Truck beds take a beating. Scratches, dents, rust – it’s a constant battle. I remember when I bought my first truck; I was so proud of it. Within a year, the bed looked like it had gone through a war zone. That’s when I started looking into bed liners, and spray-on liners seemed like the best long-term solution. You get a tough, durable finish that protects your investment.
This article will cover some of the best spray-on truck bed liners you can buy. We’ll go over their pros and cons, and I’ll give you my honest opinion to help you choose the right one.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Rust-Oleum Truck Bed Coating: Budget-friendly, good for DIYers, textured finish.
- Custom Coat Truck Bed Liner Kit: Professional-grade, tintable, durable.
- U-POL Raptor Truck Bed Liner Kit: Popular choice, UV resistant, customizable texture.
- Herculiner Brush-on Bed Liner Kit: Very tough, textured, easy to apply with a brush.
- Speedliner: Professional-grade, extremely durable, requires specialized application.
Top 5 Best Spray On Truck Bed Liner Reviews
1. Rust-Oleum Truck Bed Coating
Rust-Oleum Truck Bed Coating is a readily available and affordable option for protecting your truck bed. It provides a textured, non-slip finish and helps prevent rust and scratches. It’s a good choice for those looking for a simple DIY solution.
Pros:
- ✅ Budget-friendly
- ✅ Easy to apply with aerosol cans
- ✅ Provides a textured, non-slip surface
Cons:
- ❌ Less durable than professional-grade options
- ❌ May require multiple coats for adequate protection
- ❌ Can fade over time with prolonged UV exposure
Verdict: Great for light-duty use and DIYers on a budget. If you need serious protection, consider a more robust option.
2. Custom Coat Truck Bed Liner Kit
The Custom Coat Truck Bed Liner Kit offers a professional-grade finish that’s both durable and aesthetically pleasing. It’s a two-component polyurethane liner that can be tinted to match your truck’s color. This kit provides excellent protection against impacts, scratches, and chemicals.
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely durable and long-lasting
- ✅ Tintable to match any color
- ✅ Provides excellent chemical resistance
Cons:
- ❌ Requires an air compressor and spray gun for application
- ❌ More expensive than DIY options
- ❌ Requires careful surface preparation
Verdict: Ideal for those seeking a professional-quality finish and long-term durability. It’s an investment, but it pays off in protection.
3. U-POL Raptor Truck Bed Liner Kit
The U-POL Raptor Truck Bed Liner Kit is a very popular choice for its ease of use and excellent UV resistance. It’s a tough, two-component urethane coating that provides a durable and protective layer for your truck bed. Its adjustable texture makes it versatile for different needs.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent UV protection to prevent fading
- ✅ Adjustable texture for customized look and feel
- ✅ Relatively easy to apply with included spray gun
Cons:
- ❌ Requires an air compressor
- ❌ Can be challenging to achieve a completely uniform texture
- ❌ May not be as chemical resistant as some other options
Verdict: A solid all-around choice for those who want a durable, UV-resistant liner with a customizable texture. It strikes a good balance between ease of use and performance.
4. Herculiner Brush-on Bed Liner Kit
The Herculiner Brush-on Bed Liner Kit is a single-component polyurethane coating that’s known for its extreme toughness and ease of application. It’s applied with a brush or roller, making it a great option for those without spraying equipment. The textured finish provides excellent grip.
Pros:
- ✅ Very tough and durable
- ✅ Easy to apply with a brush or roller
- ✅ Provides a very textured, non-slip surface
Cons:
- ❌ The brush-on application can be time-consuming
- ❌ Texture can be too aggressive for some users
- ❌ Can be difficult to achieve a perfectly smooth, even finish
Verdict: Best for those who prioritize toughness and ease of application over a perfectly smooth finish. It’s a great option for DIYers who want a seriously durable liner.
5. Speedliner
Speedliner is a professional-grade, two-component polyurethane/polyurea hybrid bed liner that’s known for its exceptional durability and chemical resistance. It’s typically applied by trained professionals using specialized equipment. Speedliner offers superior protection against impacts, abrasion, and harsh chemicals.
Pros:
- ✅ Unmatched durability and abrasion resistance
- ✅ Excellent chemical resistance
- ✅ Available in a wide range of colors and textures
Cons:
- ❌ Requires professional application
- ❌ Most expensive option
- ❌ Not a DIY-friendly product
Verdict: The ultimate choice for those who demand the best possible protection and are willing to pay for professional installation. It’s ideal for heavy-duty use and extreme conditions.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right spray-on bed liner can be tricky. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Durability: Consider how you use your truck. For light-duty use, a DIY option like Rust-Oleum might be sufficient. For heavy-duty use, a professional-grade liner like Speedliner is a better choice.
Ease of Application: If you’re a DIYer, look for kits that are easy to apply with readily available tools. Brush-on or roll-on kits are good options if you don’t have an air compressor.
Cost: Prices vary widely. DIY kits are generally more affordable than professional application. Factor in the cost of equipment, like spray guns and compressors, if needed.
Texture: Some liners have a very aggressive texture, which provides excellent grip but can be uncomfortable. Consider the texture that best suits your needs.
UV Resistance: If your truck is often exposed to sunlight, choose a liner with good UV resistance to prevent fading and degradation.
Chemical Resistance: If you frequently haul chemicals or other corrosive materials, make sure the liner is resistant to those substances.
DIY vs. Professional: Honestly evaluate your skills and time. Professional application ensures proper surface preparation and a consistent finish, but it’s more expensive.
Preparation is Key: No matter which liner you choose, proper surface preparation is crucial. This typically involves cleaning, sanding, and applying a primer to ensure good adhesion.
FAQs
Q: How long does a spray-on bed liner last?
A: It depends on the quality of the liner and how the truck is used. A DIY liner might last 3-5 years, while a professional-grade liner can last 10 years or more.
Q: Can I apply a spray-on bed liner myself?
A: Yes, many DIY kits are available. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take your time with the surface preparation.
Q: How much does it cost to have a bed liner professionally installed?
A: Prices vary depending on the liner and the installer, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 or more.
Q: Are spray-on bed liners repairable?
A: Yes, minor damage can often be repaired with touch-up kits or by a professional. However, extensive damage may require re-application of the liner.
Q: What is the difference between polyurethane and polyurea bed liners?
A: Polyurea liners are generally more durable and chemical-resistant than polyurethane liners, but they are also more expensive and require specialized equipment for application. Polyurethane liners are more common for DIY applications.
Conclusion
Choosing the best spray-on truck bed liner depends on your needs, budget, and DIY skills. Rust-Oleum is a great budget option, while Custom Coat and U-POL Raptor offer a good balance of durability and ease of use. Herculiner is a tough brush-on option, and Speedliner is the ultimate choice for maximum protection. Do your research, consider your options, and protect your truck bed!
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.
