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Do-It-Yourself Bedliner

Roll your own and save

Everyone who uses their pickup bed realizes the value of protecting the box against dings. For years, the only solutions were drop-in plastic bedliners or cut-your-own rubberized mats. The main drawback to plastic liners is that they trap moisture, which encourages rust. Mat-style liners protect the floor, but don't do much for the sides.

Commercial Use

Spray-in polyurethane liners revolutionized bed protection. Developed for the South African mining industry, these liners appeared in the U.S. in the mid-'80s. Bed abrasion- and rust-resistance were suddenly realities. However, the cost of these professionally applied coatings was prohibitive for many average truck owners.

The next evolution in bed protection is do-it-yourself polyurethane liners. On the market now for over five years, these systems allow the truck owner to apply the protective coating at home. The savings are substantial when compared to commercially applied polyurethane liners.

Herculiner is one of the best-known brands of DIY bed protection. The Herculiner chemical consists of polyurethane with rubber granules that form a skid-resistant, rust-inhibiting coating. The product comes in kit form and can either be painted on or sprayed with a gun. The polyurethane chemical is formulated to resist chipping, flaking, peeling, UV rays, gasoline and other solvents. Because Herculiner sticks to itself, any nicks and dings can be repaired later.

The basic kit includes application tools and a gallon of polyurethane material, enough to cover a 6-foot bed or a 55-60 square-foot flat area at a thickness of 1/16-1/32 of an inch. Available colors are black, white, red and gray.

Other Uses

Although spray-on bedliners are primarily marketed for pickup beds, they also stick to other painted or primed metals, concrete, wood, rubber, most plastics and fiberglass. Surface preparation varies depending on the material, but this polyurethane coating can protect everything from trailers to boat decks to walkways.

Bed Prep

Spray-on bedliners bond to clean, thoroughly dried surfaces. Preparation is the most critical and time-consuming part of the job. After blowing or hosing out debris, the bed should be washed with trisodium phosphate (TSP). When dry, the area needs to be scuffed with the kit's abrasive pad, then blown out. Next, wipe down the bed with xylene, acetone or MEK. Finally, mask off the bed's perimeter.

Application

Most spray-on bedliners emit nasty fumes, so they need to be applied in a well-ventilated area at a temperature somewhere between 32 degrees and 95 degrees F. The coating can either be applied with a brush and roller or shot with a spray gun. The polyurethane chemical can be thinned as much as 10 percent with xylene, which is available at commercial house-paint suppliers.

First, stir the chemical with an electrical drill and mixer attachment to suspend the rubber particles; re-stir periodically to keep the rubber from settling. Begin applying the product with a brush, dabbing the material into seams and other tight areas—similar to cutting in corners when wall painting. The entire bed can be brushed using a one-way motion, but this will yield a smoother texture than a stipple roller. Either way, a light first coat is applied. Throughout, watch for clumps, runs and pools, none of which provide the proper results.

When the first coat is touch-dry (1-4 hours or even more depending on temperature and humidity), apply a second coat within 24 hours of the first (or else the bed will need to be clean and re-scuffed). Then remove the masking tape immediately. Touch up any missed spots once the second coat is dry. Then discard the unused portion because it begins to cure as soon as the can is opened. The bed can withstand light use in 6-12 hours and is fully cured in 2-4 days.

Maintenance

Do-it-yourself bedliners can be cleaned with household cleaners and a hard-bristled brush. Once rinsed, the bed should be dried. Protectants will maintain a glossy finish.