Scratches and dents in a truck bed can drive you crazy. A spray-in bedliner is the perfect solution to protect your truck, and it’s way more durable than those drop-in plastic liners that can actually trap moisture and cause rust. Choosing the right one can be tricky, though, with so many options available. I’ve tested a bunch of these over the years, and I’m here to share my top picks to help you find the best spray-in bedliner for your truck.
Here’s a quick rundown of the bedliners we’ll be looking at:
- U-POL Raptor Bed Liner Kit: A tough, tintable option for a customized look.
- Custom Coat Truck Bed Liner Kit: Offers excellent UV protection and durability.
- Herculiner Brush-on Bed Liner Kit: A textured, DIY-friendly option.
- Rust-Oleum Truck Bed Coating: A budget-friendly option for smaller jobs.
- Speedliner Truck Bed Liner: A professional-grade option known for its extreme durability and fast cure time.
Top 5 Spray-In Bedliner Reviews
1. U-POL Raptor Bed Liner Kit
The U-POL Raptor Bed Liner Kit is a popular choice because it’s tintable, meaning you can customize the color to match your truck or create a unique look. It’s a two-part urethane coating that provides a tough, durable finish resistant to scratches, stains, and UV damage.
Pros:
- ✅ Tintable for custom colors.
- ✅ Easy to apply with a spray gun or roller.
- ✅ Provides excellent protection against rust and corrosion.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires a separate spray gun for optimal application.
- ❌ Tinting requires additional materials and expertise.
- ❌ Can be more expensive than some other DIY options.
Verdict: This is a great choice if you want a customized look and a durable finish. It’s worth the investment if you’re willing to put in the extra effort for tinting and application.
2. Custom Coat Truck Bed Liner Kit
The Custom Coat Truck Bed Liner Kit stands out due to its exceptional UV resistance and long-lasting durability. This kit is designed to provide a professional-grade finish that protects against fading, chipping, and abrasion, making it ideal for truck owners who demand the best in terms of both appearance and performance.
Pros:
- ✅ Superior UV protection to prevent fading.
- ✅ Excellent resistance to chemicals and abrasion.
- ✅ Durable and long-lasting finish.
Cons:
- ❌ May require multiple coats for full coverage.
- ❌ Surface preparation is crucial for proper adhesion.
- ❌ Can be pricier than some other DIY kits on the market.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a bedliner that will hold up to the elements and maintain its appearance over time, the Custom Coat Truck Bed Liner Kit is an excellent investment. It’s perfect for truck owners who prioritize durability and UV protection.
3. Herculiner Brush-on Bed Liner Kit
The Herculiner Brush-on Bed Liner Kit is a single-component polyurethane coating mixed with rubber granules to create a textured non-slip surface. It’s designed for easy DIY application with a brush or roller, making it a good option for those without specialized equipment.
Pros:
- ✅ Easy to apply with a brush or roller.
- ✅ Provides a textured, non-slip surface.
- ✅ Good for DIY projects and smaller areas.
Cons:
- ❌ Brush-on application can be time-consuming.
- ❌ The textured finish may be harder to clean.
- ❌ Not as durable as some spray-on options.
Verdict: This is a solid choice for DIYers who want a non-slip surface and don’t mind the brush-on application. It’s a good option for smaller trucks or those on a budget.
4. Rust-Oleum Truck Bed Coating
The Rust-Oleum Truck Bed Coating is an affordable, easy-to-apply aerosol spray that provides a durable, textured finish. It’s designed to protect truck beds from scratches, rust, and weather, making it a convenient option for smaller touch-up jobs or complete bedliner applications.
Pros:
- ✅ Budget-friendly option.
- ✅ Easy to apply with an aerosol spray can.
- ✅ Dries quickly.
Cons:
- ❌ May require multiple coats for adequate coverage.
- ❌ Not as durable as professional-grade coatings.
- ❌ Aerosol application can result in uneven coverage if not applied carefully.
Verdict: This is a good choice for those on a tight budget or who need a quick and easy solution for minor truck bed protection. It’s best suited for light-duty use.
5. Speedliner Truck Bed Liner
Speedliner is a professional-grade spray-in bedliner known for its exceptional strength, durability, and fast cure time. It’s a two-part polyurethane hybrid that provides a seamless, waterproof, and chemical-resistant barrier, making it ideal for heavy-duty use and extreme conditions. While it requires professional application, the results are well worth the investment.
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely durable and long-lasting.
- ✅ Resistant to chemicals, UV damage, and abrasion.
- ✅ Fast cure time for minimal downtime.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires professional application, increasing the overall cost.
- ❌ Limited DIY options.
- ❌ May not be readily available in all areas.
Verdict: If you demand the ultimate in truck bed protection and are willing to invest in professional application, Speedliner is the way to go. It’s perfect for commercial use, heavy hauling, and anyone who wants a bedliner that will stand the test of time.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right spray-in bedliner can seem overwhelming, but focusing on a few key factors will help you make the best decision for your needs. Here’s what to consider:
- Durability: Think about how you use your truck. If you haul heavy loads or work in demanding conditions, you’ll need a more durable bedliner like Speedliner or Custom Coat. For lighter use, Rust-Oleum or Herculiner might suffice.
- Application Method: Are you a DIYer or do you prefer professional installation? Brush-on and aerosol options are great for DIY, while some, like Speedliner, require professional application.
- Cost: Bedliners range in price from budget-friendly options like Rust-Oleum to premium choices like Speedliner. Set a budget and find the best option within your price range. Remember to factor in the cost of application tools or professional installation.
- UV Resistance: If your truck is frequently exposed to sunlight, choose a bedliner with good UV resistance, like Custom Coat, to prevent fading and degradation.
- Texture: Consider the texture of the bedliner. Some, like Herculiner, have a rough, non-slip surface, while others are smoother. Think about what texture is best for your needs and what you haul.
- Tintability: If you want a custom color, opt for a tintable bedliner like U-POL Raptor.
FAQs
Q: How long does a spray-in bedliner last?
A: A properly applied spray-in bedliner can last for many years, often the lifetime of the truck. However, its lifespan depends on the quality of the product, the application process, and how the truck bed is used.
Q: Can I apply a spray-in bedliner myself?
A: Yes, many DIY spray-in bedliner kits are available, like Herculiner and Rust-Oleum. However, professional application is recommended for optimal results and durability, especially for products like Speedliner.
Q: How much does it cost to have a spray-in bedliner professionally installed?
A: Professional installation costs can vary widely depending on the product, the size of your truck bed, and the labor rates in your area. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1000 or more.
Q: What kind of preparation is required before applying a spray-in bedliner?
A: Proper surface preparation is crucial for a successful bedliner application. This typically involves cleaning, sanding, and priming the truck bed to ensure proper adhesion.
Q: Are spray-in bedliners better than drop-in bedliners?
A: Spray-in bedliners generally offer better protection and durability compared to drop-in bedliners. They create a seamless, waterproof barrier that prevents rust and corrosion, while drop-in liners can trap moisture and debris underneath.
Conclusion
Choosing the best spray-in bedliner for your truck depends on your needs, budget, and DIY skills. Whether you opt for a DIY kit like the Herculiner or a professional-grade option like Speedliner, a spray-in bedliner is a worthwhile investment to protect your truck bed and keep it looking great for years to come. Weigh the pros and cons of each option, consider your specific needs, and choose the bedliner that best fits your requirements. Happy trucking!
This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
