Dry Ice & Laser
Undercoating

Properly prepping a vehicle for undercoating is crucial to ensure the coating adheres well and provides maximum protection. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how a vehicle is typically prepped before applying an undercoating:

1. Thorough Cleaning with DryIce

DryIce Cleaning: The trained professional staff at Merritt take your vehicle’s undercarriage and begin the cleaning process using a high-pressurized air, dry ice pellets and best-in-class ColdJet dry ice machine to quickly remove dirt, mud, road salt, oil, and other debris. Dry ice blasting removes dirt, rust, and contaminants without being abrasive to the underlying metal or painted surfaces. This is particularly important for collector cars, where preserving original materials is crucial. It won’t cause surface damage like sandblasting or wire brushing might, especially on sensitive areas. Dry ice cleaning is highly effective in reaching difficult spots like corners, crevices, and tight areas where brushes or traditional cleaning tools may struggle. This ensures the entire undercarriage is properly cleaned, which is critical for a thorough and lasting undercoating job.

Dry ice cleaning is an eco-friendly process. Since the dry ice is made from recycled CO2, it doesn’t produce harmful secondary waste like water or chemical cleaners. This makes it an excellent choice for eco-conscious businesses or clients.

Say goodbye to toxic degreasers that can cause damage to the surface or cause adhesion issues.

2. Rust Removal

Rust Inspection: After cleaning, your vehicle undercarriage is carefully inspected for rust. Minor surface rust is removed during the dry ice cleaning, one of the many benefits of automotive dry ice cleaning over traditional methods. At Merritt we also employ cutting edge Pulse Laser Cleaning for total rust removal. Our trained staff uses a low heat pulse laser to quickly and safely remove rust.

Rust/corrosion blocking agent (if needed): For areas with light rust, we spray a rust converter prior to the final undercoating product. This product chemically converts rust into a stable compound that can be painted over and protects the metal from further corrosion.

Repair Severe Rust: If there are areas with extensive rust damage (holes or structural integrity issues), they may need to be repaired or replaced before undercoating. It’s important to address severe rust before applying any protective coating. Our trained staff can cut out rusted metal and weld in new material to match your existing panels before the new undercoating is applied.

3. Masking and Protection

Covering Sensitive Components: Certain parts of the vehicle should not be coated. These include exhaust pipes, brake components, suspension parts, catalytic converters, and wiring. These areas are masked off using tape or plastic to avoid contamination.

Taping off Paintwork: To avoid overspray, the edges of the undercarriage where it meets the body are also taped off.

4. Dry Ice has no moisture

Ensure No Moisture: One of the key advantages of dry ice blasting is that it doesn’t introduce moisture. This is particularly beneficial when prepping for undercoating, as moisture can become trapped under the coating and lead to rust over time.

Since dry ice sublimates (turns directly from solid to gas), it leaves no residue behind, meaning the surface is completely clean and dry—ideal for applying undercoating.

5. Final Inspection Before Application

Double-check Everything: Before applying the undercoating, the vehicle is given one last inspection to ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free from any loose debris or contaminants.

6. Undercoating

Undercoating Application:

Once the vehicle is properly prepped, the undercoating application can begin. Following these prep steps ensures that the undercoating bonds effectively to the vehicle and provides the maximum level of protection. Proper preparation is particularly important for fleet or collector cars, where long-term preservation is the goal.