Ranking of the best protective coatings for SUVs for 2024

The more complex the obstacles and the worse the environment, the higher the risk of damaging the body to the metal base, thereby triggering a corrosive process. Factory paintwork does not help out on the off-road, which is why drivers are forced to use auxiliary protection.

The most effective is considered to be funds based on polyurea and polyurethane. These are exactly what we will consider in the rating of the best protective coatings for SUVs for 2024.

Types of protective polymer coatings for the body

The polymer solution forms a thick and rough to the touch layer during application. There are two types of polymer solutions on the market:

1. Polyurea-based formulations.
2. Protective compounds based on polyurethane.

Polyurea based products

Developed three decades ago and found in the 90s. the product of commerce, the technology "sprayed polyurea elastomeric coatings", despite the inharmonious name, made a splash in the market of protective technologies.

As it turned out, polyurea (polyurea) is best suited for protecting car bodies:

• Robust, scratch-resistant, shock-resistant and vibration-free.
• Elastic - does not crack during deformation and stretches several times.
• In the event of a road traffic accident, it does not burst, but during application it lies flat and firmly adheres to surfaces of various form factors and appearance. The polymer also adds secondary hardness to the components.
• ECO-clean and fireproof - there are no solvents in the composition, so it is possible to apply the material to car bodies and use it inside the car without fear for your own health.
• It cures quickly and can be used under any conditions. A number of coats are applied without prior drying. Immediately after spraying, the vehicle is operational.
• The elastomer also acts as an additional noise insulator and repels water. A car that has been treated with a polyurea compound is not as susceptible to dirt as others.

Polyurea-based products effectively protect off-road vehicles, both completely and their individual components. Of course, the composition is imperfect, and there are some application details, but there are significantly more advantages than comparative disadvantages.

In appearance, the car, its parts or parts (for example, bumpers, anti-gravel belt, sills, hood ends, etc.) look as if they are covered with "shagreen" - a protective layer that is a little rough to the touch and looks like hard rubber.

The volume and value of roughness are adjusted by a specialist in the process. The layer thickness, as a rule, ranges from 1-5 mm. The optimal layer is considered to be from 2 to 3 mm, however, the door ends cannot be processed, since the doors will not be able to close.

The color is not only black, but almost any. Experts say that by applying a duplicate layer, the coating can be painted even in metallic. It is worth noting only that the puffy composition of the material does not imply much shine. In addition, it should be taken into account that if the car is not completely painted, then it becomes quite difficult to choose the right color of the protected components for the "native" color scheme and it is not always possible.

Smooth and rough surfaces shine and look different, so it is better to resort to the help of specialists who have the proper work experience.

The car is prepared for processing with a polyurea-based composition in exactly the same way as for painting: the damaged areas are cleaned, dried and primed.

The polymer is characterized by rather high adhesion properties (sticky) and can be applied even on "native" paint. However, this is done only if there is no damage or corrosion on the machine, otherwise it must be cleaned to a metal or plastic base.

If a protective layer is applied to swollen paint or rust, a bubble will form and this will not be corrected. It should also be noted that after an accident or other damage to the "armor", it cannot be repaired even partially. In order to preserve waterproofing and the absence of seams, it is necessary to process the body component or the entire area with a new one, having previously cleaned the previous layer from them.

It is quite difficult to clean the body or certain parts of the car from the composition based on polyurea, since the material has high adhesion properties. That is why it is worth considering in advance that the protective layer will remain on the vehicle forever.

For the same reason, "shagreen" is usually applied to SUVs and pickups, to which the protective layer adds value, and not to passenger cars. In the United States, where polyurea-based coatings have been in use for a couple of decades, the state automobile society has determined that the price of a car that has been treated with an elastomer rises in half when sold.

This is not devoid of logic, since the risk that the car is rotten is significantly reduced.

The polyurea composition, if compared with protective agents based on polyurethane, cannot be applied with your own hands using a roller or brush. That is why you will have to resort to the help of specialists.

Experts recommend that a manufacturer of "armor" with a quality certificate act as a specialist, since there are many nuances and trifles in this matter.

In addition to the fact that you need expensive equipment with dispensers, heated hoses, a recirculation pump, a high-performance compressor and a spray gun, you also need well-chosen coating elements. In addition, a person who has all the specific skills in using the equipment mentioned is also important.

It is for this reason that there are few companies with many years of experience in this area. The most important thing here is with many years of experience, because it is not difficult to purchase equipment and advertise a company today. It is much more difficult to collect a case study of the work done and earn positive comments, as well as the trust of motorists.

Polyurethane based products

Most car owners know this "armor" under the name "anti-gravel". It is in high demand, there are also enough manufacturers.

The key advantage of this type of protective compound is its ease of application. Cover your own car, pickup body, power kit, etc.with the help of such a tool, any driver can himself, since the main skill is the experience of using a brush, spray gun or roller, and an ordinary garage is ideal as a processing room.

