Gravitex is the general name for products used to protect the body from minor mechanical damage. One of its varieties is anti-gravel, that is, a product designed to protect the sills, bottom and wheel arches of a car from damage to their surface by small gravel, stones, and debris while driving. The best anti-gravel car body coatings provide not only mechanical protection, but also anti-corrosion protection, noise insulation, and ultraviolet protection.
However, the use of anti-gravel implies, firstly, the use of special technologies, and secondly, it has both its advantages and disadvantages. In addition, many car owners have problems when they want to get rid of the old anti-gravel coating on the surface of the car body and repaint it.
Why use anti-gravel coating
Anti-gravel is the general name for polymer or rubber-polymer compounds that are sprayed onto the external surfaces of the car. After application, anti-gravel creates a protective film on the thresholds with a thickness of 0.5 mm, which protects open body elements from damage by gravel, prevents reagents from reaching the metal, preventing corrosion of the thresholds.
Anti-gravel paint for car sills is a separate composition. After processing, a durable layer of protective film with a thickness of 0.1 mm remains on the surface. The paint does not ensure long-term preservation of the thresholds; the composition must be renewed every 3 months.
Preparation
To properly apply anti-gravel coating, you need to properly prepare the car. This moment, in terms of level of responsibility, is not much different from preparation, for example, for painting. For this:
- rusty places, if any, are cleaned;
- the car must be washed and degreased;
- Before applying anti-gravel, paint, varnish and putty are sanded. Like others;
- paint and varnish coatings, the aerosol composition is not applied to a glossy surface.
Types of anti-gravel for car thresholds
Requirements for anti-gravel:
- Maintains elasticity in the temperature range -30+50.
- Optimal adhesion, adhesion to the surface.
- Contains zinc or any other corrosion inhibitors.
All brands presented in the rating meet these requirements, but when choosing protection, you must first check the condition of the body under a layer of paint. If there are significant pockets of corrosion, then it is better to use products that contain zinc and bitumen fillers. These elements preserve the hearth and will not allow the metal to deteriorate further.
Anti-gravel coating for the body is sold in cylinders or cans. The second option requires a construction gun or spray gun. Aerosols are convenient for treating thresholds, foam well, and leave an elastic layer of protective film. Canned packaging is cheaper and is more often used for anti-gravel treatment of large surfaces.
Hi-Gear (HG5760)
Anti-gravel Hi-Gear is considered the best among aerosol compositions. Its technical characteristics are close to “liquid rubber”; it is applied with fine grain. Forms a dense film on the surface of the threshold that does not lose elasticity for up to 1.5 years. The composition is transparent, often used as an armored film to protect headlights and mirror housings.
The cost of anti-gravel in a 500 ml cylinder is from 600 rubles, the capacity is enough for the complete treatment of thresholds, it is not practical to use it on the entire body due to the high cost. The range for treating thresholds includes a black composition. Complete drying occurs in 7 days.
Body 950
Body 950 spray is developed on a rubber base for application to sills and wheel arches; there are three colors of protective coating: white, gray, black. The material foams well, leaves a lumpy surface after drying, and protects body elements for up to 2 years.
Properties, application and features of applying anti-gravel paint: we study thoroughly
Anti-gravel is a universal protective paint for the car and its elements.
It is convenient in that it can be used by specialized services, service stations and ordinary car enthusiasts. For independent use, it is best to use anti-gravel in cans, because... This form is convenient to use and does not require special skills.
What surfaces can anti-gravel be applied to?
Anti-gravel is distinguished by the method of application and composition. For the protective coating of LPK, headlight units, housings, mirrors, anti-gravel or armor film is used. After application, the composition forms a transparent protective coating up to 0.1 mm thick.
Among anti-gravel films, the most popular products are the following brands:
- 3M 90001 Paint Defender. Balloon anti-gravel, applied in three layers to paintwork, mirror housings, headlight units. It is colorless. The bottle comes with consumables: tape, protective film, degreaser. The protection dries in 4 hours; when drops of water fall on the undried material, swollen smudges form on the paintwork.
- RUNWAY RW6700. A budget protection option made in China, it belongs to the “liquid rubber” class and can be used as an anti-gravel protection for thresholds. The multifunctional composition includes synthetic rubber, is applied only to treated surfaces of the bottom, frames, rims, and is easily removed. The product is resistant to temperature changes and salt reagents.
