Underbody Coating
UNDERBODY COATING:
A car’s underbody is exposed to the most wear and tear caused by muddy water, potholed roads, stones and other obstacles on the road. Because it’s not in plain sight, we often do not see the damage.so we require Underbody Coating which provides long term corrosion protection / resistance to the car’s underbody.It also protects the car’s internal body panels,frame rails and other cavities that are physically not accessible but prone to corrosion.companies like 3M supplies a thick underbody coating,rubberized paint that forms a 2-3 mm thick coating all along the underside of the car.Also a thinner and clear underbody coating is available which is like a lacquer that coats the entire underside of the car.
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.
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.
2.Wax Based Underbody Coating:
This – 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.
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 Undercoating:
1.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.
2.Absorbs Noise:
Believe it or not, 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 extent.
3.Reinforcement:
If your 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.
4.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.
UnderBody Coating Procedure:
Modern automotive coating methods consist of five main steps. They include the following:
- Pretreatment: removes and cleans excess metal and forms an appropriate surface structure enabling bonding of a corrosion protection layer.
- The next step is electrodeposition (ED) of the anti-corrosion or rust prevention layer.
- A sealer like Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) is applied for anti-corrosion, elimination of water leaks, and minimization of chipping and vibrational noise.
- A primer is then applied to promote adhesion between the surface and the basecoat; it also imparts a smoother surface for subsequent layers and has anti-chipping properties.
- Finally, the topcoats that include a basecoat and clearcoat are applied; they provide surface properties that are sought after, including color, appearance, gloss, smoothness, and weather resistance.
Cleaning:
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.
Here is how you can clean the underbody.
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 Microfibre towel or shop rag.
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.
After degreasing and grinding, remove those scratches and other stubborn contaminants using a 200 to 400 grit.
To wind up the cleaning process, wipe down the area with a tack rag or IPA solution.
Applying Primer:
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.
Applying Coating:
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 to cure.
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.
REFERENCES:
https://gomechanic.in/blog/flex-fuel/
https://autounleashed.com/blog/car-underbody-coating/
http://carzio.in/carzio-services/speciality-services/full-underbody-coating