The key disadvantage of such "armor" is that the protective layer based on polyurethane dries for a long time and for this period it must be protected from dirt and rain. They protect polyurethane-based paints from the same types of aggression as the above-mentioned polyurea-based products: corrosion, rust, aggressive effects of salt, UV rays, chemical reagents and mechanical damage.

When compared with the same polyurea compositions, the output polyurethane layer is thinner and stronger.

It is worth noting that it will be cheaper to apply "armor" based on polyurethane, so if you do not prefer aggressive driving, then it may be worth taking a closer look at such compositions.

The best polyurea products

There are a large number of firms that provide services in the field of applying elastomeric coatings based on polyurea. Let's take a look at the best ones.

1 place. LINE-X

The most widespread trade mark of protective coatings for car bodies based on polyurea from the United States in Russia. The company began development activities over 30 years ago and has been involved in auto processing for about 20 years.

The company has an impressive network of departments in the world, and the first brand workshops were opened in Russia about 5-8 years ago. During this time, their composition has become not only a protective coating, but a branded component of SUVs and pickups.

Bodies and car parts are covered with an “armor” consisting of two components based on aromatic polyurea with an eternal guarantee.

The average price is 1000 rubles per kilogram.

• easy to wash and clean;
• protects against corrosion;
• many colors;
• impressive warranty period;
• preserves the original appearance of the vehicle.

• hard to find on sale.

2nd place. BRONIX

Polymer made in Europe. Companies that coat cars and their components with this brand's "armor" use two types of polyurea:

1. Aliphatic.
2. Aromatic.

The warranty period for the processing performed is 3 years. The guarantee of the composition ranges from 5-10 years (it all depends on the company). However, in the context of the phrase "guarantee for the composition", it means that during the specified time it will not collapse and will not lose its own physical characteristics.

Color change is not covered by the warranty.

The average price is calculated individually and depends on the type of work.

• protects against scuffs;
• protects against mechanical damage;
• protects against the effects of water, gasoline, salt and various chemicals;
• protects against corrosion;
• anti-slip coating.

• not detected.

3rd place. Z-PRO

To process the car, a tool is used, consisting of three components marked Standart, issued by a company from Switzerland - Huntsman, but modified. By order of the official distributor of the Protek company, an elastomer is imported to the Russian Federation, adapted to the conditions of the Russian winter.

The average price is calculated individually and depends on the type of work.

• made on the basis of pure aliphatic and aromatic polyureas;
• has the maximum threshold of resistance to ultraviolet rays;
• protects car bodies from corrosion and abrasive wear;
• used in the construction industry for finishing steel and concrete containers.

• not detected.

4th place. Bullet liner

This is a protective type polymer coating developed on the basis of high quality polyurea. The Bullet Liner trademark was created by Burtin Labs. The founder of this trademark, general director K. Barten, was the creator of the Line-X “armor” considered before.

In 2015, Accella Polyurethane Systems acquired Burtin Polymer Laboratories.Using innovative chemical materials and a reinforced resourcefulness, Bullet Liner technology has been created and improved for over 30 years.

The long history of polyurethane-based protective coatings determines the brand's willingness to manufacture high-quality polyurea compounds for vehicles and supply them to the automotive market. The company's products are tested not only in laboratory conditions, but also tested in the most severe environmental conditions.

The average price is calculated individually and depends on the type of work.

• high-strength elastic coating;
• impressive polymerization speed, which is 10 seconds;
• excellent sound insulation;
• resistance to acids, solutions and UV rays;
• high adhesive properties.

• not detected.

5th place. Rubber Paint HELMET

Exclusive high strength polyurea protective compound. This product with excellent chemical-physical properties is applied using a conventional spray. After processing, a matte-type film with pebbled grain is formed on the surface. The layer thickness ranges from 0.5 to 2 mm, it all depends on the processing method and the number of layers.

The product is used to protect the bodies of special vehicles, SUVs and ATVs. The composition can be applied to different surfaces:

• metal;
• polymer;
• composite;
• plastic;
• concrete;
• wooden.

Important! The product must not be applied on 1K primers.

The composition is easily applied using an anti-gravel gun. The can is screwed directly onto the gun. It is also possible to process the surface using a paint sprayer with a nozzle from 2.5 mm, a brush or a roller. Taking into account the processing method, the surface is either pebbled or smooth.

The average price is 2,900 rubles.

• no special equipment is needed for processing;
• there is no need to prime the surface in advance;
• dries to the reinforcement assembly within 2 hours at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius;
• complete polymerization occurs after 5 days.

• not detected.

The best polyurethane products

Consider the best polyurethane products from various manufacturers.

1 place. "AKTERM AvtoBronya"

A product that has absorbed the best properties of the compositions of various brands. During its development, the experience of using various similar tools was taken into account. The creators of "AutoBroni" tried to combine the best aspects in their products, which are typical for polyurethane protective coatings from various manufacturers.

