.This is what a properly masked underbody looks like.

                                               

2.Cavity wax application

To protect the metal inside the vehicle from rust, spray a thin coating of cavity wax into the gaps and seals on the underbody,inside the doors, in the bonnet and in side seals.

                                                 

3.Apply coating on underbody

Next,attach an anti-corrosive underbody paint can or bottle to the pressurized spray gun and spray the paint evenly over the underbody.Using a spray gun will save a lot of time.However,you can can cover underbody of vehicles like car requires a 3 cans worth of paint.It will takes upto 20 minutes or less to cover the entire underbody.

                                                             

4.Clean up and lift down

Check once if missed any spots,then take off all the masking paper or masking tape,put the wheels back on and lift the vehicle down.Its now rust-proofed and ready to driven away.

                                               

Advantages of Underbody coating:

• Increase the life span of the vehicle-The biggest advantage of underbody coating is to protect the vehicles against corrosion which increases more life span to vehicles.If the coating is applied properly,it will provide the protection upto 5-10 years.Also in some cases,it gives protection more than 10 years depending upon coating applied and its quality.
• Reduce the road noise-The thicker underbody coatings acts as a good sound dampeners.They reduce road noise and tyre noise and make the cabin quieter-due to sound absorptive nature of rubberized paints.
• It can be applied to damaged areas-Over time,the underneath of vehicle  is going to develop nicks, chips,and scratches because of the debris encounter while driving. Unlike older forms of undercoating, which include the use of asphalt and animal fat,modern coatings provide a real layer of protection because it can morph into the various areas of small damage.
• It can be self applied-Rustproofing works best when the coating is applied professionally.But if any case, the money is tight,however of having some basic vehicle maintainence skills,then coatings is self applied.
• Multiple undercoatings methods used-They are different undercoating methods that are commonly used on vehicles that require this service.The electronic method is used when rust is present to stop its corrosive effect,which is a method that receives mixed reviews.A standard undercoating method applies a tar like substance to exposed components of the vehicle underneath.A dripless oil spray applies a waxy substance that fills in the entire body of the vehicle, which hardens when it dries.Then there is a drip oil method, which may cause dripping for upto 48 hours when applied.From a cost perspective, it is the final option that is often most applied.

 Dis-Advantages of Underbody coating:

• Cost of underbody coatings are relatively expensive.
• The use of undercoating is not effective,if corrosion is already present.
• It does not provide effective results on usage vehicles because of residue and spots of rust,corrosion.
• Risk of damage occurs during application,if the proper care should not taken while applying undercoating.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     THANK YOU