Comfort in the cabin of the car directly depends on the quality of insulation of wheel arches, which take the brunt of road noise and flying gravel. Traditional bitumen sheets often do not provide a sealed fit to the complex relief, letting sounds and moisture into microscopic gaps. That's why. noiseproofing It becomes a standard of high-quality processing, creating a seamless monolithic layer that not only extinguishes the vibrations of the metal, but also serves as a powerful barrier against corrosion.
Modern rubber-based or polymer-based formulations penetrate into hard-to-reach places where it is impossible to get close to solid materials. When applied correctly, this layer works for decades, maintaining elasticity even at extreme temperature drops from minus forty to plus sixty degrees. Unlike the mats, the liquid fills all the irregularities, providing sealability surface.
Many car owners underestimate the importance of comprehensive protection, relying only on a regular soft plastic undersling. However, standard protection is often secured with gaps, and the material itself does not have sufficient density for effective noise cancellation at high speeds. Competent use liquid vibroisolators In combination with the correct preparatory stage, it can reduce the overall noise level in the cabin by 3-5 dB, which subjectively feels like a two-fold decrease in volume.
Advantages of liquid compositions over sheet materials
The main difference between liquid insulation is the ability to form a single coating without joints and seams. Sheet materials such as vibroplate or bitoplastyThey require perfect surface preparation and often leave microscopic voids in places of complex terrain. The liquid, spreading, fills each cavity and fold of metal, providing 100% coverage of the working area. This is especially important for arches where moisture, dirt and reagents are constantly present.
In addition, liquid compositions have excellent adhesion to metal, plastic and old paint coatings. They do not require a strong roller, which eliminates the risk of damaging the thin metal or disrupting the geometry of parts. Polymer base Such materials after drying turn into a durable rubber-like mass, which does not crack with time and does not peel off under the influence of vibration.
Anti-corrosion protection is also important. Most high-quality liquid noise insulators contain corrosion inhibitors and anticorrosion additives. When applied, they create a barrier that blocks the access of oxygen and moisture to the metal, which significantly prolongs the service life of the body. Sheet materials, in turn, with poor-quality installation can accumulate moisture under themselves, causing hidden foci of rust.
Overview of popular materials for processing arches
The automotive chemicals market offers a wide range of solutions, and the choice of a particular product depends on the budget and the desired outcome. The leaders of the segment are synthetic rubber-based formulations, which, after polymerization, form an elastic coating. Among professionals, the brand products are highly valued DinitrolIt is known for its longevity and high density of the layer. These formulations are often referred to as “liquid rubber”, although the chemical composition may vary.
A more affordable but effective option are aerosol cans from manufacturers of auto cosmetics, such as: ABRO or Kerry. They are convenient for local repair or treatment of small areas, but for full sound insulation of the entire arch will require many cylinders, which may not be economically feasible. For large volumes of work, it is better to purchase the material in banks or buckets and apply it with a compressor or brush.
- 🛡️ Dinitrol 479 - professional composition with a high rubber content, providing excellent noise insulation and protection from gravel impacts.
- 🚿 Body 930 - popular bitumen-rubber spray, available in aerosols, fills the irregularities well and dries quickly.
- 🧪 Aerosol "Liquid underwing" Budget solution for the creation of the primary protective layer, requiring application in several stages.
When choosing a material, you should pay attention not only to the declared characteristics, but also to the method of application. Some compositions require the mandatory use of a compressor to achieve the desired dispersion and uniformity of the layer. Other, thicker mastics, can be applied with a spatula or a hard brush, which is important for garage conditions without special tools. Viscosity of material It directly affects the final thickness and quality of the coating.
The Secret of Long Service Coverage
The service life of liquid noise insulation directly depends on the quality of degreasing. If oil stains or silicone remain on the metal, the material may detach after the season. Use special degreases, not just gasoline or a solvent that can leave a greasy film behind.
Necessary tool and surface preparation
The quality of the final work depends on the correct surface preparation by 80%. The metal should be absolutely clean, dry and defatted. To do this, the arch must be thoroughly washed, preferably using kerkerker to knock out all the ingrained dirt from the hidden cavities. After washing, the surface is dried and treated with a degreasing agent, after which it is not recommended to touch the metal with your hands.
