The 5 Best DIY Bedliner: Protect Your Truck Bed

truckA bed liner is an essential aftermarket product for your vehicle. It is a coating that we can apply to the carrier spaces of our trucks. This coating protects both the products and the truck form damage.

The coating forms a layer on the carrier surface of the vehicle. It is this layer that will provide the load with skid resistance.

The best bed liner will also protect the truck’s inner surface from corrosion. So, you should use a bed liner that is UV resistant. But, it is not easy to install and maintain a bedliner. It is expensive to pay a professional to do it. But, a cheap way of going about this is to buy yourself the best DIY bed liner.

5 Top Rated DIY Bedliner for Trucks

# Image DIY Bedliner for Trucks Price
#1 U-POL Tintable TRUCK BED LINER SPRAY COATING-Bedliner $$$
#2 U-POL Raptor Black Urethane Spray-On Truck Bed Liner 4 Quart Kit w/Free Custom Coat Spray Gun with Regulator $$$
#3 Dupli-Color BAQ2010 Bed Armor DIY Truck Bed Liner with Bed Armor - Quart $
#4 Herculiner Truck Bed Liner, Black, 1 Quart $
#5 Rust-Oleum, Black 248914 Truck Bed Coating Spray, 15 oz, 15-Ounce $$

U-POL Tintable Spray On BED LINER Kit – Best for Extreme Temperatures

This is another product from the brand of U-POL. The bed liner kit comes with a formula that gives a lasting finish. It comprises a hardener and a liner that helps to achieve the paint –like finish. Also, it gives your truck bed a better texture.

Because these are spray-on product, you use the spray gun it comes with to apply. A spray gun makes it easy to have an even application.

The bed liner kit contains four bottles of bed liner base. Included are also a spray gun and the application manual.

Also, the process of application of the bed liner comes with all the instructions. This bed liner is a two-step application process. Thus, it is different from other alternatives.

This bed liner, thus, is one of the best diy. You can choose to use it on your truck bed. It will never disappoint you because it has the best properties.

Pros
  • Gives protection against corrosion and rust
  • Can withstand harsh conditions and extreme temperatures
  • UV protection prevents it from chipping and peeling
  • Easy to clean
  • Can get many color options to choose from
  • Durable and indestructible
  • Paint is cheap
Cons
  • Consumes time
  • Some areas are hard to reach
  • If not professional, may not apply it well
  • may suffer from bug sticking

U-POL Raptor Black Urathane Truck Bed Liner – Best Spray-On Bed Liner

Raptor Liner is one of the best bed liners available. You can apply it on carrier surfaces of trucks, among others. The layer formed after the application reduces vibration and noise when driving.

U-POL RAPTOR Bedliner is easy to use. The liner kit comes with instructions; hence anybody applies it without complications. You should ensure that you mix the paint with the hardener well before you apply.

A spray gun will assist you in setting the spraying pattern and control its volume. You can also adjust the s gun to your liking for convenient spraying.

This truck liner is durable and protective. The coating covers very well and has a firm adherence to the surface. It is resistant to water, rust, oils, and also repellent to chemicals.

U-POL Truck Bed Liner delivers an excellent finish of all the products. It is glossy and stylish and retains the appearance for an extended period. Moreover, it has a UV protector that helps to prolong the shiny appearance.

But, the spray gun may not get to the bottom of the bottle. Because of that, you may end up not using a reasonable amount of the paint.

This truck bed liner is one of the best. It is durable, protective, and has a professional glossy finish.

Pros
  • Delivers a glossy finish
  • High durability
  • UV protection
  • Easy to follow instructions
  • Firm adhesion
  • Spray gun reduces overspray
  • So dense-requires one layer application
  • Excellent sound deadener
  • Dries fast and protects against dust
  • Waterproof
  • Scratch and stain-resistant finish
Cons
  • You may throw some stuff away.

Dupli-Color BAQ2010 Armor DIY Truck Bed liner – Best Water-based

This product is one of the popular choices of the water-based bed liners. Also, Dupli-Color BAQ2010 DIY bed liner comes in the solvent variant. Thus, you can select an option depending on the surface of your truck.

The bed liner comes with a Kevlar formula that is resistant to gasoline. This formula also ensures that other chemicals do not affect your truck bed.

This bed liner offers a strong adhesion as compared to other truck bed liners. You can also use it as a touch-up coating on other bed liners.

The liner kit delivers a water-based polyurethane layer. This layer does not have any odor, and it is easy to apply. Also, the polyurethane coating protects the truck bed from fading and wearing out.

This bed liner offers resistance to rust. This resistance prevents the truck bed from peeling and chipping. Also, the diy bed gives a long-lasting and rubberized satin finish. The rubber coat maintains the truck bed and protects it from harsh temperatures.

Pros
  • Polyurethane has no bad odors
  • Resistant to dust
  • For use on metal, wood, fiberglass, and concrete
  • You can reuse the product
  • Reduce noise and vibrations of cargos when driving
  • Easy to clean using soap and water
  • Not affected by harsh temperatures
  • Polyurethane coating has UV protection
  • Offers excellent skid-resistance
Cons
  • Gasoline and other chemicals may affect it.

