Berkebile 2+2 Protection First Class (Black)

Berkebile 2+2 Protection First Class Black

Black-Tinted Lanolin Undercoating, Rust Preventative, Lubricant and Penetrant

Berkebile 2+2 Protection First Class Black, commonly called PFC Black, is a solvent-free lanolin-based rust preventative designed for vehicle underbodies, frames, equipment, trailers and other metal surfaces exposed to moisture, road salt and corrosive operating conditions.

Unlike hard or rubberized undercoatings, PFC Black remains soft and flexible after application. Its non-drying film can creep into seams and irregular surfaces while creating a self-healing barrier that helps protect metal from oxidation and corrosion.

The Black version adds color to the PFC coating while remaining translucent enough to allow inspection of the surface underneath. This can make it easier to monitor existing rust, fasteners, seams and other underbody components without completely covering them with an opaque coating.

Key Benefits

• Lanolin-based vehicle undercoating
• Solvent-free liquid formulation
• Helps protect metal against rust and corrosion
• Black-tinted yet translucent protective film
• Remains soft and flexible
• Self-healing coating can flow back over minor disturbances
• Does not dry into a hard coating
• Can be applied over surface rust after loose and scaled rust is removed
• Helps protect against road salt and moisture
• Suitable for vehicle frames and underbodies
• Can also function as a lubricant and penetrant
• Suitable for many painted surfaces
• Compatible with synthetic rubber and plastic according to Berkebile
• Easy to inspect, remove and reapply
• Up to one year of underbody protection under Berkebile's recommended application
• Useful for cars, trucks, trailers, snow equipment, machinery and other metal equipment

Lanolin-Based Rust Protection

Protection First Class uses a lanolin, or wool-wax, based formulation.

Rather than drying into a hard shell, PFC remains soft after application. This helps the coating stay in contact with metal surfaces while resisting the cracking that can occur with some permanent coatings.

The formulation is designed to help isolate metal from:

• Moisture
• Road salt
• Corrosive roadway treatments
• Humid conditions
• Normal environmental exposure

PFC is a rust preventative, not a rust remover or rust converter. Existing loose or scaled rust should be removed before application.

What Makes PFC Black Different?

PFC Black uses the same protective approach as Protection First Class while adding black color to the coating.

Unlike a fully opaque rubberized undercoating, the film remains translucent enough to help visually inspect the treated area.

This can be useful when checking:

• Existing surface rust
• Frame condition
• Welds
• Seams
• Fasteners
• Brake and fuel-line routing
• Previously repaired areas

The darker appearance can also provide a more uniform look across vehicle frames and underbody components.

Soft, Self-Healing Undercoating

PFC does not cure into a hard film.

Once the coating has settled, it retains a soft, jelly-like consistency that Berkebile describes as self-healing.

If the film is disturbed, the material can migrate back over small exposed areas instead of remaining permanently cracked or chipped.

PFC Black vs. Rubberized Undercoating

PFC Black:

• Remains soft
• Does not permanently cure
• Self-heals
• Can creep into seams
• Remains translucent
• Can be removed and reapplied
• Normally requires periodic reapplication

Rubberized undercoating:

• Typically dries or cures
• Forms a more permanent coating
• Is usually opaque
• Can provide greater resistance to direct abrasion
• May require more preparation for removal or repair

Neither approach is automatically right for every vehicle. PFC Black is particularly useful for owners who want a renewable corrosion-protection film that remains accessible for inspection and maintenance.

How Long Does PFC Black Last?

Berkebile states that Protection First Class undercoating can last up to one year.

Actual service life can vary depending on:

• Road salt exposure
• Mileage
• Gravel and abrasion
• Off-road use
• Pressure washing
• Climate
• Vehicle storage
• Application coverage

Inspect the underbody periodically and reapply where the film has become thin or has been removed.

Vehicle Undercoating Applications

PFC Black can be used on compatible areas such as:

• Vehicle frames
• Undercarriages
• Wheel wells
• Trailer frames
• Hitch components
• Springs
• Metal brackets
• Snow-removal equipment
• Salt spreaders
• Agricultural equipment
• Machinery

Avoid applying any undercoating to components or surfaces where the vehicle or equipment manufacturer prohibits coatings.

How to Apply PFC Black

1. Clean the vehicle thoroughly.
2. Remove loose, flaky or scaled rust.
3. Shake or mix PFC Black thoroughly.
4. Apply an even coat to the intended underbody surfaces.
5. Inspect coverage and touch up missed areas.

PFC can be applied to damp or dry metal and over surface rust.

Because the product does not need to cure into a hard coating, there is no conventional drying period before the vehicle can be returned to service.

Important Note for New Vehicles

Berkebile currently recommends waiting until a new vehicle has accumulated at least:

2,000 miles or one year

before applying Protection First Class as an undercoating.

Can PFC Black Be Applied Over Rust?

PFC can be applied over surface rust, but it should not be treated as a rust converter.

Remove loose and scaled corrosion before coating the surface.

If structural corrosion or significant metal loss is present, the affected component should be inspected and repaired before undercoating.

Painted, Plastic and Rubber Surfaces

Berkebile states that PFC is compatible with many painted surfaces, synthetic rubber and plastic.

For painted surfaces, testing a small inconspicuous area before broad application is a reasonable precaution.

Berkebile advises caution with non-oil-resistant rubber, because contact may cause swelling.

Does PFC Black Attract Dirt?

Because the film remains soft, freshly applied PFC can pick up an initial layer of dust.

Berkebile states that it does not continue to accumulate or compound dirt in the same manner as a heavy grease after that initial dusting.

Can You Paint Over PFC Black?

No. PFC leaves a wet, non-drying protective film that can interfere with paint adhesion.

The product should be removed and the surface properly cleaned and prepared before painting, refinishing, welding or applying another coating that requires adhesion to the substrate.

Lubricating and Penetrating Uses

Protection First Class is not limited to undercoating. Compatible uses can include:

• Nuts and bolts
• Hinges
• Hitch components
• Locks
• Chains
• Electrical connections
• Battery terminals
• Trailer hardware
• Snow-removal equipment

Its penetrating properties can also help free corroded threaded components during maintenance.

Safety and Handling

The current Berkebile Safety Data Sheet for liquid Protection First Class, including PFC Black product codes, classifies the mixture as not hazardous under GHS.

Basic handling practices still apply:

• Wash hands after handling
• Avoid unnecessary skin and eye exposure
• Follow label and SDS instructions
• Use the product only for intended rust-prevention and lubricating applications

Frequently Asked Questions