Undercoating for Cars and Trucks
Why ValuGard Delivers Value and Guards Your Vehicle
Undercoating a car or truck is one of the best ways to stop corrosion before it starts. Applying automotive undercoating to a vehicle puts a physical barrier between the exposed underbody and all the road debris just waiting to pummel it. That’s important, because road debris goes way beyond litter. It includes magnesium chloride and other chemical compounds used to de-ice asphalt and control dust. Once that stuff gets drawn up into your vehicle, it can stick like glue. By the time the corrosion becomes visible, its effects may already be widespread.
How Undercoating Works
At ValuGard, we carry the best undercoating for trucks and cars. Here’s how our products work. The undercoating is applied to those surfaces of the car that get most exposure to the road—the underbody and the wheel wells. Because auto undercoating involves treating the most visible and easily accessed areas under the vehicle, no guesswork or complicated equipment is required. This in turn makes the process easy, affordable, and relatively quick.
The Benefits
The benefits of car undercoating are many. Because undercoating for trucks and cars prevents corrosion, it extends the life of the vehicle. It also means you’ll spend more time enjoying it and less time (and money) repairing it. Undercoating also helps reduce road noise, as debris never makes contact with the metal.
Compare ValuGard Products
ValuGard offers several types of undercoating. Use this handy chart to compare our solvent based, hybrid and water based undercoating products. See how each product performs under a wide range of conditions, as well as details of storage, preparation, dry time and clean-up. Then click on the dropdown menu to find out more about each product.
Topic |
VG-104 Solvent Based |
VG-076M HYBRID |
VG-140 WATER BASED |
| VOC CONTENT | 3 – 3.5 LBS./GAL | .3 – .5 LBS./GAL. | .0 – .2 LBS./GAL. |
| FLASH POINT | 144.5°F | NONE | NONE |
| STORAGE | WILL NOT FREEZE | WILL FREEZE AT 27°F | WILL FREEZE AT 32°F |
Exposure After Application
| RAIN (PARKING LOT) | IMMEDIATE | 30 MINUTES | MUST BE DRY |
| COLD TEMPERATURES | IMMEDIATE | 30 MINUTES | MUST BE DRY |
| STORAGE/SHIPPING | COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID WILL NOT FREEZE |
NON-HAZMAT WILL FREEZE AT 27°F |
NON-HAZMAT WILL FREEZE AT 32°F |
| SHELF LIFE | 2 YEARS | 1-2 YEARS | 1 YEAR |
| TIP SIZE ( 15 -1 PUMP) | 0.19 – .023 | .23 – .25 | .23 – .25 |
| FILM BUILD WET (MILS) | 8 – 12 MILS | 10 -12 MILS | 10 – 18 MILS |
| DRY TIME | 1 HOUR | 1 -2 HOURS | 2 – 4 HOURS (longer in cold weather) |
| STANDARDS | ASTM-B117, TT-C-520B | ASTM-B117, TT-C-520B | ASTM-B117,TT–C-520B |
| MEETS OR EXCEEDS | SAE J-2334 / FMVSS 302 / NACE | SAE J2334 / FMVSS-302 | SAE J2334 / FMVSS-302 |
| SURFACE PREPERATION | CAN BE WET | MUST BE DRY | MUST BE DRY |
| CLEAN – UP | SOLVENT WHEN WET OR DRY |
WATER WHILE WET SOLVENT WHEN DRY |
WATER WHILE WET SOLVENT WHEN DRY |
| STOCK CONTAINER SIZE | 32OZ, 16GAL. 55GAL. | 16GAL. 55 GAL. | 16 GAL., 55 GAL. |
| SPECIAL ORDER SIZES | TOTES | TOTES | TOTES |
VG-104 ValuGard Undercoating
Description
A high performance solvent based coating for the underside or side panels of automotive vehicles, highway trailers, bus bodies, travel trailers etc. ValuGard Undercoating provides a flexible and abrasion resistant coating for superior protection against corrosion caused by moisture, salt and alkalis. May be applied at 12 -15 mils wet for undercoating or up to 60 mils wet for added sound deadening and vibration dampening.
Materials
ValuGard Undercoating is an abrasive free material, formulated with specially refined petroleum asphalt, modified with special additives, and inert fillers. Blended with low aromatic content rule 75 mineral spirits and an odorant to achieve the best possible odor during application and drying.
Application
ValuGard undercoating is a thixotropic formula results in lower spray pressures for greater control with less overspray, spray back and fogging. Excellent sprayability over a wide range of temperatures without heating. Super filtration and viscosity control allow smaller tip sizes and better coverage with decreased material consumption. Apply with conventional airless spray equipment.
