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How to Apply a Sound Deadening Undercoating
Author: Eric Zuck
Last Updated: February 8, 2024
Read Time: 5 Minutes
How to Apply a Sound Deadening Undercoating
Author:
Eric Zuck
Last Updated:
February 8, 2024
Read Time:
5 Minutes
Author: Eric Zuck
Updated: Feb. 8, 2024
Read Time: 5 Minutes
We pay our dues and hope for day-to-day improvements like smooth roads, but it always seems the roads WE drive on never get any love, resulting in a noisy, bumpy ride.
This underscores the desire NEED for an aftermarket soundproof undercoating so you can enjoy your music and have coherent conversations once more.
Soundproofing your car is a step-by-step process that starts from the ground up, and we'll teach you how to apply our spray on sound deadener to deaden undercarriage vibrations for a true soundproof undercoating, putting you well on your way to a smoother driving experience.
We pay our dues and hope for day-to-day improvements like smooth roads, but it always seems the roads WE drive on never get any love, resulting in a noisy, bumpy ride.
This underscores the desire NEED for an aftermarket soundproof undercoating so you can enjoy your music and have coherent conversations once more.
Soundproofing your car is a step-by-step process that starts from the ground up, and we'll teach you how to apply our spray on sound deadener to deaden undercarriage vibrations for a true soundproof undercoating, putting you well on your way to a smoother driving experience.
How to Apply a Sound Deadening Undercoating
Steps to sound deadening car undercoating
Applying sound deadening undercoating to your car doesn't have to be difficult. If you can lift your vehicle, you can do this:
Step 1: Prepare the Application Surface
One of the goals with undercoating is to protect your car from dirt and rust, and the best way to start your project is by by cleaning the undercarriage. Wash away as much dirt and grime as possible (we recommend cleaning with denatured alcohol) and remember to wipe the entire surface dry. Moisture is the enemy, you don’t want to apply your undercoating with moisture trapped between it and the car.
If you see rust, you’ll need to scrub it away with a wire brush. If you want to use a primer to the areas affected by rust, we recommend POR-15. Let the primer cure for about a day.
Step 2: APPLY Spectrum™ Undercoating
You’ll need about 3 gallons of Spectrum™ for your average sized vehicle (60 sq ft). Some larger vehicles may require another gallon. Check out the bundle & save Spectrum™ Spray on Deadener Kit! When using Spectrum™ liquid sound deadener, use the short straw when working upside down.
Apply Spectrum to the entire underbody of the vehicle and make sure to stay at least 2 inches clear of any heat source. Most exhaust systems hang at least 2 inches from the vehicle, but if that’s not the case with you, make sure you spray around the exhaust. For an exterior application, we recommend three 1mm coats of Spectrum™ for a total thickness of 3mm. Don't forget to sound deaden the wheel wells!
Spectrum will bond for the life of the vehicle. If you want to add a rubberized undercoating on top of your deader to protect from heavy impacts, wait a week to allow Spectrum time to cure.
PROFESSIONAL TIPS
Wait about 24-48 hours (depending on temperature and humidity) for Spectrum™ to dry before driving the vehicle. Temperature must be above 50°F for the entire cure period after applying Spectrum™. If you don't have a temperature controlled space, check that forecast!
'67 Camaro Spectrum™ undercoating
BEFORE
AFTER
"I was shocked at how well it lowered my transmission & exhaust noise. Much easier to talk and drive now."
- LoneWolfCustoms
Saabkyle04 Undercoating his Chevy S10 with Spectrum™
Step 3: Install Extra Heat Protection (Optional)
Spectrum™ is a good thermal insulator in its own right, so it will be a big help with (or even solve) your heat issues too. If you are dealing with a lot of heat, you may want to consider FireWall, our ceramic thermal coating. Apply either on top of Spectrum for extra thermal protection or if heat is your only concern, apply it directly to the metal. Anything sending heat into the cabin (muffler, exhaust, catalytic converter, etc) will no longer be an issue after this heat resistant treatment.
What is a Car Undercoating? Why Should I Apply It?
Undercoating is an extra layer of aftermarket protection and insulation you can apply to the undercarriage of your vehicle, which includes parts of the chassis, exhaust, suspension, and wheel wells. Manufacturers may apply undercoating at the factory, but in certain environments it can make sense to re-apply or to upgrade.
Protect the Undercarriage
If you think your vehicle will need extra protection, it's best to apply a protective undercoating as soon as you buy it. Otherwise, you need to clean the undercarriage thoroughly to avoid just covering up the dirt and grime already on there. By protecting the exposed parts of your car from rust as well as dirt, grime, dust, salt, and everything else you’ll find on the road, you can extend the life of your vehicle and prevent maintenance issues down the road.
Deaden Road Noise
Road noise is caused by a combination of your car's structural construction, the tires you're driving on, and the condition of the road. When your vehicle is in motion, structural noise is created as a result of moving parts, vibrations, rattles, and other metal-on-metal sounds. Applying a liquid sound deadening undercoating will combat that vibrational noise as you drive. It's also a great solution to tire noise reduction.
It would seem obvious for car manufacturers to install high-quality undercoating to vehicles off the line, but that’s usually not the case. Instead, it’s left on the consumer to apply deadening and protection to their vehicle’s undercarriage.
What Are You Waiting For? Get That Undercoating Done!
If you're looking to get everything you need to spray Spectrum as an undercoating on your vehicle all at once, this is your lucky day! We've bundled together all the essentials into Spectrum Spray Kits. All you have to do is decide how much deadener you want to spray on.
- Spectrum Spray on Deadener is applied in 2 layers on the undercoating of your vehicle to a total thickness of 2-3mm. Not only will this provide superior sound deadening, it'll also protect your vehicle from rust.
- Continue applying Spectrum to your car's wheel wells and interior metal focusing on the doors, floor, and top side of the wheel wells to put an end to any metal that can vibrate.
- Spray kits include a wide nozzle spray gun, bottle, trim tape, and plastic masking.
- Free Shipping and Made in the USA
Let Us Know if We Can Help With Your Undercoating Project
Now that you’ve got the basics of what to look for in an undercoating, where to install it, and how to install it, you’re ready to go. As we mentioned before, if your primary goal is noise reduction, undercoating is just one piece of the car soundproofing puzzle.
Give us a call if you want to learn more about how to turn your car into a soundproof bubble of comfort!