Herculiner HCLOB7 – Best Roll-On Truck Bedliner

Herculiner HCL1B8 bed liner is one of the best products available in the market. If you are looking for a quality truck bed, choose Herculiner.

This product will protect your vehicle from the damage of heavy loads. This truck bed liner kit is easy to use. It also has many reviews from participants in the Amazon.

This product is a great diy liner that has a textured polyurethane truck bed layer. It is five times thicker when you compare it with other diy bed liners.

The bed liner offers a slip-resistant property. It protects your truck bed from scratches. Also, this diy bed will prevent your goods from skidding when driving on rough roads.

If you are transporting goods in wet conditions, then this is the perfect bed liner. It is both a natural solvent and chemical resistance.

You can use it with other surfaces as well. Most people prefer it because it forms a perfect protective coating.

Also, it comes with two rollers, which make it easy to apply. The even application leaves an extra shine to your truck bed.

Pros
  • Easy to use in three steps
  • Durable coating
  • Prevents corrosion
  • Skid-resistant
  • Available in three different options to choose from
  • A ready-to-use
  • Protects solvents
  • Fits in all vehicle brands and models
Cons
  • You cannot remove once you apply it
  • Tend to get tacky in dry conditions
  • The bed liner’s smell may linger for long

Rust–Oleum 248914 Automotive Truck Bed Coating Spray – Best Touch up Layer

Rust-Oleum Automotive Truck Bed liner is a spray-on diy bed liner. Its application is easy with an excellent finish. This truck bed liner is ideal for truck beds, trailer floors, and other metal surfaces. You can also order diy liner applicator for making the process of application more comfortable.

This bed liner kit offers an adhesive primary coating. You can also use this coating as a touch upon the existing bed liner.

You can apply two coats of this spray-on bed on your pickup truck. It is recommendable because you will achieve better results. So, this is one of the best bed liners. You can use it to keep your truck bed safe.

The product also offers high durability, and you can use on primed metal truck beds. This bed liner forms a non-skid-finish that will resist scratches and outdoor elements. It also reduces the noise and vibrations from loads while driving.

Pros
  • Provides long-lasting protection
  • Durable
  • Easy to apply
  • UV resistant to truck beds
  • Textured non-skid finish resists scratches
  • Conforms to the shape of the truck bed
  • Reduces noise and vibrations
  • Stops Rust Formula prevents corroding and rusting
  • Can spray on
Cons
  • Challenging to apply for beginners

Buyer’s Guide

The best diy bed liner kit is vital in maintaining your pickup truck bed. But there are a variety of bed liner kits in the market.

Because of this, all the products in this article come with different features. So, it is hard to pick the appropriate diy bed liner that you can use. Thus, there are many factors to consider.

But, here is the list of things you should put into consideration.

Durability and Sturdiness

Durability is the most crucial factor. A diy bed liner kit will protect your truck bed for a long time. Also, you want the paint to resist rain, rust, and scratches.

An appropriate bed liner should never allow corrosion of your truck bed. Nobody would want their truck bed to peel off after one month.

The best truck bed liner kit should be UV resistant. UV protection will prevent the truck liner from fading and wearing out.

Adhesion

The best diy bed liner should have a superb adhesion to the truck bed. This adhesiveness will prevent the diy truck liner from bubbling and peeling off. So, you must pick a bed liner with strong adhesiveness.

This article provides the best possible bed liner kits. This provision makes sure that both paint and the gun work together.

The gun helps the paint adhere to the surface. Yet, some products adhere well to your truck bed. You need to pick the best to protect your truck bed from damages.

Quantity, Density, and Color

Density will determine the amount of paint you need. In general, if the paint is thin, you need many applications for better results. You will not achieve optimal protectiveness by one coat. But, if you are seeking for a beautiful finish, go for thinner paint.

So, denser paint will form the best protective and professional coating. You can also apply two layers of thin paint for a quality coating. So, it is you to go for what you want. Choose according to your needs.

Also, the color you want your diy truck bed to reflect matters. Thus, a particular color of your liking will guide you to select the liner to buy.

Some diy truck bed liners come in one color. Also, others come in different colors. So, choose a color that will give you a perfect blending with your vehicle.

Purpose

You should also know what you want to achieve when shopping for a bed liner.  Make sure you pick the type of liner that will meet your needs.

Mode of Application

There are two types of bed liner applications. You can apply some with the use of a brush and a roller. You can also apply others with a spray gun. But, the two methods depend on the type of finish you want to achieve.

For a smooth finish and an even blend, use a roller. But, if you want a textured finish, consider a spray gun.

It is, thus, necessary to choose a product based on the finish you want. The finish of your choice will lead you to what to buy.

The Budget

The amount of money you have will determine the brand you will buy. The reason for this is that these products come in different designs. Due to this, they have different price tags depending on the customer’s status.

