Anti-gravel coating designed to protect body elements from the mechanical impact of crushed stone, gravel and other pebbles that fly out from under the car, damaging the paintwork of the thresholds and doors.
Anti-gravel is a chemical compound based on synthetic resin, liquid rubber and various additives. The current anti-gravel for cars also has additional protective properties - anti-corrosion, noise-absorbing. All anti-gravel products can be divided into two types - in cans, for use in garage conditions, and for application from a gun - they are used in professional body shops.
The choice of anti-gravel depends on the method of application, as well as the effect to be achieved. The coating can be either shagreen or have a different color to match the car body. There are several dozen similar products on sale, but only about 10 of them are the most popular.
| Product name | Information and brief description | Package size, ml/mg | Price per package as of summer 2022, Russian rubles |
| Aerosol anti-gravel in cans | |||
| Liqui Moly Steinschlag-Schutz | It has the functions of mechanical protection, noise insulation, and anti-corrosion. Can be diluted with paint up to 30%. The dried composition can be painted. It has a pleasant aroma and a wide temperature range. | 500 | 1170 |
| Body 950 | Can be used on external and internal surfaces. Sold in three colors - white, gray, black. Protects against mechanical damage, corrosion, noise. | 400 | 210 |
| Hi-Gear Chip Stop Protector Clear | Can be used with plastic parts and has dirt-repellent properties. The disadvantage is high consumption and high price. | 311 | 580 |
| Kerry | It has a shagreen effect, that is, it adheres better to the surface. Available in gray and black colors. Protects against corrosion and unnecessary sounds. Low price. | 650 | 210 |
| Astrohim Antiruster | Universal protective agent. Can be applied to metal, plastic, glass. The coating is matte. Apply in 3…4 layers. | 520 | 250 |
| Kudo | Average in effectiveness complex product. Protects against mechanical damage, corrosion, and sounds. One of the most popular, low price. | 520 | 180 |
| Liquid aerosols for air guns | |||
| Novol Gravit MS 600 | Very strong and durable protective film. Do not apply to unprepared metal (without varnish). Low price with very high performance characteristics. | 1.8 liters | 430 |
| Body 930 | It can only be used on the bottom, sills and wheel arches. Apply only to cleaned metal. The applied layer is from 0.5 to 4 mm. High performance and low price. | 1 liter; 2.5 liters; 5 liters | 265 rubles; 575 rubles; 1100 rubles |
| Dinitrol 479 | Universal protective composite material. Can be applied to metal and plastic surfaces, including painted ones. For application, you can use a gun or a paint brush. | 1 liter; 5 liters | 1100 rubles; 4500 rubles. |
| Body 900 | A “soft” product that can also be applied to paintwork to protect it from gravel, corrosion, and ultraviolet radiation. Can also be applied to plastic and rubber parts. It is applied using a gun under a pressure of 5...6 atmospheres. | 400 ml; 1 liter | 400 rubles; 900 rubles |
What is anti-gravel
Anti-gravel is a special composition for protecting the car body. It is easy to use and does not have a negative impact on the appearance of the vehicle. A special balanced composition takes on the impacts of stones and other solid particles without collapsing. As a result, the risks of body damage are minimized.
Important! The most popular forms of anti-gravel release are aerosol and film. It is more convenient to use the product with a spray.
Anti-gravel, in the form of an aerosol, is a reliable material for protecting arches, sills, fenders, bumpers, and other parts of the car body from stones, salt and other negative external factors. After treatment, the coating will be reliably protected from mechanical deformation and the appearance of corrosion foci. The aerosol is filled with a polymer that retains its original plasticity regardless of ambient temperatures. As a result, a matte protective layer is formed on the surface of the body. The base is most often rubber or synthetic (resins). Rubbers resist deformation well. The most commonly used resins are phenol and urea. Their properties largely depend on the production technology used.
Important! Aerosol treatment with anti-gravel in cans creates additional sound insulation. Aerosols dry quickly, forming a film that is resistant to sudden thermal changes.
