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. The main purpose of undercoating is to prevent rust especially in the body components like frame rails along with other exposed metal parts.

Comparison of underbody of a car before & after applying a underbody coating:

Types of underbody coating

• Rubberized underbody coating: This coating is generally said to be one of the best underbody coating of all. It protects the underbody from scratches and its easier to apply rubberized underbody coating.
• Wax based underbody coating: It is more or less ephemeral undercoating, this kind of coating is not going to stay for longer duration however it provides a very good protection against moisture. It is also one of the affordable underbody coating.
• Asphalt based underbody coating: This is well suited for trucks, buses and large vehicles this provides better protection than rubber-based coating. This contains very less amount of rubber hence its sound insulation property is comparatively less.
• Polyurethane underbody coating: This underbody coating fills splits and fracture on the underbody of the vehicle. It also offers good protection against corrosion and also bonds with metal.

Advantages of Underbody coating:

• Protection against corrosion: Main advantage of getting an underbody coating is to prevent from rust and corrosion. It is not only required during the monsoon season but also in hot and humid climatic conditions.
• Reduce NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness): Underbody coating having a thick coating will soften the noise that reach the passengers in the cabin. Undercoating made up of rubberized material will absorb some of rackets. Passengers will definitely feel better because of reduction in NVH.
• Reinforcement: Getting an underbody coating upon a stock coating if present earlier will offer additional reinforcement which protects the underbody from water, road debris, gravel and small pebbles. Factory coating will also be less prone to chipping off or flake away.
• Prolong car’s life: Good undercoating not only prevents the underbody from corrosion however it protects other components too such as engine transmission etc. Less corrosion along with slower wear and tear going to add enhance the life of components and the automobile. Adding on there would be less dents, scratches on the underbody which most of them worry having lower body.

Disadvantages of Underbody coating:

• If it is not done properly trapped air/moisture will enhance the corrosion
• The cost of underbody coating is more

Key market players of global automotive underbody coating:

• The 3M Co.
• Akzo Nobel N.V.
• Henkel AG & Co.
• Sika AG
• Mallard Creek Polymers Inc.
• Sherwin-Williams Co.
• Henry Company LLC
• PPG Industries Inc.
• Covestro AG