Recommended Pumps Tips sizes
15:1 with 40-50 lbs. of air .015-.023 inches
Note:-Industrial applications may use larger volume pumps (Graco King or Bulldog)
Product may also be applied using air atomized siphon or pressure pot systems
Coverage
15 MILS WET 100-SQ. FT/GAL
50 MILS WET 25.6 SQ. FT/GAL
Dry Time
VALUGARD undercoating will skin in 1 hr., dry to firm touch in 4 hrs, and fully cure in 24 hrs.
Physical Properties
Color Black
Weight per Gal. 8.4 Ibs +or- .2
Flash Point 144.4º degrees F Min.
Soilds by Wt. 52%
Viscosity 10,000 cps
Salt Spray @ 5% ASTM B-117 1500 hrs. min.
Gravelometer test SAE-J400 Pass Rating 5A @ 0 f
SAE J2334 / 1000 hours
Packaging
Available in:
– 12 quarts per case
– 16 gallon kegs
– 55 gallon drums
Specification
Exceeds Federal Specification TT-C-520 B
Exceeds Federal Specification FMVSS 302 (49cfr CH.V, 571 .302, Standard No. 302)
Equipment care and cleanup
Dried material can be removed with mineral spirits. Take necessary precautions when handling combustible/flammable materials.
VG-140 ValuGard Water-based Undercoating
Description
A “Heavy Bodied” water-based asphalt emulsion, which is modified for superior adhesion to metal, flexibility and corrosion protection. This creamy mastic type coating is reinforced with mineral fillers and corrosion inhibitors to produce a tough, tight black film which resists mud cracking and provides sound deadening. It contains no volatile organic compounds and is easily sprayed. Every batch is filtered to prevent clogs and ease airless application Water-Based Undercoat is primarily intended to provide maximum protection for automotive, truck and trailer underbodies. It may be used on any metal or wood surfaces where corrosion and sound deadening properties are desired.
Surface Preparation
All areas to be coated must be clean and dry. Remove all dirt, moisture and debris. Care should be taken to protect areas which are no intended to be coated. Catalytic converters, transmission heat shields, drive shafts, exhaust manifolds, brake drums, oil pans and disc brakes are areas which should not be coated.
Application
Application may be made through the use of conventional systems or airless spray systems. The use of 15:1 or 30:1 airless spray systems is recommended. Typical tip sizes are .021 – .027. Tip sizes may vary based on the desired spray pattern, air pressure and air volume. The recommended air pressure for airless systems are 30-50 psi for 30:1 pumps and 75-90 psi for 15:1 pumps. Coverage rates may typically 80 – 100 square feet per gallon which yields 20 mils of wet film.
Dry Time
Dry times will vary base on temperature, humidity and application rate. Typical dry time for .020 wet film @ 70°F and 50% relative humidity is ½ – 1 hour to the touch and 24 hours to completely cure.
Physical Properties
| Result | Color, Appearance: |
| Wet Film | Brown/Black thixotropic gel |
| Cured Film | Matte Black |
| Product Type | Asphaltic (Water Based) |
| Specific Gravity | 1.02-1.04 (typical) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable, water based |
| Viscosity (Brookfield RVT) | 20,000-24,000 cps. (TB @ 5 RPM) |
| Solids | 48 – 52% |
| Sag, 60 mil, wet | Pass |
| Adhesion | Excellent on clean surfaces covers oily substrates |
| better than typical emulsion Products | |
| Spray Ability | Down to 40°F |
| Chemical Corrosion Resistance | 1000 hrs. Minimum (ASTM B-117) |
Packaging
Available in 5 gallon pail, 16 gallon keg or 55 gallon drums
Specification
Exceeds Federal Specification TT-C-520 B
Exceeds Federal Specification FMVSS 302 (49cfr CH.V, 571 .302, Standard No. 302)
Clean-up
Mineral Spirits may be used to dried material on equipment and tools. Care should be taken when handling any solvent or hazardous chemical. Soap and water may be used to clean uncured material. Waterless hand cleaner should be used on skin and flushed with soap and water to remove dried material.