If there are already corrosion foci on the arch, they must be cleaned to pure metal and treated with a rust converter. Neglecting this stage will cause corrosion to continue to develop under a layer of new insulation, destroying the body from the inside. For cleaning, it is convenient to use a drill with a rod or a sandblaster for hard-to-reach places.
☑️ Preparation of the arch for application
Particular attention should be paid to the protection of the adjacent elements of the body. Liquid insulation is poorly washed from plastic and glass, so all headlights, bumper, moldings and suspension elements must be closed with paint tape and cover material or newspapers. Brake discs It is also better to close so that they do not get chemicals that can worsen braking.
Technology of applying liquid noise insulation
The application process depends on the type of material selected. If you use an aerosol cylinder, it must be shaken intensively for 2-3 minutes before starting work. Application is made from a distance of 25-30 cm from the surface movements from left to right. It is important not to try to apply a thick layer at once, it is better to make 2-3 thin layers with intermediate drying.
When working with compounds in banks and using a compressor or brush, the technology is slightly different. The material is applied in a uniform layer, filling all the depressions. The thickness of one layer is usually about 0.5 mm. To achieve effective noiseproofing and vibration the total thickness of the coating should be at least 1.5-2 mm, which often requires the application of 3-4 layers.
| Type of material | Method of application | Drying time (layer) | Arch expenditure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerosol (spray) | Spraying | 30-60 minutes. | 2-3 cylinders (450 ml) |
| Rubber mastic | Brush/Spatel | 2-4 hours | 0.5 - 1 kg |
| Synthetic rubber | Pistol/Compressor | 1-2 hours | 0.5 - 0.8 kg |
| Bitumen-polymer | Brush/roller | 4-6 hours | 0.6 - 0.9 kg |
Between the layers, it is necessary to withstand technological pauses specified by the manufacturer on the package. If you apply the next layer on the undried previous one, bubbles can form inside the coating, and the polymerization process will be delayed indefinitely. Complete drying and final strength set usually take 24 to 48 hours, after which you can install the plastic underling in place.
Apply the material at an ambient temperature not lower than +15 ° C. In the cold, the viscosity of the compositions increases sharply, which prevents the formation of a uniform film and worsens adhesion.
Typical errors and precautions
One of the most common mistakes is to apply the material to a wet or dirty surface. The water left in the metal or rust pores is sealed under a layer of insulation, creating ideal conditions for electrochemical corrosion. The metal begins to rot under the protective layer, and the owner only knows about it when the rot comes out or the metal becomes thinned critically.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to apply liquid noise insulation to the elements of the exhaust system and brake mechanisms. The material can catch fire from high temperature or disrupt the heat sink of brake discs, which will lead to boiling of brake fluid and brake failure.
Another mistake is saving on the number of layers. In an attempt to save material, users apply one thin layer that does not give any effect of noise insulation and quickly cracks from vibration. Coverage thickness - critical parameter, and here the rule "Porridge with oil can not spoil" works in the literal sense, but within reasonable limits, so as not to disturb the balancing of the wheels (although this is rare for arches).
It is also worth remembering the toxicity of many solvents that are part of liquid insulators. Work should be carried out in a well-ventilated room or outdoors, using a respirator and protective gloves. Pairs of solvents can cause dizziness and poisoning, and the ingress of aggressive chemicals on the skin is a chemical burn.
The quality of surface preparation is more important than the brand of the selected material. Poorly prepared metal will negate the properties of even the most expensive composition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply liquid noise insulation over the old one?
Yes, you can, but only if the old coating is held firmly, does not have bloating and detachment. The surface must be thoroughly washed, degreased and slightly skinned to improve adhesion. If the old coating flakes off, it must be completely removed.
How much does the liquid noise insulation dry before operation?
The surface film is formed after 1-2 hours, but it takes 24 to 48 hours for complete polymerization and strength gain. During this period, it is better to avoid washing the car under high pressure and driving on deep off-road.
Do I need to remove plastic underslings for processing?
I'd prefer to. This will allow you to qualitatively process the hidden cavities, the upper part of the arch and the attachment places. Processing without removing the locker is possible only superficially and will not give a full effect.
Does the noise insulation layer affect the balancing of wheels?
When applying a reasonable layer (up to 2-3 mm) inside the arch, this does not affect the balancing. The dirt that sticks to the arches in winter creates a much greater imbalance than the insulation layer.