Factors To Consider Before Buying A Bedliner

A bed liner is a practical truck accessory that can make work manageable while also prolonging the lifespan of a vehicle. However, there are many different options to consider when you're looking at different liner prototypes. You must make the right decisions to end up with a liner that will increase your fecundity sooner than hold you back when you're working with your truck. The following are six critical factors you need to consider when you're in the business for a bed liner.

1. Material Options

Bedliners are made from a variety of diverse materials. The best content for your situation depends on the type of work you're doing with your truck and the reasons why you want a bedliner.

Some truck owners want to have a liner put down for corrosion prevention alone. If you wish to avoid corrosion, you can use a spray-on coating that will seal out the moisture and salty elements that cause corrosion to develop.

If you're pto do heavy-duty task with your truck and pull heavy or hazardous materials, you'll probably want a sturdier liner material constructed of wood or rubber.

Other materials used for liners include plastic and carpet. You should explore the different material circumstances to find the one that best meets your needs.

2. Liner Type

Bed liners feature various configurations that determine how easy they are to install and remove.

Some types of bedliners are permanently administered to the truck bed and cannot be removed. These permanent options incorporate spray liners and brush-on liners.

If you want to be able to eliminate your liner and have the original surface of your truck back, you'll need to choose a truck bed mat, rug, or drop-in liner. Mats typically cover only the bed and the tailgate. Drop-in liners are designed to fit both the sides and the floor of the truck bed.

3. The texture of the Surface

You may consider the importance of the outside texture of your bed liner. However, the right liner texture can perform the work you do with your truck much more comfortable.

A slick texture that you might get from particular mats or plastic liners will be ideal if you have to load bulky items into your truck bed yourself and need to slide them in place. On the other hand, a more unyielding texture that offers some friction is useful if you want your liner to help objects stay in place while you're transporting them.

4. Installation Process

You will find some DIY truck bedliner installation kits out on the market. However, some of these are not as sturdy as liners that are professionally installed and require a lot of work on your part.

Make sure you can handle any of the required installation work before you purchase a DIY liner. If you’d rather not deal with the installation, find a professional service that can do it for you.

5. The state of Truck Bed

A quintessential function of truck bed liners is offering protection to the existing truck bed. If your truck bed shows signs of corrosion or structural weakness, you'll want to factor these issues into your truck bed liner choice.

If your truck bed shows signs of corrosion, consider a sturdy synthetic liner. This type can offer both structural support and corrosion protection at the same time. Make sure you factor the form of your truck bed into your liner selection to avoid making a problem worse.

6. Maintenance Needs

Truck bedliners will need to be maintained. Spray and brush-on liners may eventually require to be reapplied, and drop-in or mat liners may need to be taken out and cleaned.

Consider how quickly the liner you choose will get worn out with the type of work you're doing. Also, consider how much work you're going to have to put into maintenance, and make sure that you can conveniently transport out maintenance needs on the liner you choose.

ArmorThane carries a wide variety of bed liners that can accommodate any truck make and model. Contact ArmorThane Truck Accessories to learn more about the bed liner options that are available to you.

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To Drop In or Spray On

At some point, virtually every truck owner reaches a crossroad — whether to drop-in or spray-on a bedliner. This seemingly small decision will determine how your truck ages, how you can use the bed and how the vehicle will look for years to come.

A spray-on liner is a watertight, airtight sealant (often made of urethane) that is applied to the bed of your truck. A drop-in liner is like a protective case for an iPhone. It is typically a robust and rigid cover that attaches to the truck bed. You can add each of the two types of liners to a truck yourself, or have them professionally installed.

The Internet is full of articles that dissect the pros and cons of each option, but it's much more difficult to find a piece that helps you choose by lifestyle. That's why we created a list of five "I" statements to help you think about what you need. Read through them to learn which option might best fit your truck and your life.

1. "I plan to sell my truck in a few years."

Consider: Drop-In

A spray-on liner is a more notable delegation than a drop-in. The person you trade the truck to might want the liberty to make up his or her mind about the bedliner. If you use a drop-in, you can remove it when you're ready to trade the vehicle.

2. "I go to the beach all the time."

Consider: Spray-On

Sand and water can go into the diminutive passage between your truck and the drop-in liner. Sand may scrape away the paint below. Water can gather and possibly lead to corrosion. A spray-on coating prevents this problem by forming a virtually impenetrable bond with your vehicle. Sand and water won't have anyplace to hide.