The composition must be applied to a dry and clean body, up to two layers. Allow at least 20 minutes between applications to dry. When the composition is applied, you need to wait a day and only then drive.
It’s easy to use anti-gravel, the main thing is to give it enough time to dry
Criterias of choice
Before painting with anti-gravel, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic properties of the product and methods of its application, so as not to damage body parts and reliably protect them. Which anti-gravel is better to choose and what you need to pay attention to first, let’s look at it in more detail.
- Application. All anti-gravity products are divided into universal and special. Universal sprays include transparent sprays; they are applied to any surface and form a protective film. Special compositions are most often black, white or gray. They are used to process arches or the bottom; if the color matches, it can be applied throughout the car.
- Protection. Anti-gravel is used to prevent chips and damage to the car body, but there are products that can additionally combat the spread of rust. And there are those that help improve noise and sound insulation.
- Application. The products are applied by spraying using an aerosol, or using a pneumatic gun; painting with a brush or roller is less common. In the first two cases, applying the spray is not a problem; it lays down in an even layer, does not bubble and does not leave smudges. The third option requires good skills and craftsmanship.
- View. When purchasing anti-gravel, it is worth knowing whether subsequent painting of the elements is planned or not. Since after treatment with a spray, it is not always possible to subsequently use paint.
When choosing a protective agent for your car, carefully read the characteristics of the anti-gravel product you are purchasing. Because improper use can harm your iron friend and ruin its appearance.
Types of anti-gravel
To answer the question of which anti-gravel is better for a gun or an aerosol, you need to understand the existing types in principle. Types of compounds:
- taking into account texture - smooth or textured;
- for painting - allowing and not allowing it;
- in terms of application - for arches, sills, bodywork.
Textured anti-gravel in cans are optimally suited for application to plastic surfaces. Before starting work, you need to study the set of parts for which a certain product should be used.
Anti-gravel compounds in cylinders require application in several layers, are transparent, and therefore do not in any way affect the aesthetics of the body, sills, and arches. The finished film will be dense, reliable and durable. The price depends on the brand and the specific product. There are colored spray cans. The composition for the gun is not as convenient as a balloon one; it must be mixed with solvents before use.
Important! Cylinders are a professional choice; with the help of such products you can solve a wider range of problems than with the use of aerosols.
Spray cans are the most convenient option; they are usually transparent, but can be black
Banks with anti-gravel compounds are used least often. For application use a spray gun or roller. With the right approach, you can get decent results.
How to apply it correctly?
Applying anti-gravel coating is actually quite easy. The instructions below will help you:
- To get started, read the instructions.
- Prime the surface of the car (if you apply the product yourself).
- Cover with masking tape the areas that border the area to be treated.
- Shake the can for approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Spray the contents onto the desired area at a distance of at least 25 centimeters.
- Apply several more layers: the first is usually very thin, after which it is recommended to apply a second and third.
- If desired, painting can be done after complete drying. However, if you plan to paint the areas treated with anti-gravel, it is better to do it the next day.
Which anti-gravel for cars is better?
A review of anti-gravel with a rating will allow you to understand which product is more convenient and better to use. The most popular option is spray cans, as they are the easiest to use. It is advisable to take into account the chemical composition when choosing, since it may vary.
Which anti-gravel is best for arches
It’s most convenient to spray curved arches with spray cans; you can use a spray gun, but this is a more labor-intensive method. Eventually you will need to sand down the areas of the attachments with sandpaper.
Important! During work, glasses are used to protect the eyes. They will also prevent the ingress of dust and pieces of rust that fly in different directions.
After treating the arch with a spray can, you need to go over the surfaces with a nitro solvent and cover the remaining areas with masking tape. The pendant is wrapped in polyethylene for similar reasons.
