Underbody Coating

UNDERBODY COATING

AIM:

To study the underbody coating and its types in automobile industries

OBJECTIVES:

To create a detailed report about the underbody coating and its advantages and disadvantages

PROCEDURE:

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.

It is normally sprayed or painted on when the car is just out of the dealership and is clean.

TYPES OF UNDERBODY COATING:

Rubberized Undercoating:

Rubberized vehicle undercoating is easy to apply and offers sound-cushioning as well as protection from dust, moisture, and dings or dents.

Rubberized undercoating is also safe to use on wheel wells and dries to a soft rubbery finish that prevents further rust, damage, or moisture seeps.

The coating can be painted over and, if necessary for bodywork, can be easily removed with an undercoating removal spray.

Overall, rubberized coating is generally the best option for protecting your vehicle's undercarriage, as it provides the simplest and best protective measures against rust and moisture.

Polyurethane Undercoating:

Polyurethane undercoating will come in canisters ready to preload into an application gun. This type of sealant works by seeping into all cracks and seams, displacing salt and moisture and oozing around rusty areas to bond with and protect unoxidized metal. It also sands quickly in case you'll need to perform bodywork and can be painted over.

On the flipside, this type of car undercoating generally requires a little bit more surface prep work before applying -- sanding and applying an etching primer to bare metals before using are generally recommended.

Wax or Paraffin-Based Undercoating’s:

A paraffin-based undercoating will be the cheapest and quickest option available with which to protect the undercarriage of your vehicle.

It will wear off quicker than other types of undercoating and will need to be stripped and reapplied at least once every year.

During application, it drips or flow into seams and cracks to provide protective properties.

Asphalt-Based Undercoating:

For large trucks and heavy machinery, asphalt-based undercoating provides a bit of extra durability against rocks, chips, and moisture.

Asphalt-based undercoating generally contains a little bit of rubberized material that sets up firmly and also helps soften noise.

This type of undercoating also needs more cure time than the other three, and is not paintable, making it best to use only for undercarriages.

ADVANTAGES:

Fights Rust:

It plays an important role in keeping corrosion at bay. Underbody coating can come in handy near the sea, where there is too much humidity, and rusting.

Absorbs Noise:

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.

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.

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

DISADVANTAGES:

The undercoating spray is very costly.  

However, it is nothing when you compare it with the cost of replacing a vehicle after corrosion.