Following on from the 4x4 Expo last week one of the most common questions that came up about STEEL-IT was “How does it compare to Raptor?”.
In this article we aim to show you the Advantages and Disadvantages of each product, and which product is more suited to which application.
Feature | STEEL-IT | Raptor |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Stainless steel-infused polyurethane or epoxy coating | Urethane-based bed liner coating |
| Primary Use | Corrosion & abrasion resistance for metal surfaces | Impact resistance & textured protective coating |
| Corrosion Resistance | 🏆 Excellent – 316L stainless steel particles create a protective barrier | Good, but needs proper prep (etch primer for bare metal) |
| Abrasion Resistance | High – Resists wear & minor impacts | 🏆 Very High – Thick & textured, absorbs heavy impacts |
| Impact Resistance | High – Tough and flexible, resists chipping | 🏆 Superior – Thick, absorbs shocks and dents well |
| Chemical Resistance | Good – Resists most chemicals & solvents | Good – Resists fuel, oils, and some chemicals |
| UV Resistance | Good – Industrial-grade durability but can fade over time | 🏆 Excellent – UV stable, won’t fade or chalk easily |
| Temperature Resistance | Up to 204°C (400°F) | Good – Up to ~100°C (212°F) before softening |
| Application Method | Spray-on or roll-on, requires proper surface prep | Spray-on or roll-on, requires mixing & proper prep |
| Curing Time | Air-dries in 24 hours, full cure in 5-7 days | Touch dry in 1 hour, fully cured in ~7 days |
| Finish & Aesthetic | Steel Gray, Charcoal or Black | 🏆 Textured & rugged, available in black & tintable versions |
| Re-coating & Repairs | 🏆 Easy – Can be touched up and reapplied | Difficult – Requires sanding & reapplication |
| Substrate Compatibility | 🏆 Best for steel & aluminium, works on some plastics | Works on metal, plastics, wood, and composites |
| Durability in Off-Road Use | 🏆 Excellent for extreme environments, resists mud, rocks, & water | 🏆 Excellent for off-road abuse, protects against dents & scratches |
| Cost | Moderate | Similar, but depends on coverage |
| Ease of DIY Application | 🏆 Easier – Can be applied with basic equipment | Moderate – Mixing & spray gun required for best results |
Pros & Cons of Each
STEEL-IT
✅ Pros:
- Exceptional corrosion resistance, even if scratched
- Flexible & impact-resistant – won’t crack under stress
- Easier to apply & touch up compared to Raptor
- Great for off-road applications – resists rock chips, water, and mud
- Smooth finish, won’t trap dirt like textured coatings
- Approved for food-contact surfaces
❌ Cons:
- Limited colour options – Steel Gray, Charcoal and Black
- Slightly lower impact resistance compared to Raptor
- Not UV stable long-term – may fade in direct sun
Raptor
✅ Pros:
- Highly impact-resistant – absorbs dents, scratches & abuse
- Durable textured finish – hides imperfections & gives a rugged look
- Tintable & UV stable – won’t fade like some coatings
- Great for truck beds, underbody protection, and exterior surfaces
❌ Cons:
- Not as corrosion-resistant as STEEL-IT – bare metal needs etch primer
- Hard to repair – requires sanding & reapplication
- Textured finish traps dirt & mud – harder to clean
- Lower heat resistance – can soften under extreme heat
Which is Better for What?
Best Uses for STEEL-IT
✔ Off-road vehicles & race cars – Withstands mud, water, and rock chips
✔Chassis, suspension, and roll cages – Tough and flexible, won’t crack
✔Marine & industrial applications – Excellent corrosion resistance
✔Motorsport components – Long-lasting in extreme conditions
✔Food-processing equipment – FDA-approved for food contact
✔Parts that need easy cleaning – No texture to trap dirt
Best Uses for Raptor
✔ Truck beds & off-road vehicle exteriors – Thick, textured protection
✔Underbody & wheel arches – Impact-resistant coating for rugged terrain
✔4x4 bumpers, rock sliders, & skid plates – Protects against scrapes & dents
✔Overlanding & expedition vehicles – UV stable and highly durable
✔Rusty metal restoration – Covers imperfections and prevents further damage
✔Non-metal surfaces – Sticks well to plastics, wood, and composites
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Use?
- If you need superior corrosion protection, easy touch-ups, and a smooth finish → STEEL-IT is the winner.
- If you need a tough, impact-resistant, textured coating that can handle UV exposure → Raptor is better.
For off-road racing chassis and suspension, STEEL-IT is best because it won’t crack under stress and is easier to maintain. For truck beds, underbody protection, and bumpers, Raptor is the better choice due to its thickness and ability to absorb impact.