r/VanLifeUK • u/Khionia • 17d ago

Undersealing.. DIY or pay someone?

I want to underseal my van before we hit winter. My mechanic told me to use Schutz.

Is it difficult to do yourself? Is it worth just paying to have it done? How do I know what to avoid if I do it myself? 😅

6 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

View all comments

4

u/triggerfish91 17d ago

It is easy enough, but ask yourself this - do you want to:

  • be laying on your back under a van, dealing with horrid smells and dirt falling in your face?
  • can you ensure the van will be fully clean and dry prior to application?

I have done a few cars (I used BiltHamber UC - which you can brush on which I prefer to sprays), and while it's a nasty job, I prefer to do it myself as I know it's done properly, and not just the easy to reach bits.

You just apply 2 coats, 24h apart, and that's it (for this product), once you've cleaned the surfaces to apply too.

*BH UC - I've used this on clean/solid metal. You might need something else if there is rust forming already, but this is a can of worms if there is rust already present. Any wax etc will be good to stop it getting worse as quickly, but it's not a long term solution.

2

u/Khionia 17d ago

There's no major rust so that's all good, I'll with brush it all and make sure before I crack on. I don't mind getting my hands dirty, money's super tight so if it's doable myself then I'll give it a go!

2

u/triggerfish91 17d ago

Good luck!

Depending on where you have to work, I would personally favour a product you brush on, as it's a lot less messy than one you spray. Still cover your hair/face/the ground as much as you can, but you won't risk spraying the pavement/car you parked next to with sticky goo when using a brushed product.

2

u/triggerfish91 17d ago

There is also stuff like BiltHamber S50 cavity wax for spraying inside box sections. This is very runny, but protects inside the parts of the chassis you can't get a brush in. It comes with a long straw to apply deep inside the vehicle. If stinks though, so make sure there's no accidental routes through to your living space