A protective type polyurethane-based product was created specifically to protect parts of car bodies that are used in difficult conditions. It is used for processing body parts of trucks, SUVs and other vehicles.

AKTERM AvtoBronya will also be an excellent choice for vehicles used in ordinary conditions. Among other things, this tool is also used in the construction industry. With its help, metal surfaces are protected from corrosion and external factors.

The average price is 1,300 rubles.

• high strength composition;
• excellent resistance to chemical attack;
• attractive decorative appearance;
• durability about 15 years;
• ready to use, no solvent needed;
• quickly reaches the required level of strength;
• reduces the threshold of noise and vibration;
• protects against UV rays;
• repels water.

• maximum packing is only 0.8 l;
• hard to find on sale.

2nd place. RAPTOR

A protective layer consisting of two components. Sold in sets containing 4 bottles of the product and 1 container of hardener. The set is enough to treat 10 sq.m. in one layer. Drying time between coats is 3 hours, and complete polymerization and achievement of the required strength level occurs after 3 weeks.However, it is allowed to use the vehicle (part) already 10 hours after processing.

The average price is 1,500 rubles.

• high resistance to abrasive damage;
• the material transfers impressive tensile loads;
• protects the body from chopping blows;
• scratch resistance;
• prevents the increase in cuts.

• after processing, varnish cannot be applied;
• the product looks like shagreen, so the aesthetics of the vehicle's appearance deteriorates;
• if painted incorrectly, then there is a high probability of chipping.

3rd place. Herculiner

Unique coating based on polyurethane with rubber granules. Apply to truck bodies in 3 easy steps using a brush or roller (included). After drying, the product guarantees a reliable, wear-resistant and anti-slip layer.

The proprietary anhydrous-based formula, when compared to water-based products, allows the coating to adapt properly to the surfaces to which it is applied. Due to its own exclusive qualities, the coating is able to adhere to almost all types of surfaces or substances.

This agent is used to treat wood, metal, concrete, aluminum, asphalt, rubber, fiberglass and plastic surfaces, including polyvinyl chloride. Herculiner prevents rust formation by sealing surfaces and is resistant to gasoline, chemicals, solvents and oil.

The average price is 5,000 rubles.

• modified polyurethane-based coating;
• wear-resistant base;
• particles adhere to each other;
• forms an anti-slip layer;
• contacts moisture in the air for best drying.

• some car enthusiasts found the price tag too high.

4th place. ARMOR

As a result of polymerization, a reliable elastic coating is created, which consists of 95% polyurethane and 5% polymer additives. The composition protects the treated surface from external influences.

The protective coating is available in 3 varieties:

1. "Bronator HARD" - the largest shagreen, which is applied with an anti-gravel gun.
2. "Bronator STANDARD" - medium shagreen, which is applied by means of an anti-gravel pistol, or small shagreen, applied with a spray gun.
3. "Bronator SUPER" is a coating applied with a spray gun and forming a smooth mirror layer on the surface. At the same time, this modification meets all the standard parameters.

The brand's assortment also includes a protective tinted primer applied to a painted or unpainted metal surface before the protective coating. The primer is a protective and adhesive coating, as well as the tone of the tinted surface. Thanks to these features of the soil, the consumption of the protective coating is saved.

The average price is 1,200 rubles.

• perfectly applied to porous and smooth surfaces;
• the possibility of processing from a smooth surface to a coarse shagreen;
• a liter of layer processes about 3 sq. m of surface;
• availability;
• protects from aggressive environment.

• not detected.

5th place. NOVOL COBRA

Protective coating with structured effect based on 2K polyurethane resins. It stands out against the background of competitors with a fairly high degree of mechanical strength and scratch resistance. Protects the car body from the effects of aggressive environment factors, gasoline, water, oils and salt.

It has good sound insulation and vibration properties, and the surface structure gives an anti-slip effect. In the basic version it is produced in black, and in the modification for painting it makes it possible to achieve any color by adding 10-15% of base or acrylic paint.

Experts recommend buying either SPECTRAL BASE or SPECTRAL 2K.

The average price is 2,000 rubles.

• high degree of protection;
• forms a surface that is resistant to scratches, stains and thinners;
• the coating is highly resistant to any weather conditions: moisture, high and low temperatures, ultraviolet rays, salt water;
• easy and quick to apply;
• you can choose the thickness of the structure.

• not detected.

Conclusion

Auto paint protects the car body from most of the negative influences of the external environment. Painting improves the primary parameters of the machine, protecting it from corrosion and damage. Protective coatings, considered in this rating, are in some way prevention of body destruction, which will last a very long time.

Attention! The above information does not serve as a call to purchase. Before purchasing a protective cover for an SUV, be sure to consult with a specialist.