DIY Truck Bed Coating

Every truck needs a protective liner.

Trucks beds are built to take a beating, but to limit the wear and tear as much as possible, various forms of protection are available. The most common is the bed liner: a material covering the surface that carries the load. Commercial bed liners are constructed to the exact dimensions of various vehicles and applied in rigid sections to the floor, sides, front and rear of the bed. Over time, however, moisture can get underneath and cause rust. Another method, if cost is a factor, is the application of a commercial do-it-yourself product.

Things You'll Need

• 1 gallon commercial liner product
• Metal pan
• Several 2-inch paint brushes
• Several 4-inch paint brushes
• Several paint rollers
• Masking tape
• 1 roll brown masking paper
• 1 small can Acetone
• Paint scraper
• Green etch pad
• 320-grit sandpaper
• Electric drill
• Mixing attachment for drill
• Broom

Instructions

Preparation

1. Scrape away rust and loose paint from the truck bed.

2. Sweep out debris and dirt.

3. Remove grease and oil with soap and water. Allow to dry

4. Scuff up the bed's surface with an etch pad or sandpaper, including where rust and loose paint were scraped off. Wipe down with acetone.

5. Apply masking tape and paper to areas to be kept free of application material.

Finish

1. Stir with drill mixing attachment while the product is in its container.

2. Pour liner product into the metal pan.

3. Paint the hard-to-reach surfaces first, such as the overhang of the bed sides, using the smaller brush to apply a light coating.

4. Apply a light coating of the product to the rest of the bed with a 4-inch brush or a roller. Allow to dry one to three hours.

5. Apply the product again with as heavy a coating as possible using brushes or rollers. Remove masking tape and paper about 15 minutes to an hour after the second coat is applied. Let dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove the rear gate (if a pickup) to allow easier access while painting the bed.

• Apply product in a well-ventilated area.

• Spraying the product is not recommended. EPA and OSHA regulations must be followed.

• Leave drain holes open in the bed.

• Carry no loads heavier than 50 lbs. for 72 hours, for lighter loads wait at least 12 hours.

References

• . Chiri Enterprise, Inc. pg 1
• Hurculiner Truck Bed Liners, pg 1
• Grizzly Grip Truck grip liner, application Pg. 1
• The Durabak Company, Truck Bedliners pg. 1