Automotive / Industrial
Automotive / Industrial
Extends your vehicle's life span, PLUS a well-maintained undercarriage attracts buyers and leads to a higher resale value.
Protect against surface damage from rocks and road debris.
A barrier against moisture and salt, significantly lowering the risk of rust.
Decreases road noise and vibration for a more comfortable and quiet ride.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Yes… or no. Some companies do not clean/treat the surface first, or just do a quick wash to remove surface dirt. Although there are some undercoating products that can be used this way, they don’t last. (That’s why we love our 2-step process: remove rust and scale first with dry ice and laser blasting equipment, then use the strongest undercoatings for years and years of protection.)
That depends on your desired finish and vehicle condition. We offer Dinitrol, FluidFilm, Waxoyl and FEYNLAB Ceramic to name a few. Reach out today for a free product evaluation.
That depends on the products and services you choose. We typically complete vehicles in 3-5 business days. While not always, we are sometimes able to dry ice clean and undercoat within 2 business days.
Yes, depending on the quantity of services and if the facility has the necessary equipment.
Our facility is in Kannapolis, North Carolina, about 35 minutes north-east of Charlotte.
Brought my '84 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL to Merritt Motors Company for dry ice blasting to restore engine bay. The experience by far exceeded expectations. This is a highly specialized shop located … read more in the race corridor just outside Charlotte, and their use of advanced cryogenic cleaning tech is amazing.
Process involves shooting frozen CO₂ particles at high velocity to remove built-up grime, oil, and residue. Unlike traditional cleaning methods, it's completely non-abrasive - leaves no secondary waste. It’s ideal for classic cars like mine where preservation of original components and finishes is critical.
Technician Mark carried out the two-hour procedure with great precision, taking care to protect electrical systems, hoses, and vintage surfaces. I was able to observe the entire process, and the result was remarkable—the engine bay now looks factory-clean without any signs of harsh chemical or mechanical wear.
Merritt Motors Company demonstrates a rare combination of technical capability, respect for automotive history, and professionalism. I would strongly recommend them to any classic car owner looking for high-quality, detail-oriented service.
Had my 2021 Toyota 4Runner dry ice blasted and the undercarriage ceramic coated and they did an outstanding job. I am extremely pleased and would certainly recommend them. Not cheap, but outstanding … read more quality result.
Jared and his associates Dry Iced Cleaned my 1994 Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet last April. The quality of the work was transformational and resulted in an undercarriage that matched the outstanding … read more condition of the rest of the vehicle.
Jared also provided indispensable advice on marketing my car as I prepared it for sale.
Car enthusiasts are fortunate to have a shop like this in North Carolina.
Looking for trained professionals to perform car/truck/bus undercoating service in North Carolina area?
Our company provides high quality, professional Dry Ice cleaning & Undercoating services.
Fleet and industrial vehicle undercoating available on site in the Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh areas.
Our facility is in Kannapolis, North Carolina, about 35 minutes north-east of Charlotte.
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