M-076 ValuGard Undercoating with hybrid technology
Description
A premium haps free polymer enhanced water/solvent hybrid coating. Provides protection of metal frames and other underbody components on automobiles, trucks, trailers, utility bodies, bus bodies, RV’s and other vehicles. #M-076 quickly develops excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates; wood, foam, FRP, plastic; or direct to metal over pickled and lightly rusted surfaces. #M-076’s hybrid quick dry capabilities achieve early water and freeze resistance making it suitable for a variety of application situations . Hybrid technology gives #M-076 most of the application characteristics of solvent based products without high VOC, OSHA, Fire Code issues and costs. The dry coating is a tough, pliable rubberized coating for protection against abrasion and corrosion. Resists salt, alkalis and seals out moisture. Affords sound deadening and vibration dampening at higher film builds. Dry coating is tack free and can be top coated.
Materials
ValuGard Undercoating is composed of an abrasive free material, formulated with emulsified petroleum hydrocarbons, modified polymer additives and inert fillers with a hybrid water/solvent carrier.
| PRODUCT DATA | PROPERTIES |
| Color | Black |
| Weight per Gal. | 9.3 lbs +or-.2 |
| Solids | 53% +/- 3 |
| Flash Point | Not Applicable |
| V.O.C. Content | < .35 lbs per gallon |
| Viscosity & Sag | Per customer specification and application equipment |
| Fed Spec. TTC-520-B | Pass |
| Fed Spec. FMVSS 302 | Pass |
| (49cfr CH.V, 571.302, Standard No. 302) | Gravelometer Test SAE-J400 Pass Rating 5B @ 0 f |
| Dry to light touch (70F/30%humidity) | SAE J2334 / 1000 hours |
| 20 –30 minutes (12 mils wet) |
Application
ValuGard Undercoating has excellent sprayability, coverage and sag which allows use of a wide variety of spray equipment. It can be cold applied with conventional airless or air assist spray equipment. Use as supplied. Although mixing is usually not required, ensure uniform consistency prior to use. The ambient and product temperature should be 50-95F(10-35C) at time of application. Refer to the (Material Safety Data Sheet) for additional handling instructions, Personal Protection Equipment requirements and first aid information before using.
Application Equipment
- 30:1 Reciprocating pumps with 30 – 40 lbs of air .019 – .025 inches tip size (For Industrial applications w/ large pumps)
- 15-1 Air Motor pumps with 65-75 lbs of air (drum/keg pump) .019 – .023 inches tip size
- Body shutz gun
Dry Time
ValuGard Undercoating will dry to light touch in as little as 20 minutes. Dry times will depend on film thickness, temperature, humidity and airflow, and fully cure in 24 hrs @ 70F. Air movement will speed drying. Product is formulated to achieve early water and freeze resistance that will be indicated by a change of color from shiny dark gray (when first sprayed) to matte black.
Care and Clean-up of Equipment
Spray guns, brushes and tools used for application, should be immersed in soapy water or mineral spirits when not in use. Dried material can be removed with mineral spirits.
Shipping / Storage – Protect From Freezing
This product may be damaged if frozen. Please protect from severe weather. Store in a warm place.
(50-90 degrees F)
Packaging
Available in 16-gallon kegs, 55-gallon drums
VG-150 Rubberized Undercoating (Paintable)
Description
A semi-fluid low VOC coating for protection of the underside of trailers, bus bodies and automotive vehicles. Provides a tough, pliable rubber coating that resists abrasion and provides protection against corrosion caused by moisture, salt and alkalis. Thicker coatings greatly enhance sound deadening and vibration dampening on metal surfaces. VG-150 is paintable with a wide variety of top coat paints. VG-150 is ideal for aerosol packaging and compliance with current National Standard VOC regulations.
Materials
VG-150 is composed of an abrasive free material, formulated with rubber polymers, modified with special additives, and inert filters with a special solvent blend to achieve quick dry low VOC’s.
Application
Can be cold applied via aerosol can, conventional air or airless spray equipment with a minimum amount of spray back and fogging. Consult MSDS to determine proper PPE before using.
Dry Time
Dry to touch in minutes and fully cured in 24 hrs. at 70F/21C.
Physical Properties
| Color | Black |
| Weight per Gal. | 10.1 lbs. +or- 2 |
| Flash Point | 54 F/12 C Min. |
| (lowest flash ingredient-VMP Naphtha) | |
| V.O.C. Content | 2.1 +or- .2 lbs./gallon |
Specifications
Exceeds Federal Specification TT-C-520-B
Equipment Care and Clean-up
Spray guns, brushes and tools used for application, can be immersed in mineral spirits when not in use. Dried material can be removed with mineral spirits. Take necessary precautions when handling combustible or flammable materials.
Storage
Store at temperatures between 50-95 F (10-35 C).
Packaging
Available in 5 gallon pails, 16 gallon kegs or 55 gallon drums.