If you want a long-lasting bed liner, prepare to spend more money. A durable truck bed liner kit should be able to withstand scratches and fading. Contrary to this, those liners of low prices do not last for long.

Our review provides you five of the best bed liners in the market. You should thus be able to pick a suitable bed liner for use.

Your Truck’s Condition

It good you check the condition of your vehicle before buying the bed liner. For example, if your truck has corrosions, you will choose a denser paint.

Thus, knowing the status of your truck will enable you to identify the ideal bed liner. Doing this will prevent you from worsening the truck’s condition. Make sure you choose a truck bed liner that is of good quality.

Installation Process

Consider also the process of installation before buying a truck bed liner kit. You can install the bed liner for yourself.

So, before picking a diy bed liner, make sure you know how to install it. If the installation process becomes a challenge, consult a professional.

The Texture

It is also good to identify the texture you are taking to your truck bed. This factor is essential. An appropriate texture will make work comfortable.

If you use your pickup truck in transporting loads, you need a silky texture. Also, if you want a skin-resistance to protect your truck bed, install a rigid texture.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bed liner?

A bed liner is a product you install on your truck bed. This bed liner prevents damage on the surface of your truck. It should also be UV resistant.

This diy bed ensures that there is no dancing of the cargo while driving. The best bed liner offers, thus, a skid- resistance to loads.

What are sprays on bed liners?

A spray-on is a chemical formula that you apply to the truck bed. When this application dries, it protects the truck bed from scratches and wearing out. Also, the bed liner forms a waterproof layer on top of the truck bed.

This coating will protect your truck bed from rusting and corroding. Plus, these bed liners prevent your cargo from skidding while driving on rough roads.

What do manufacturers use to make sprays on bed liners?

Each manufacturer uses a different formula. But, in most formulas, there is the presence of polyurea and polyurethane. This formula is also UV resistant.

Also, many people prefer blends that give the best features of both materials. Bed liners with these properties reflect heat than metal. Hence, they cool to the touch than the truck bed.

How do you apply a bed liner?

You spray bed liners onto the truck bed. At the initial, the bed liner is a thick liquid. On drying, it turns into a solid. This process takes four hours to complete. But, it may take an extra hour if you blend the liner with the vehicles’ color.

The bed liner dries fast. It will dry to the touch in a few seconds after spraying. But, it takes 24 hours to dry up. In estimation, you may use three to five gallons in the application. In most cases, the material has no solvents and will not pollute the environment.

How do I prepare my truck bed for bed liner application?

You do not have much to do if you as the truck owner. Make sure the truck bed is clean and has no debris.

Also, check the condition of the truck before the application of the paint. Corrosion may affect the coating formed.

Can I be able to apply the spray-on bed liner myself?

It is possible to do the application yourself. Excellent spray-on bed liners are available and are easy to use. You may also buy tougher bed liners that you can mix yourself. Applying this, you will need a paint sprayer.

This process might be complicated compared to the type of liner in a sprayer. Thus, you may need professional help. This application is thorough but long-lasting.

Can a bed liner affect truck accessories?

Bed liners will not interfere with your truck accessories. A bed liner will mold to your truck bed with high adhesion. Thus, it will not cause any problem if you want to add an accessory.

In case you damage your truck bed liner, can you repair it?

Bed liners are very tough and are not easy to damage. But, accidents might damage your bed liner. In this case, you only need pray again. It is easy to repair minor damages with a Raptor liner spray.

What are the available bed liner colors?

Most bed liners are black. Black color looks executive on any truck, including vehicles for commercial services. Yet, bed liners come in a variety of colors.

Professional installers can provide a blending of your liking. They use the paint of your truck to create a custom coat. They then spray the custom coat on top of the liner. This option is very expensive.

Is a bed liner necessary for my truck?

A bed liner kit will always work towards maintaining your truck bed. No matter how tough your truck is, it needs protection. Bed liners are easy to apply and maintain.

Manufacturers also design them to last long. Plus, professionals can make custom coats to have an exact match of your truck.

How can you apply a spray-on bed liner?

Give your truck bed a thorough cleaning. Ensure there is no hardware in the truck also. Then, apply tape to the edges of your truck bed. The tape will create a fine edge for the bed liner.

You then apply paper and plastic to the truck to prevent overspray. The main area of the bed liner is power-sanded, while the edges are hand-sanded. After sanding, you should blow away the dust and clean the bed. Then, spray the bed as you leave it to dry.

Conclusion

It is of utmost importance to invest in a good and durable bed liner. A bed liner of excellent quality will protect your pickup truck bed. Also, it will improve the general appearance of your vehicle.

The above options in our review are the best ones available. They are worth their price tags. Also, all these liners are do-it-yourself; hence their application is easy.

But, if you are a beginner, you need guidelines on the application of bed liners. You can go for an online tutorial or go through the manual for proper instructions.

I hope this review on the best diy liners will help you find the best. The best diy bed liner will be protective and of excellent quality. The buyer’s guide above will help you pick the product that will meet your needs.