- KERRY KR-970. Anti-gravel coating with a shagreen effect, the article number uses the marking 971. The product is chosen to protect the bottom of the car, wheel arches, and sills. Dries completely in 4 hours, the product is available in three colors: white, black, gray. Packaging is standard: aerosol can 450 ml.
How to make eyelashes for headlights with your own hands: manufacturing options
Let's go back a little. If you have taken an anti-gravel mixture, but its anti-corrosion properties are not the most powerful, before the very first application of anti-gravel, you can treat it with a high-quality anti-corrosion agent.
Nothing complicated at all. You just need to choose a high-quality composition, allocate time for work and follow the instructions.
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How to prepare the surface
Work on applying film protection of paintwork is carried out at service stations, this is due to the large area of work. You can do the treatment of thresholds with anti-gravel yourself after preparatory work and selection of the necessary tools; for the work you will need:
- grinder brush;
- sandpaper;
- solvent, you can take a special paint remover;
- degreaser;
- spray gun or gun, if the anti-gravel is not in an aerosol can;
- primer;
- tape and film to protect the body.
To determine which anti-gravel is best for the thresholds of a particular car, you need to check the condition of the body. If there are significant pockets of rust, after coating with a primer it is better to choose a foam aerosol composition based on rubber resins or bitumen mastic. When damage is minimal and it is necessary to provide additional protection to the element, a synthetic composition is used, which gives a film of minimal thickness. Step by step preparation process:
- Apply tape to the surface that is not to be treated. Cover the body with film.
- Use a grinder to remove the outer layer of paint; if there are pockets of corrosion, remove the rust.
- Clean with a wire brush.
- If during the work it is discovered that the threshold is rusted through, weld the hole or fill it with epoxy resin.
- Treat the surface with primer.
- After the primer has completely dried, sand it with sandpaper.
- Apply a layer of degreaser and let dry for 10 minutes.
- Spray anti-gravel onto the surface.
Experienced craftsmen recommend applying any anti-gravel coating in two layers and not operating the car after repair for at least 10 hours.
Curtains for a car: price, fine, how to make it yourself
- metal brushes with varying degrees of hardness;
- clean rags;
- newspapers;
- scotch;
- sandpaper;
- personal protective equipment.
Be sure to complete the last point, since this is beneficial for the car, but for you it is a serious threat to health.
If everything is ready, you can start working. It includes several stages.
- Preparation. It is carried out before applying the drug. Everything is simple here. Bring your sills back to their divine glory by removing dirt, traces of oil and other contaminants. Anti-gravel coating will be useless if applied to a dirty car. Plus, dry the thresholds completely before applying the product. There should be no moisture on them.
- Using metal brushes or sandpaper, the surface of the car sills is cleaned of rust, peeling paint, and so on. Do the same with shagreen (the painted surface resembles an orange peel).
- Clean rags, newspapers and regular stationery tape will be needed to protect against the anti-gravel agent getting into areas of the car located near the threshold. This way you will not get the car dirty and will minimize the cleaning procedure after work.
How to apply anti-gravel coating
To ensure that painting car thresholds with anti-gravel goes quickly and without errors, it is recommended to use simple tips:
- Carry out independent repairs in a warm, well-ventilated garage or outside in the shade; the minimum room temperature should not be lower than 10 degrees.
- Shake the aerosol composition for 2-4 minutes before application. If you use a gun and protection in cans, do not use a composition that has passed its expiration date. Anti-gravel may crystallize.
- Keep the cylinder at a distance of 20-25 cm from the surface to be treated.
It is recommended to paint the thresholds after treatment with anti-gravel no earlier than after 7 days. Some compositions dry completely only after a week.
Application process
Do not forget to decide on the choice of color, since anti-gravel can be gray, black or white, as well as transparent. There are manufacturers offering multi-colored anti-gravel mixtures. This way you can choose a product depending on the color of your car.
Reviews clearly demonstrate that self-application is more than a reality. But for painting with anti-gravel to be successful, follow some rules. Additionally, video instructions will help you.
I propose to talk specifically about the thresholds, since it is extremely difficult to process the same bottom. For a beginner, it’s better to start simple.
