Underbody Coating

UNDERBODY 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.
• In Indian road conditions, a cars underbody is most prone to corrosion. Underbody coating provides long term protection from corrosion to car’s underbody. It also protects parts like internal body panels, frame rails and other inner cavities that are not physically accessible but are prone to corrosion.
• 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.

• The standard undercoating dries to the touch in 30 minutes. It is fully dry in 24 hours. The professional grade undercoating dries to the touch in 10 minutes. Allow 72 hours for a full cure.

Procedure of Undercoating:

Step 1 – Cleaning the Underbody

You have to remove all debris and contaminants from the chassis to start with the undercoating process. It is another way to maintain your car in routine. You will need a hydraulic hoist or lift to complete this step in the right manner. We can do this step by using,

Degreaser:

A high-quality commercial-grade degreaser would be helpful in removing oil and grime from the undercarriage. Follow the exact steps listed on the cover or recommended by the manufacturer. Spray the degreaser, then allow it to soak for a moment, then wipe it off with a microfiber towel or shop rag.

Grinding:

Now, grind the existing hard contaminants and rust from the undercarriage and other components that you want to treat. You can use a mild grinding pad to remove the debris easily, but remember to wear eye protection while doing it.

Sanding:

After degreasing and grinding, remove those scratches and other stubborn contaminants using a 200 to 400 grit.

Step 2 – Applying Priming

You will need a primer for applying DIY consumers. Primers serve as a basecoat. You need to follow the instructions listed by the manufacturer for expected results. The recommended primers usually contain a high level of zinc. Zinc helps in reducing rusting, even if the protective layer is penetrated.

Step 3 – Applying Undercoating

This is the final step. The undercoating sprays are similar to bed liners. Most products are applied in two steps as dual layers. The first layer should be thin, covering the entire surface. Allow it to rest at least for an hour, especially if you are applying a rubberized undercoating.

After this layer has been dried, you can apply the second coat generously. Don’t forget to apply it as per the instructions given by the manufacturer. It will take a few hours to days for curing.

When you are done with the process, you need to look after the undercarriage to protect it from saltwater, road grime, or mag chloride as these contaminants are corrosive and result in oxidation and rusting.

FIG SHOWS: VARIOUS LAYERS OF UNDERBODY COATING

FIG SHOWS: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UNDERBODY BEFORE AND AFTER COATING

Types of undercoating:

1. Rubberized Underbody 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 undercoatings do a great job of keeping existing rust all covered up and looking sharp, but it does absolutely nothing to slow down the spread of rust and corrosion sometimes the trapped air and moisture may even contribute to rust formation.

2.Wax Based Underbody Coating-

• This is more or less ephemeral undercoating will wear away in a few months’ time. On the upside, wax-based undercoating puts up a big fight against moisture. It is also the most affordable option out there.
• It is an effective and highly adhesive rust protection for treated and untreated undersides. A resistant protective coat forms once it has dried, which is resistant to weather, road salt and acids. Does not damage plastic, lacquer or rubber.

3.Asphalt Based Automotive Undercoating-

• Best suited for lorries, trucks and large vehicles this provides a greater degree of protection compared to rubber-based coatings. However, asphalt-based coatings contain little amounts of rubber for sound-insulation purposes. The process of applying this coating is a bit time-consuming though.

4.Polyurethane Underbody Coating-

• This coating closes up splits and fractures on the underbody of the vehicle. It offers up good protection against corrosion and also bonds with the metal. Unlike in the case of asphalt-based coating, you can paint over the polyurethane coating.

Advantages of underbody coating:

• Fights rust- It plays an important role in keeping corrosion at bay. Underbody coating can come in handy especially if you live near the sea, where there is too much humidity, and rusting is just one of those everyday things. You should also seriously consider undercoating if you reside in a place where it snows in winter.

• Absorbs Noise- It minimizes the sound from underneath the car resulting a noiseless, smooth driving experience. Very thick undercoating can soften the noises that reach the cabin. Since the undercoating is often made up of rubber it absorbs some of the rackets. The occupants of the car could spare themselves of the road noises – at least up to a certain extend.
• Reinforcement- If the car comes with stock underbody coating, using another coating on top of it, is not going to hurt. It will offer additional reinforcement, protecting the underbody from water, road debris, gravel and small pebbles. There would also be a lesser chance for the factory coat to flake away.
• Prolong car's life- Good undercoating not only defends the underbody from corrosion but also protects the engine and transmission as well! Less rusting coupled with slower wear and tear can surely add years to the lifespan of your vehicle. There would be fewer dents, dings and scratches on the undercarriage for you to fret about.
• Heat Insulation- It insulates the interior of the car from extreme temperatures from beneath the vehicle providing a comfortable cabin experience.
• Anti-chipping property- If any stone hits the coating it does not get chipped away hence protects the underbody from exposure to water.

Disadvantages of underbody coating:

• First of all the advantages of the underbody coating is much more when compared with the disadvantages of it.
• Nothing comes for free in this world. The same goes for undercoating. The undercoating or rustproofing spray is heavy in pockets. However, it is nothing when you compare it with the cost of replacing a vehicle after corrosion.
• When the part is already corroded undercoating will not have any effect to that part which is a waste of time and money. Instead changing the car would be suggestible.