Spray bed liners are an awesome way to protect your truck bed from scratches, dents, and rust. It’s way cheaper than getting a drop-in liner, and honestly, I think it looks better too. When I bought my old pickup, the first thing I did was spray it with a bed liner. I didn’t want to worry about tossing stuff in the back and messing it up. Now, there are tons of spray-in bed liners out there, so figuring out which one is the best for you can be a pain. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the top five to help you choose.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Rust-Oleum Truck Bed Coating: Best overall for DIYers looking for a durable and affordable option.
- Custom Coat Truck Bed Liner Kit: Ideal for those wanting a professional-grade finish with tintable color options.
- U-POL Raptor Truck Bed Liner Kit: A great choice for a textured, UV-resistant finish.
- Herculiner Brush-on Bed Liner Kit: Best for small trucks or touch-ups.
- Speedokote Bed Liner Kit: Great for those who want a super-tough, long-lasting finish.
Top 5 Best Spray Bed Liner Reviews
1. Rust-Oleum Truck Bed Coating
Rust-Oleum Truck Bed Coating is a popular choice for a reason. It’s easy to apply, dries quickly, and provides a tough, protective layer against scratches, rust, and weather. Plus, it’s readily available at most hardware stores.
Pros:
- ✅ Affordable and readily available.
- ✅ Easy to apply with a brush, roller, or spray gun.
- ✅ Dries quickly.
Cons:
- ❌ May require multiple coats for optimal protection.
- ❌ Texture can be a bit rough.
- ❌ Not as durable as some professional-grade options.
Verdict: This is a great option for DIYers on a budget who need a decent level of protection for everyday use.
2. Custom Coat Truck Bed Liner Kit
The Custom Coat Truck Bed Liner Kit is a two-part epoxy bed liner system. This product provides a durable, abrasion-resistant coating. It’s also tintable, allowing you to customize the color to match your truck.
Pros:
- ✅ Professional-grade finish.
- ✅ Tintable to match your truck’s color.
- ✅ Excellent abrasion resistance.
Cons:
- ❌ More expensive than some other options.
- ❌ Requires more preparation and mixing.
- ❌ May require professional application for best results.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a high-quality, custom finish, the Custom Coat Truck Bed Liner Kit is an excellent choice.
3. U-POL Raptor Truck Bed Liner Kit
U-POL Raptor is a tough, durable bed liner that provides excellent protection against scratches, impacts, and UV damage. This kit is known for its ease of use and textured finish.
Pros:
- ✅ Easy to apply with included spray gun.
- ✅ Provides a durable, textured finish.
- ✅ UV resistant.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be more expensive than some other DIY options.
- ❌ Requires proper ventilation during application.
- ❌ Texture may be too aggressive for some users.
Verdict: This is a solid choice if you want a professional-looking, textured bed liner that will stand up to abuse.
4. Herculiner Brush-on Bed Liner Kit
Herculiner Brush-on Bed Liner Kit is a single-component polyurethane coating that’s easy to apply with a brush or roller. It’s a great option for smaller trucks, touch-ups, or anyone who prefers a brush-on application.
Pros:
- ✅ Easy to apply with a brush or roller.
- ✅ Good for small trucks or touch-ups.
- ✅ Affordable.
Cons:
- ❌ Not as durable as spray-on options.
- ❌ Can be difficult to achieve an even finish.
- ❌ May require multiple coats.
Verdict: If you have a smaller truck or just need to touch up an existing bed liner, Herculiner is a decent and affordable option.
5. Speedokote Bed Liner Kit
The Speedokote Bed Liner Kit is a two-component urethane bed liner system designed for maximum durability and long-lasting protection. It is designed for both professional and DIY applications. When properly applied, it will protect your vehicle bed from impact, scratches, rust, and extreme weather conditions.
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely durable and long-lasting.
- ✅ Excellent resistance to scratches, impacts, and chemicals.
- ✅ Can be applied with a variety of spray guns.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires careful mixing and application.
- ❌ May be overkill for light-duty use.
- ❌ One of the pricier options available.
Verdict: If you need the toughest protection possible and are willing to invest the time and money, the Speedokote Bed Liner Kit is a great choice.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right spray bed liner can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into a few key considerations makes it much easier. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Durability: How tough do you need your bed liner to be? If you’re hauling heavy equipment or rough materials regularly, you’ll want a more durable, professional-grade product. For lighter use, a DIY option might suffice.
- Application Method: Are you comfortable using a spray gun, or would you prefer a brush-on application? Spray-on liners typically provide a more even finish, but they require more prep work and equipment. Brush-on liners are easier to apply but may not be as durable or aesthetically pleasing.
- Cost: Bed liners range in price from affordable DIY kits to more expensive professional-grade options. Consider your budget and how much you’re willing to spend to get the level of protection you need.
- Texture: Some bed liners have a rough, textured finish, while others are smoother. A textured finish can provide better grip, but it can also be harder to clean.
- UV Resistance: If your truck bed is exposed to a lot of sunlight, choose a bed liner with good UV resistance to prevent fading and cracking.
- Tintability: Do you want to match your bed liner to your truck’s color? Some bed liners can be tinted to achieve a custom look.
- Preparation: Proper preparation is key to a successful bed liner application. Make sure to thoroughly clean and sand your truck bed before applying the liner. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take for a spray bed liner to dry?
A: Drying times vary depending on the product and environmental conditions, but most spray bed liners will be dry to the touch within a few hours and fully cured within 24-72 hours.
Q: Can I apply a spray bed liner myself, or should I hire a professional?
A: You can definitely apply a spray bed liner yourself, especially with DIY kits. However, professional application will generally result in a more durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
Q: How do I prepare my truck bed for a spray bed liner?
A: The most important step is to thoroughly clean and sand the surface. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris. Then, scuff the surface with sandpaper to provide a good surface for the liner to adhere to. Finally, degrease the surface and allow it to dry completely.
Q: How many coats of spray bed liner do I need?
A: Most manufacturers recommend applying at least two coats of spray bed liner for optimal protection. Follow the instructions on the product label.
Conclusion
Choosing the right spray bed liner really comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-apply option for everyday use, Rust-Oleum is a great choice. If you want a professional-grade finish with custom color options, consider the Custom Coat or Speedokote kits. And if you want a durable, textured finish, U-POL Raptor is a solid option. No matter which one you choose, a spray bed liner is a great way to protect your truck bed and keep it looking its best.
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