Car arches must be protected; it is most convenient to use anti-gravel in cans to solve such problems
Which anti-gravel is best for thresholds
Thresholds should be protected with bitumen-based compounds and painted. Work can be carried out regularly, including immediately after purchasing a car. Protection wears out over time; factory protection is often simply not enough. Aerosols are most convenient to apply to thresholds. The products in the cans are used directly on bare metal, the adhesion is excellent. If everything is done correctly, a protective, reliable film will be formed that prevents corrosion.
This is what car sills look like
DIY processing
Gravitex can be applied correctly in several ways. The technology will depend on the method of combining the protective layers of metal. But there are a number of preparatory operations that are valid for all types of anti-gravel treatment.
- Thoroughly wash and dry the surface to be treated;
- remove all areas of corrosion;
- degrease the surface;
As we saw with the example of Novol GRAVIT 600 MS, the manufacturer allows gravitex to be applied to “bare” metal. If you applied gravitex to unprotected metal, after drying the surface must be varnished.
Anti-gravel, if you look at it under a microscope, has a porous structure, which suggests the ingress of some amount of moisture. In addition, constant temperature changes and gravel flying from under the wheels have a negative impact on the coating.
Over time, the protective layer will crack and begin to peel off (after 3-4 years this can happen even if you apply anti-gravel to an old glossy paintwork). Therefore, we recommend priming the surface before treating with gravitex. After drying, the primer should be sanded with P240 abrasive, and only then the compound should be applied. Even if you used a primer, coating with varnish will only increase the degree of protection.
Anti-gravel rating
The most convenient way to select anti-gravel for sills, arches, and other parts of the body is by rating. The list includes the most popular products of different price categories.
The best premium antigravels
Premium products are the best in their category, but they have an important disadvantage - a high price. Popular options worth considering:
- Dinitrol 479 is a universal composite and liquid sound insulator. Suitable for processing sills, underbody, fender liner. The action is traditional for class products, adhesion is excellent, resistance to chemicals and corrosion is also good. During application with a spray can or under the gun, it does not flow. Two layers are enough, one is often enough too. Prices from 1100 rubles.
- Liqui Moly Steinschlag-Schutz is a synthetic-based product, black in color, gray when sprayed from a can. Suitable for application on varnished and untreated surfaces. It absorbs noise well, is highly resistant to abrasion and is also resistant to UV rays. Price from 1200 rubles, pleasant aroma.
- Hi-Gear – the properties of almost liquid rubber, application with fine grain, the finishing film is very elastic. The transparent composition does not change the shade of surfaces. Price from 900 rubles.
The main disadvantage of the group's products is that they are expensive, especially if you need to treat the car completely.
The best mid-price antigravels
A good anti-gravel aerosol is not always expensive. Examples of affordable products in cans:
- Body 930 – contains rubber and bitumen; it can be used to treat sills, arches, and the bottom. The protection is reliable, the noise-absorbing properties are high. The structure is quite thick, so application is possible with a brush and spray gun. Layer – 0.5-4 mm. The structure is fine-grained. The composition does not crack in the cold. Price starts from 320 rubles per liter or cylinder, there are different packaging.
- Body 900 is the most gentle anti-dust product; it is applied to the car body directly onto the paintwork. The can is suitable for treating side members, thresholds, doors from the inside, headlight sockets, arches, etc. Penetrates even into hard-to-reach places and displaces moisture from there. The cost of a cylinder is from 410 rubles.
- Novol Gravit MS 600 is a synthetic Polish product, the price-quality ratio is optimal, the application is uniform, the grain size is medium. Different colors - gray, black, white. There are no complaints about the strength of the finish - the film has excellent adhesion and high elasticity. Sound insulation properties are pronounced.
The downside of average cans in terms of price is the lack of corrosion inhibitors.
The best low-price anti-gravel products
Inexpensive is not always a bad thing, and budget cylinders are the best proof of this. Product examples:
- Kudo is a product with decent performance characteristics and is affordable. Apply it at a temperature of 10 degrees or more, first shake the can thoroughly. Up to two layers are needed with short drying times in between. The price of a can is about 200 rubles.
