Truck bed liners are essential for protecting your truck from scratches, dents, and rust. Choosing the right spray-on bed liner can be tricky with so many options available. I’ve tried a few different brands over the years, and the differences can be pretty significant. This guide will walk you through some of the top choices, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. Let’s get your truck bed protected.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Rust-Oleum Truck Bed Coating: Budget-friendly, good for basic protection.
- U-POL Raptor Black Truck Bed Liner Kit: Durable, tintable, professional-looking finish.
- Herculiner Brush-on Bed Liner Kit: Textured, DIY-friendly, impact resistant.
- Custom Coat Truck Bed Liner Kit: Versatile, UV resistant, easy application.
- Speedliner Truck Bed Coating: Professional grade, extremely durable, chemical resistant.
Top 5 What Is The Best Bed Liner Spray Reviews
1. Rust-Oleum Truck Bed Coating
Rust-Oleum Truck Bed Coating is a single-component aerosol spray designed for protecting truck beds from impact, scratches, weather, and fading. It offers a textured black finish that helps prevent cargo from sliding. This is a popular choice for those looking for an affordable and easy-to-apply option.
Pros:
- ✅ Budget-friendly
- ✅ Easy to apply (DIY)
- ✅ Protects against rust and abrasion
Cons:
- ❌ Not as durable as two-part systems
- ❌ May require multiple coats
- ❌ Can fade over time
Verdict: Great for light-duty use and smaller projects, but not ideal for heavy-duty applications where maximum durability is required.
2. U-POL Raptor Black Truck Bed Liner Kit
The U-POL Raptor Bed Liner Kit is a two-component urethane coating designed for truck beds and other surfaces requiring tough protection. It provides a durable, scratch-resistant, and UV-resistant finish that can be customized with different textures. It’s also tintable, allowing you to match your truck’s color.
Pros:
- ✅ Highly durable and scratch-resistant
- ✅ Tintable to match any color
- ✅ UV resistant
Cons:
- ❌ Requires mixing and application with a spray gun
- ❌ More expensive than single-component options
- ❌ Application process can be more involved
Verdict: Excellent for users who want a professional-looking, highly durable, and customizable bed liner.
3. Herculiner Brush-on Bed Liner Kit
Herculiner is a one-part polyurethane coating that’s applied with a brush or roller. It creates a tough, textured, and slip-resistant surface. It’s designed for DIYers who want a durable bed liner without the need for specialized equipment.
Pros:
- ✅ Easy to apply with a brush or roller
- ✅ Highly textured for slip resistance
- ✅ Durable and impact-resistant
Cons:
- ❌ Texture can be too rough for some users
- ❌ Can be challenging to achieve a smooth, even finish
- ❌ May not be as UV resistant as other options
Verdict: A good choice for those who prefer a DIY-friendly application and don’t mind a very textured surface. It’s a bit messy, but gets the job done.
4. Custom Coat Truck Bed Liner Kit
The Custom Coat Truck Bed Liner Kit is a two-component polyurethane coating that offers excellent durability and protection. It’s designed for easy application with a Schutz gun or roller. It provides a tough, flexible, and UV-resistant finish that protects against scratches, rust, and impact. I used this on my buddy’s old F-150, and it’s held up great.
Pros:
- ✅ Easy to apply with different methods
- ✅ UV resistant, preventing fading
- ✅ Durable and flexible
Cons:
- ❌ Requires mixing of two components
- ❌ May require multiple coats for optimal thickness
- ❌ Slightly more expensive than some single-component options
Verdict: A versatile option for users who want a balance of durability, ease of application, and UV resistance.
5. Speedliner Truck Bed Coating
Speedliner is a professional-grade spray-on bed liner known for its exceptional durability and chemical resistance. It’s a two-part polyurethane/polyurea hybrid that creates a tough, waterproof, and long-lasting protective layer. This stuff is seriously tough.
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely durable and long-lasting
- ✅ Chemical resistant
- ✅ Waterproof
Cons:
- ❌ Requires professional application
- ❌ More expensive than DIY kits
- ❌ Not readily available for DIY projects
Verdict: Best for those who need maximum protection and are willing to invest in a professional application.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right bed liner spray depends on several factors. Here’s what to consider:
- Durability: Consider how you use your truck. For heavy-duty use, a two-part polyurethane or polyurea liner is best. For lighter use, a single-component option may suffice.
- Application Method: Are you comfortable with a spray gun, or do you prefer a brush or roller? Kits are available for different application methods.
- Cost: Bed liner kits range in price from budget-friendly to professional-grade. Determine your budget before you start shopping.
- UV Resistance: If your truck is often exposed to the sun, choose a liner with good UV resistance to prevent fading.
- Texture: Some liners have a rough texture to prevent cargo from sliding, while others are smoother. Choose a texture that suits your needs.
- DIY vs. Professional: Professional application ensures the best results but is more expensive. DIY kits are more affordable but require more effort and skill.
- Tintability: Some bed liners can be tinted to match your truck’s color, providing a custom look.
- Surface Preparation: Proper surface preparation is crucial for any bed liner. This includes cleaning, sanding, and priming the truck bed.
- Safety Precautions: Always wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves, a respirator, and eye protection, when applying bed liner.
- Cure Time: Be aware of the cure time required for the bed liner. Avoid using your truck bed until the liner is fully cured.
FAQs
Q: How long does spray-on bed liner last?
A: Depending on the quality and application, spray-on bed liners can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. Professional-grade liners generally last longer than DIY options.
Q: Can I apply bed liner over rust?
A: It’s not recommended. Rust should be removed and the surface properly prepared before applying bed liner to ensure proper adhesion and prevent further corrosion.
Q: How much does it cost to have a bed liner professionally installed?
A: Professional installation can range from $400 to $1000 or more, depending on the type of liner and the size of the truck bed.
Q: What is the difference between one-part and two-part bed liners?
A: One-part liners are pre-mixed and easier to apply but generally less durable. Two-part liners require mixing and offer superior durability and chemical resistance.
Q: Can I tint a bed liner?
A: Yes, some bed liners, like the U-POL Raptor, are tintable. This allows you to match the liner to your truck’s color.
Conclusion
Choosing the best bed liner spray depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable DIY option for light-duty use, Rust-Oleum is a solid choice. For those who want a durable, customizable, and professional-looking finish, the U-POL Raptor kit is an excellent option. Herculiner is great for DIYers who want a textured, impact-resistant surface. Custom Coat offers a balance of durability and ease of application. And if you need maximum protection and are willing to invest in professional application, Speedliner is the way to go. Consider your priorities and choose the bed liner that best fits your requirements.
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