Spray On Bed Liner is very popular since it has a good look, is very durable, and falls into the DIY category.
This makes it perfect for many trucks that need the bed liner protected and also look good at the same time.
While a truck can be take to an auto body shop to be done you can save a lot of $$$ doing it yourself.
The difficulty is mainly in the prep work with a sanded and clean surface needed for the spray to stick and not peel off.
There are several DIY Kits that come with everything needed with the Rapter Brand being a popular brand that we use.
Whole kits can be bought which include a Spray Gun or individual bottles can also be bought.
The kits can also be bought in a tint-able version or simply a black version.
I personally prefer the black version since it only needs the hardener added and is ready to be sprayed.
The tint-able version can have color added to match the paint of the truck.
Below is how I personally spray on a bed liner by following the instructions from the company.
Everyone will have a different skill level and work environment so the steps below are simply my experience.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions that come with the kit bought to get the best results.
Also, Remember to use proper safety equipment such mask and gloves.
How To Spray On Bed Liner Into a Truck Bed
- Buy the Spray On Bed Liner kit or individual bottles.
- Prepare The Surface
- Mixing
- Spraying
- Finish
There is an Adhesive Promoter spray that comes in a can and helps the spray to stick to metal which is good especially around edges.
The Prep work is the most important part of the process since if not done right the spray will not stick to the surface.
Doing the Prep work requires getting the surface very clean and sanding.
If the truck bed is very dirty take it to a car wash first if possible and scrub it out.
Use a wax and grease remover and give it a good wipe down scrub.
All the flat surfaces need to be sanded using 180 Grit sand paper for the adhesive to stick to it.
Don’t sand down to the metal simply sand off the clear coat shiny paint.
For areas an air sander cant reach sand down the edges by hand.
Any rust will have to be removed which will expose the metal. If this is the case it is a good idea to etch the bare metal with Etching Primer.
Tape off the areas not needing the spray with standard auto body tape and paper.
Once all the sanding is done clean the surface again to be sure it is a clean as possible.
If the black Raptor kit is bought all that needs to be added is the hardener.
A hardener is poured in up to the ridge on the bottle.
After pouring it in shake it up good for at least two minutes to get it all mixed together.
After pouring in the hardener it will need to be sprayed on within 15-20 minutes.
If the tint-able kit is bought the tint will need to be added and shaken up good as well.
After shaking it up very well screw the Spray Gun onto the bottle.
It is best to practice a bit by spraying onto cardboard or a surface not cared about to get the feel of the spray first.
A lot won’t need to be sprayed just enough to get the feel of it, 2-3 swipes on a cardboard box should give an idea how it will look.
Hook up to the compressor and set the PSI if possible. The best PSI is usually 40-60 PSI with higher making for a finer surface. It can be taken up to 80PSI or higher for a very fine finish.
Again test it first with 1-2 swipes on a surface not cared about to see what the results will be.
Hold the spray gun at an angle about 16 inches away and start to spray.
It is best to feather the spray and not get a thick coat all at once otherwise it could run. Again practice a bit first.
While the Liner still soft the tape can be carefully peeled off.
Until it fully dries the gloss and color may seem bit off but should all match once fully cured.
Summary
Spraying On Bed Liner is a great option for work trucks or simply for a good look.
It is not difficult to do and falls into the backyard mechanic do-it-yourself category.
Of course, if doubt take it to a professional auto body shop.
While the spray is mostly used for bed liner there are many people who also use it to coat the bottom of vehicles and many other applications.
There are also many good instructional videos that are good to watch. Here are a few good ones I have found.