Brush on or Spray on

[Mat in MA]

[size=13pt]I'm taking a curiosity poll to see how many people do this and if you do, which you prefer.

People on the forums have been protecting their coils from scratching by other means than the use of a coil cover. The sand build up between the coil and the cover can cause falsing at times, particularly when at the beaches and ocean.

I've heard of three different types of applications to protect your coil: 1) Water proof Epoxy, 2) Spray on truck bed liner and 3) Spray on undercoating.

I've used epoxy on one of my coils and found it to be a bit messy. The epoxy had to be mixed and then spread on the coil with a small brush. I used about a half a tube to coat the bottom of my coil. In some cases I've seen where it takes 3 tubes of epoxy.

Today I opted to check out the undercoating and bed liner spray. On the undercoating label it said that it also deadens sounds in the car when you use it. I decided against this as it may also deaden the frequency going into and back out of the ground. I don't know this for a fact, I'm just guessing here.

I decided on the truck bed liner spray. This stuff is great! You just shake it like a can of paint, hold it 24-30" away from the coil and spray. It dries in only 15 minutes after which you can apply a second coat if you want. It's guaranteed not to crack, chip or peel. You can probably do about 20 coils or more in the time it takes to do one with epoxy. This stuff also comes in different colors. My coil is black so I went with the black color. It makes the bottom of the coil look brand new as it has a nice textured finish. I may even spray over my epoxied coil just to make it look nicer.

I only do the bottom of my coils. The way I figure it is the top never gets scratched as much as the bottom. Yes sand will go over the top of the coil when you waist deep and waves are coming by you, but it's not with the same abrasiveness as scraping the coil on the sand. The tops of my coils get a quick spray of WD40, auto wax or Rainx and I wipe dry. This helps the water to bead and shed off the coil once I get it out of the water and it keeps my coil looking new.

Everyone has their preference and I'm curious which one you use, including if you still prefer using a coil cover.

The first two pictures are the products I used, the second is the epoxied coil and the last is the bed liner sprayed coil which is my favorite.

 

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[Foilman]

I have always just used the stock covers and removed it once and a while and hosed it off.
I been wondering if anybody ever tried silicone as you could strip it off if necessary as to not void warranties and to change the cover. You know a bead around the cover edge.

 

[rdi]

Mat ....Over the years I've tried all three including having commercial bed liner shops spray my coils......But have settled on the aerosol spray on bedliner because it's convenient, I can do it myself and it's almost indestructible. I apply it to the bottom and 3/4 of the way up the sides. I feel a little on the sides help protect the coil from rocks. Over the years coil covers have driven me crazy,especially in rough water. Seems like I have to clean them every 30 minutes to prevent falsing. Using silicone to seal the edge of the cover only lasts until it starts to leak. The silicone is a real pain to cut and peel off and time consuming especially if it needs to be done while you're at the beach......rdi

 

[Crash620]

I have always just used the stock covers and removed it once and a while and hosed it off.
I been wondering if anybody ever tried silicone as you could strip it off if necessary as to not void warranties and to change the cover. You know a bead around the cover edge.

Been there...done that.... they leak and cause more aggravation. Did a very careful job sealing the coil cover with silicone. Used it twice and noticed a small trickle of water coming out from the seal. There was a small pinhole that was invisible to the naked eye, but the pressure changes were enough to force water inside. When I pulled the cover off, there was a significant amount of salt water inside. After that, I epoxied the bottom and added a couple of coats of bed liner to finish it off. Just remember to make several thin coats and allow adequate time for the coats to dry all the way through or it may peel or get damaged if you touch it. (Surface may look dry but may be wet underneath if applied to thick)

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I have done epoxy, going to do the truck bed spray next.

Just remember, if it still has one, it does void the coil warranty.............I have only done my coils no longer under warranty. Some buyers if you go to sell may shy away........I personally perfer it over covers....

 

[MikeDahms]

I think a test patch of the material your are using is in order. I would spray a thick layer on some cardboard and do some tests to see if there is any adverse affect. While on active duty I worked on electrical systems on helo's which had many ant's. We had to use special paint so not to affect the signal. I would try this myself but all my machines are currently down. Best to all, Mike

 

[Maui Mike]

I just expoyed mine, and so far am happy with it, i understood that i had voided my warranty for my coil... my decision.. had several prates recommend it... see how it goes for me.. thats a decision that only you can make for yourself. all the best, shaka Mikey

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Minelab says it voids the warranty on the coil.......... I only have one detector under warranty, I haven't used anything on its coil.