Stonechip.

[what2do]

Hi all, I'm researching Stonechip products to do my wheel arches as I've cleaned all the rubbery underseal off. I mistakenly thought that I'd paint it with Upol Stonechip with a Schultz gun but it appears this isn't sufficient as it's porous and needs to be painted over. What are others doing at this stage and why bother with the Stonechip? Why not simply paint onto the bare metal with the chosen finishing paint, eg. Rustoleum? Nothing is set in stone as I've not purchased the products yet, just want to give the van a good protective coating for the future and I know/trust a lot of the wisdom on here.

Mitch.

[boatbuilder]

I did one wheel arch with stone chip but it's horrible stuff to spray on. I used gravitex. It sets very hard so I'm not convinced that it's very flexible and like you say it's porous which doesn't sound like a good idea. Decided to just do the other arches by brushing/spraying on epoxy primer first, then brush able seam sealer where needed and then I'm using grey tractol tractor paint on top. Then maybe dynax ub.

[syncronized]

I've heard urethane truck bed liner coating works well, but can't vouch for it personally as not tried it yet.

[what2do]

Would like to hear thoughts on using rustoleum, seems to tick all the boxes.

[max and caddy]

Vw well some really good stuff...

[steveo3002]

you can rustoleum onto the bare metal - but it will chip off easily

depends how far you want to go- ideal situation would be clean bare metal, epoxy primer , gravitex , then gloss paint to match the body

[max and caddy]

Vw sell the original approved stuff in tins...anyone can buy it and it works and everything.

[GavB95]

I've bought the OE VW underseal, it's the rubberised stuff that will deflect stones and prevent the chips in the paint that you'd get if you went for just undercoat/ finishing coat. 3m also do a similar product that comes in a bag with an activator, you'll need a compressor to apply it but it's good stuff.

[what2do]

Choices choices choices!! More unsure than when I first posted the question. Thanks for the input.

[billybigspud]

I used the stuff from Machine Mart that you hook to a compressor. You also but the adapter for the top of the tins. In this weather it flows really well. I left it in the boot of the car and it warmed up a treat.

[max and caddy]

But that's not stonechip...it's Shuttz or bituminous tarry wax gloop...there is under body wax, and under body protection for high impact areas...first option can't be overpainted, second can and leaves a finish like a MK3 golf lower sill for example.

[what2do]

Picking the van up tomorrow, still haven't decided upon plan of action. Rats and double rats.

[GrahamL]

What about applying Hammerite under seal ?
Regards
Graham

[sciroccotune]

I have tried various things and I think what ever you do the key is to keep on top of the underbody wax each year. I normally just go for the finish I like then cake it yearly with some horrid waxy product but I say it's worth copying VW and seam sealing the seams

[what2do]

As a temporary measure, I've applied two coats of rustoleum for the time being but will probably overcoat it with a product that was recommended to me but whose title evades at the moment, doh!