Underbody Coating

Underbody Coating:

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.

Underbody coating Methods:

Rubberized Undercoating:

Rubberized undercoating is easy to apply, and generally offers the best protective coating for your car’s undercarriage. It cushions surfaces against moisture, rust, dings, and dents. Rubberized undercoating is safe to use on quarter panels and wheel wells and dries with a soft rubbery finish.

Asphalt Based Undercoating:

Asphalt-based undercoating offers a higher level of protection suitable for large trucks, recreational vehicles, and heavy machinery. It’s formulated with some bits of rubberized material to aid in noise reduction. It offers extra protection against chips and moisture but is not paintable and, therefore, only suitable for undercarriages.

Polyurethane Undercoating:

Polyurethane coating is easy to apply and works by sealing up cracks and seams. The compound displaces salt and moisture and protects the unoxidized metal from rust. It’s often sold in canisters that are ready to preload into an application gun. It, however, requires some surface prep work before application, like degreasing, and applying an etching primer to the bare metal.

Wax or Paraffin Based Undercoating:

Wax or paraffin-based undercoating sprays are the cheapest and quickest options available. However, their results don’t last long, and you may have to apply a fresh coat after only a few months. In addition, the wax isn’t very adhesive on a metal surface. Its main advantage is that it seeps quickly into cracks and seams, and offers moderate protective properties against moisture.

Key Features:

Volume:

Vehicle undercoating products come in volumes from 16 ounces to about 5 gallons. Think of how much undercoat you will use in the current job, the size of your vehicle, and how much you will need to buy in the near future. A 16-ounce bottle is suitable for a small car, but an RV or a truck will need a 1-gallon jug to get the job done.

Shelf Life:

Most premium undercoating materials have a shelf life of at least one year after being opened. Others can only last for a few months, then they start to wear off. If you find a fully functional product with a short shelf life, it’s prudent to buy it in small portions. Figuring that you will use the undercoat at least once a year, the shelf life shouldn’t be an issue if you go for the right portions.

Formulation:

The formulation you choose depends on your budget and how long you want the coat to last. Rubberized and asphalt-based undercoats are more expensive, but a single coating job can last up to a year or longer depending on the environmental conditions. Cheaper options like paraffin-based formulations last for only a few months, and you may not be able to stand the smell.

Other Consideration:

Functionality. The undercoating spray should be able to at least prevent rust and corrosion on the metal surface. It should also be paintable, have sound deadening properties, have quick drying time, and improve the aesthetics of the sprayed surface.

Filling Power. The filling power is a measure of the undercoat’s ability to seep through cracks and holes, to smoothen out irregular surfaces. An even surface sets a great base for the topcoat paint and makes the vehicle's body look more appealing.

Underbody Coating: Before and After:

Advantages of Underbody Coating:

• It provides a layer of protection against corrosion.
• It will extend the life of your vehicle.
• It can be applied to damaged areas.
• It can be self-applied.
• There are multiple undercoating methods that can be used.
• It may help to reduce interior noise.

Disadvantages of Underbody Coating:

• It is less helpful if corrosion is already present.
• It works best on new cars.
• Most vehicles make it five years before corrosion begins to show.
• A third-party undercoating service might void your vehicle’s warranty.
• An undercoating is not impervious to damage.
• It must be reapplied every 3 to 5 years for the best results.