In addition to anti-gravel, you will need:
What is important to know
Experts do not recommend purchasing inexpensive products in the hope of saving money. As a result, for a small amount you can get a product of dubious quality. It is better to choose among well-known brands that have already proven themselves well among car owners.
The main disadvantage of anti-gravel paint can be considered the content of various synthetic compounds in its composition - they can be harmful to health. That is why it is best to use personal protective equipment when working with this product.
Description and principle of operation
Anti-gravel has a polymer composition. It creates an elastic and durable film on the car body and protects the car from gravel impacts while driving. Preventive use of anti-gravel will allow you to maintain the excellent appearance of the “iron horse” longer and save money on restoring the coating. Good products foam when applied and have additional advantages:
- noise insulation (for example, when driving on coarse-grained surfaces);
- corrosion inhibitor;
- antistatic effect;
- protection against winter asphalt reagents (acids and salts).
To cover the body, it is enough to purchase a spray can. When treating the bottom, using an aerosol is expensive. For these purposes, the manufacturer produces anti-gravel in cans or special cylinders. These are used to charge a pneumatic sprayer.
The first anti-gravel coatings were invented for SUVs. The risk of minor damage to the car body is high when driving over rough terrain. Modern anti-gravity systems are suitable for all types of cars. They are applied after painting or repairing the body.
Attention! The coating lasts 1-2 years. Approximately this frequency is needed for preventive maintenance of the external condition of the machine.
The better to dilute
The choice of components for preparing anti-gravel at home must be approached very carefully. Composition compatibility is a key selection criterion.
To prepare you will need 2 main components:
- polymer (body) sealant;
- antisilicone.
When mixing one with the other, you need to monitor the consistency. Add anti-silicone until the mixture reaches the consistency of paint. In this case, it will be easier to apply (especially when using a paint sprayer).
If there is no anti-silicone, you can use xylene. It is cheaper and also evaporates slower. The last property is important because the antisilicone evaporates quite quickly, so the mixture flies out in small flakes when applied with a paint sprayer. This does not create any particular difficulties, since the elastic liquid structure quickly mixes and sticks together, forming a homogeneous mass. The only problem is the high consumption of the composition.
Using xylene can reduce consumption. By choosing the right consistency and proportions, you can achieve optimal performance characteristics of manual anti-gravel.
Does the color of the composition affect the level of protection and durability
Not really. In practice, motorists note that both white and black joint sealants have the same performance and consumer properties.
Useful tips
Immediately before treatment, it is recommended to cover the car body with plastic film, leaving only the underbody and suspension parts. If desired, you can clearly glue the joints with masking or ordinary tape, which will ensure that the border is marked. This preliminary preparation will help avoid subsequent cleaning of the fenders and doors.
The car should be installed at an angle of 45 degrees using a special stand. Firstly, this will allow you to work in more comfortable conditions, and, secondly, it will not create difficulties when using the spray gun (when tilting the gun, problems with application may arise).
At this point, the process of treating the body with an anti-gravel compound can be considered complete. This method of protection is strongly recommended for owners of domestic cars, as it will help avoid the appearance of rust on the body and increase the service life of the suspension.
Rating of the best body protection products
Liqui Moly
The leader among all anti-corrosion body treatment products. It is supplied both in cans for garage use and in the form of professional cans for high-pressure spray guns.
The advantage is the ability to apply to an untreated surface and resistance to a wide temperature range.
Among the disadvantages noted is the price of such a cylinder. It is 1100 rubles.
Body 950
Greek anti-gravel is made on the basis of special artificial rubber and therefore has good elasticity. This allows it to be used in low temperature conditions.
Advantages - inexpensive product, the price of which is 230 rubles. Fast drying time is noted.
What is it used for?
The purpose of the anti-gravel coating is to protect vehicle elements from the aggressive effects of external factors. Anti-gravel in the form of an aerosol is sprayed onto all body parts and, when the film dries, it performs the following functions:
Forms a durable coating that is resistant to direct sunlight and humidity, thereby preserving the original color of the paintwork;
Protects arches, sills, underbody, fenders and bumpers from rust from the abrasive effects of gravel, sand and other solid particles;
Can be used on all paints and varnishes;
Available in two colors: black and grey;
It has noise-proof and vibration-absorbing properties.
Painting with anti-gravel does not require the use of professional tools, but before performing work, auto experts recommend that you read the video instructions. You should also follow simple requirements, which will be discussed below.
