How to Paint Undercoating

Undercoating on a vehicle can prevent rust from developing and protect your car's undercarriage for several years. Undercoating a car is especially important if you live in a snowy climate where the roads get salted regularly. Salt and snow are very bad for the metal on vehicles. Most dealers offer undercoating for a hefty price when purchasing a new car, but you can do it yourself on either a new or older vehicle.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Undercoating spray (found at automotive supply store)
• Masking tape
• Goggles
• Gloves
• Mask
• Protective clothing

1. Park the car on a hard flat surface in a well-ventilated area. Place a block of wood or wheel chocks behind the rear tires so that they don't roll. Raise the front of the car with a jack, and place a jack stand under the frame on each side of the front of the car, just behind the rear wheels.

2. Put on gloves, goggles, a mask and protective clothing. Use a creeper or crawl under the car on your back with the undercoating and masking tape nearby.

3. Start at the front of the car and place masking tape over any exposed electrical wires or hoses. Also place tape over the oil pan drain plug and any obvious bolts that you see. The undercoating is thick and can seal the bolts so that they become stuck.

4. Start at the front of the car and start spraying the undercoating. Spray liberally on the frame and metal parts of the car. Spray a lighter coat on the plastic area. Make sure to spray behind the frame rails, even if you can't reach all of it completely. Work toward the rear of the car.

5. Lower the front of the car and raise the rear in the same manner. Get back under the car and start where you left off until you reach the back. Allow the undercoating to dry for at least an hour before driving the car.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't spray the undercoating into the engine or onto the end of the exhaust. You can spray the muffler.

References

• Multiple undercoating spray products