- Astrohim is a universal professional composition that reliably protects body paint and varnish materials from abrasions, scratches, chips, the appearance of bitumen stains and the formation of other defects. Suitable for processing glass, plastic, metal, the coating will be transparent matte. The cost of a can is 250 rubles.
- Kerry – the composition has a shagreen effect and performs two functions, namely it protects against damage and rust. Adhesion is high, sound vibrations are absorbed well by the protection. Parts that do not need to be processed are first covered with masking tape. The price is about 200 rubles.
Cheap cans are not bad, they cope with the tasks, but they will not solve additional purposes - only medium-level protection.
Comparison table of characteristics
The table below presents the main characteristics of the anti-gravel brands under consideration. By comparing them with each other, it will be much easier for you to choose a paint that meets your wishes and usage needs.
| Name of antigravel | Manufacturer country | Volume, in l | Color |
| PRIM | Russia | 1 | black |
| Movil ASTROhim | Russia | 1 | black |
| Hi-Gear | USA | 0,5 | transparent |
| Rust Stop | Russia | 1 | black |
| Liqui Moly 6109 | Germany | 0,5 | black |
| Dinitrol 479 | Germany, Sweden | 0,5 | black |
| Body 950 | Greece | 0,4 | white, black, gray |
Tips and tricks
Treating arches, sills, and underbody is a good way to prevent paint damage. The cost of such treatment will largely depend on the price of the product, especially if the entire body requires maintenance.
Important! Anti-gravel in cans is used approximately once a year - usually this is enough.
For everyday amateur use, ordinary spray cans are sufficient, so there is no point in paying for professional products. Universal formulas are effective and practical, you can safely stop at them. When choosing, you should pay attention to additional effects such as shagreen, graininess. The type of application is chosen taking into account the nature of the work, the area of protection must also correspond. Ideally, the higher the adhesion, the better.
The best aerosol anti-gravel products
An aerosol can is the most convenient form factor for applying anti-gravel to car sills. Even a child can cope with the task, but you should understand that this is also the most expensive option. The price of a can varies from 100 to 500 rubles, but one bottle is not enough to cover all thresholds, especially if you apply protection with the recommended layer of 200 microns. But no additional devices are required, which is a definite plus.
Liqui Moly 6109
Best protective properties Country: Germany Average price: RUB 1,154.
Anti-gravel, originally from Germany, is considered one of the best due to its high degree of protective properties. The composition ensures the elasticity and strength of the resulting film. When applied, the product foams and increases in volume. Available on the market in black. Compatible with many types of paints (acrylic, water-soluble, alkyd).
Liqui Moly is equipped with a convenient sprayer that ensures optimal consumption of the contents. Resists adverse external influences and the consequences of operation. It has a high cost and corresponding quality. Judging by the reviews, the product is popular among both professionals and car enthusiasts.
Many users quite reasonably wonder which of the available means is the most effective in the case of protection against gravel: traditional anti-gravel, liquid vinyl, bitumen mastic or anti-corrosive agent. What are their main advantages and disadvantages - we find out from the comparison table:
| Product type | pros | Minuses |
| Anti-gravel | + Excellent adhesion with a large number of coatings + Safe for paintwork + Can be applied either over paint or as an intermediate layer between the base metal and the final coat + Good body sound insulation + Complete preservation of the treated surface + Reliable protection from external mechanical influences | – High cost of the composition for an aerosol (and slightly less high for a spray gun) – Toxicity of polymer compounds of the composition |
| Liquid vinyl (liquid paint) | + Combines the features of anti-gravel film and liquid anti-gravel + Easy to apply and remove + A large number of colors in matte and glossy versions The presence of special colors (mother of pearl, neon, chameleon) and colorless composition + Can be applied to paintwork, which provides complete protection from external mechanical influences | - High price – There is a high probability of the layer peeling off in case of carelessness |
| Bitumen mastic | + Can be applied both over paint and under coating + Bitumen-based composition has good adhesion + Complete protection against gravel impact + Has excellent sound insulation + Reduces the level of vibrations of body elements and the frequency of their resonance | - High price – Viscosity, which prevents application of the product in hard-to-reach places |
| Rust converter | + Low cost + Formation of soil based on polymer compounds + Completely “preserves” the treated surface | – In most cases, it is aggressive towards the paintwork (the active substances react) |
Hi-Gear
Convenient application Country: USA Average price: 730 rub.
