I recently bought your product and sprayed it on my undercarriage, and it looks fricken awesome- I love it! I'm curious, can I wash it and still be okay? Do I need to do more than one coat? I use my vehicle daily, and I do a lot with it from hunting to hauling boats and trailers to driving gravel roads.
If 5 dry mils of Original Black Wax are deposited onto a substrate that is clean, dry and free of rust, oil and mil scale, you should have excellent corrosion protection. You can check the wax film thickness with an Undercoating In A Can film thickness gauge. The undercarriage can be pressure washed, however, prolonged application of the pressure wash nozzle to one area less than 4 inches from the surface may damage the wax.
I have a 2004 GMC 2500 HD with a recent 5 year old frame. I took the bed off and pressure washed the frame. The factory wax was soft and some washed off in spots. Is this product compatible with the factory wax to touch up the bare spots, cover up some minor rust and recoat the rest as needed?
The Undercoating In A Can Original Black Wax is compatible with the Hot Melt Dip Wax that GM applies to their Trucks and SUVs. The factory wax is almost 100% volume solids. It has to be heated between 260-300° for the application. The Original Black Wax is at 50% volume solids so it is a wax cutback with mineral spirits. The aerosol version also has the required propellants to atomize the wax.
Are there any specific cleaning products I should use for undercoated vehicles? How do I clean my undercoated vehicle?
For cleaning undercoated vehicles, it is recommended to use mild automotive soaps or cleaners that are compatible with the undercoating material. Avoid harsh solvents or abrasive cleaners that may damage the undercoating. When cleaning, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently wash the undercoating areas. Regular maintenance and gentle cleaning will help maintain the undercoating.
Is reapplication of undercoating necessary?
You only need to re-apply as needed. We recommend periodic inspections of the undercoating while routine maintenance is being done to your vehicle to determine if any reapplication is necessary.
Can I apply additional rust protection over the undercoating?
You CANNOT apply either of our wax products or the rubberized, over the annual oil based undercoating products like Clear Fluid Coat, Fluid Film, Wool Wax, NHOU, Carwell, etc.
You CANNOT apply the oil undercoats over the wax. It will cause an adhesion issue with the wax.
You CAN apply the oil undercoating over the rubberized.
We do not recommend the rubberized over the wax. The wax is flexible and the rubberized is hard. The wax could flex to a point where fissures or cracks develop in the rubberized film.
What should I do if I notice any damage to the undercoating?
If you notice any damage to your undercoating, we recommend reapplying the same coating to the affected area. For easiest reapplication, use our aerosol cans.
How can I prevent undercoating from cracking or peeling?
If your undercoating is cracking or peeling it is probably being caused from your substrate being unproperly prepared. In this case we would suggest removing the damaged undercoating, and try reapplying the coating to a substrate that is clean and dry.
Can I wash my undercoated vehicle in an automatic car wash?
Yes, normal care of your vehicle will not affect your undercoating.
Is it necessary to reapply undercoating after a certain period of time?
Yes, most undercoatings will advertise a service life for the coating as long as it is applied with the proper mil thickness.
Undercoating In A Can offers the following coating life:
Are there any seasonal maintenance recommendations for undercoating?
In colder climates or areas with harsh winters, it is advisable to inspect the undercoating before winter to ensure it is intact and providing adequate protection. Touch up any damaged or worn areas if necessary. After winter, it is recommended to clean the undercarriage to remove any salt or debris that may have accumulated. Regular inspections and touch-ups will help maintain the effectiveness of the undercoating throughout the seasons.
What are the signs that undercoating may need to be repaired or reapplied?
Visible cracking, peeling, or rust would indicate it is time to repair or reapply.