Anti-gravel, the effect of which is comparable to the properties of liquid rubber. It has excellent adhesion to any type of surface, so it can be used to preserve the entire car body, which is also facilitated by complete transparency. It is a very expensive product, since one can (volume 314 grams) is enough to thoroughly process one body part.
Another feature of anti-gravel from Hi-Gear is the removal of the film: before using the product, you should be sure that the paintwork is of high quality, since a thin layer of paint can “slide off” right with the film.
Advantages:
- complete transparency of the film allows you to process painted body parts;
- application does not cause much difficulty;
- Full protection of the body from gravel.
Flaws:
- high cost of complete auto treatment.
Movil ASTROhim
Who doesn't know Movil? An old, proven remedy, known since Soviet times. Until now, this anti-gravel has not lost its popularity: it is often used to treat car joints and thresholds. The substance perfectly absorbs moisture, provides excellent protection against corrosion and does not have a pungent odor - what is needed for a good anti-gravel agent. It is used more than economically and is relatively inexpensive compared to other products in the presented product segment.
| Weight (g) | 710 |
| Quantity (l) | 1 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
| Color | black |
Price: from 349 to 360 rub.
pros
- resistant to temperature changes;
- if it gets on the fender of a car, the drug can be easily removed with gasoline;
- excellent rust impregnation;
- average level of spreadability over the surface.
Minuses
- no serious deficiencies were identified.
Movil is simply a veteran among anti-gravel products in Russia! Probably everyone knows about this tool. I’ve been using it for a long time, I haven’t had any problems with it, I’m satisfied with both the quality and the price.
Rust Stop
Eco-friendly Rust Stop is another excellent anti-gravel product that boasts high efficiency due to its composition. It contains technologically purified oil, which deeply and effectively saturates the surface, displacing moisture.
| Weight (g) | 1115 |
| Quantity (l) | 1 |
| A country | Russia |
| Color | black |
Cost: from 914 to 990 rubles.
pros
- resistance to mechanical damage;
- the film does not peel off or crack;
- environmentally friendly composition that blocks the ingress of moisture, oxygen and salt;
- convenient to apply;
- does not require careful surface preparation.
Minuses
- not found.
The salesperson in the store advised Rust Stop. Previously I had another anti-gravel, but I decided to try some new product. As a result, the result was 5+, he did an excellent job with problem areas of the car.
HB BODY PRO 951 Autoflex
It is made on a rubber base, and after drying it becomes very durable and elastic. Adhesion is high - the material easily adheres to any surfaces, including paints and varnishes. The substance is absolutely colorless, so it can be applied both before and after painting.
The product is sprayed using a gun and compressed air. The working pressure should be about 5-6 atmospheres; it is advisable that a narrow nozzle be installed in the gun. The layer will not be very thick, but the application will be uniform.
Advantages:
- Excellent quality;
- Rubber-based products;
- Apply a thin layer.
Flaws:
- It's very expensive.
KERRY
Which anti-gravel spray in a can is best for thresholds? Experts recommend the Russian-made composition Kerry. Sold in 650 ml cans with a convenient spray. The composition is suitable not only for treating sills, but also other body parts, including the lower part of the bumper.
Pros:
- forms a durable elastic coating;
- provides reliable protection against scratches and chips, provides a good level of noise insulation;
- The product has been certified in accordance with GOST.
The downside is that you can’t buy the product in all stores, but you can always order Gravitex in online stores.
AUTO
Inexpensive but good anti-gravel in a can for protecting steel surfaces. The coating protects against corrosion and damage caused by flying stones. The product contains zinc, which provides increased durability of the coating. In addition, the product is inexpensive. Therefore, many car enthusiasts, when deciding which anti-gravel is best for car sills, give preference to AUTON.
Pros:
- good protective properties;
- ease of use;
- You can buy it at any auto store.
No critical shortcomings were identified, except that you have to buy 3-5 cans to carry out a complete treatment.
Novol Gravit MS 600
This substance can be called universal, since it easily covers the most vulnerable parts of the car and creates a protective film on them. Thus, salts, water and acids do not get there.
The product is applied to the surface through a special hose directly from the can. Motorists apply this product in several layers, making the surface more protected. The substance can be used to treat a large area of the car body.
After drying, the film remains elastic for a long time and does not dry out or crack. Thanks to this, the substance can be classified as one that saves the budget. In addition, the substance can only be sprayed with a special gun. The substance costs 406 rubles per 1 liter.
Advantages:
- Inexpensive;
- Allows you to cover a large area;
- Slight graininess when drying;
- Sprays evenly;
- The surface can be painted;
- There are no scratches when removing the protective film.
Flaws:
- Does not always protect against the effects of corrosion on metal.
BODY 900
The substance contains:
- wax;
- synthetic resins;
- anti-corrosion additives.
The liquid has good fluidity, due to which it completely fills all parts of the car that are difficult to reach. In addition, the substance adheres well to the working surface. Anti-gravel holds well at any temperature and remains elastic. The colorless product allows it to be used on surfaces of any color. There is also a brown version of the substance on sale. The cost of the product depends on the capacity:
- 0.4 l - 390 rubles;
- 1 liter - 910 rubles.
Advantages:
- Affordable price;
- Dries quickly;
- Non-toxic;
- Well protects against corrosion;
- You can add solvent;
- Packaged in cans for use with a gun or spray.
Flaws:
- The dried film is very thin;
- Packaged only in half liter or liter quantities.
Using anti-gravel products, motorists create a protective coating for their vehicles without visiting service stations (service stations). The only thing you need for this is to choose the right mixture so that it meets all the consumer’s requirements. Thus, the car will be completely protected from corrosion and mechanical damage from stones flying from under the wheels.
To choose the right anti-gravel product, you need to adhere to the following tips:
- The price/quality ratio can be found in the HB BODY SA mixture. It can be used to cover large areas. In this case, the mixture can be applied to the surface in different ways. The only negative is that the choice of color depends on whether the car will be painted or not.
- A completely cheap version of the mixture is a product from the Russian manufacturer KERRY. It dries well and quickly, protecting the car. The structure of the film is completely suitable for painting.
- Liqui Moly 6109 will protect the surface of the car as much as possible. But unfortunately, a large amount of this drug is needed, and the manufacturer has set a number of restrictions on use.
New “cosmetic products” for cars appear on the automotive market every day. This is all thanks to new laboratories and specialized companies that specifically develop new technologies, as well as work to improve existing products. For these reasons, you need to be careful when choosing an anti-gravel product, and only then will you get the expected result.
Dinitrol 479
This product not only prevents the occurrence and development of corrosion processes, but also significantly increases the sound insulation of the body. This substance is used to treat external and internal surfaces - the bottom, the body itself, wheel arches, sills. The composition has fairly high quality characteristics. Adhesion is very high - the composition reliably connects to metal and plastic substrates. The formula is developed on the basis of synthetic rubber - when applied, it does not begin to flow from the base.
The products will easily withstand severe frosts and hot weather. After drying, an elastic layer is formed that tightly envelops all body elements. With its help you can heal even minor scratches.
Advantages:
- Manufactured on the basis of synthetic rubber;
- Does not drip when applied;
- Adheses well to any substrate;
- Heals shallow scratches.
Flaws:
- When applied, a decent pressure should be created - up to 9 atmospheres.