 3. "I often transport heavy or sharp objects in my truck."

Consider: Drop-In

Spray-on liners are incredibly dense, but they tend to be thinner than drop-in alternatives. Heavy or sharp objects can cause gouges or scratches in your coating that might be better protected by the thicker drop-in option. Keep in mind, it's possible to break a drop-in bed liner, but the force required is significant.

4. "I want to add a liner without adding extra weight or noise to my truck."

Consider: Spray-On

Spray-on bedliners tend to be lighter than drop-ins, especially models that are deep. And, since a drop-in is something you attach, it's possible to hear it vibrate against the truck body when you drive. It's a minimal amount of potential noise, but it will be louder than a spray-on bed liner.

5. "I want something that's easy to install."

Consider: Drop-In

Although "easy" is a idiosyncratic term, antagonists of spray-on bed liners make a good case against this option. Although it can be sprayed, wiped or rolled on, it takes longer to fit the surface of the truck for spray-on versions. If you misapply it, it might peel. And, if you spill it in the wrong area, the spray-on liner's ability to firmly stick to your truck can turn into a glum. Although they require some manual labor, drop-ins don't have the same issues and can be easier to install.

Ultimately, you're the greatest judge of what manages for you. With the advances in spray-on technology, the playing field is pretty level when it comes to truck bed liners, and we urge you to investigate both choices. One easy way to take a look at the different options is to search for a truck using "bed liner" as a keyword. And if a bed liner is only one of the ways you want to improve your truck, check out "ArmorThane."

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WHY A SPRAY-IN BED LINER IS YOUR BEST BET

Your pickup truck was made to work and work hard, but that doesn't mean the bed needs to be wrecked in the process. As a result, owners often choose to add bedliners to their trucks to guard their beds from damage.

If you are interested in a bedliner, you will definitely have options for protecting your truck bed. For example, you could buy a drop-in bedliner and either install it yourself or have it professionally installed.

However, the facts indicate a spray-in bedliner is the superior option for truck owners and will leave you more satisfied. Bedliners can help reduce noise that would otherwise be transmitted through the bed – drop-ins can become noisy at the highway speeds due to vibration and wind. If noise-reduction wasn’t enough, bedliners can also increase the value of your truck!

 Below are four additional reasons why a spray-in bedliner is your best choice.

Reduced Likelihood of Corrosion

One advantage of choosing a spray-in bedliner as compared to a drop-in bedliner is the reduced likelihood of corrosion. Drop-in bedliners don't always fit snugly, and in fact, there will always be some gap between the bedliner and pickup truck bed.

As a result, moisture can accumulate inside the gap and eventually contribute to corrosion. This process is accelerated if the drop-in bedliner chafes against the underlying painted surfaces and exposes bare metal.

A spray-in bedliner allows for no room for moisture to intrude, since it is directly applied to the bed beneath. There is also no possibility of rubbing or chafing, and this eliminates concerns about exposed areas developing. In fact, a spray-in bedliner adds another protective layer, so there is a reduced likelihood of rust or corrosion when compared to an unprotected bed.

Finding someone to properly prep and spray your bedliner in order to ensure maximum protection and durability is extremely important. At Carolina Custom, we pride ourselves in the quality service we provide. Our experts apply all of our spray-in bedliners in house in our own on-premises paint booths!

Tailgates Are Covered, Too

Another benefit of choosing a spray-in bedliner, when compared to buying a drop-in liner, is the full degree of coverage offered. A spray-in bedliner can be applied to the inside of the tailgate, unlike the drop-in liner which can only be added to the sides and end of the truck bed.

This is a critical coverage advantage because a tailgate is just as exposed to jostling loads as the rest of the bed interior. In fact, a tailgate is often beaten up much worse than other parts of the truck, especially if cargo is slid over the lowered bed during loading and unloading. The spray-in bedliner will prevent this type of damage from occurring and keep your truck bed looking uniformly sharp and neat.

Long Lifespans

One key advantage that spray-in bedliners have over drop-in units is a longer lifespan. Drop-in bedliners are made from materials with varying degrees of quality, but even the most well-made bed liner will eventually succumb to the ravages of heat, ultraviolet (UV) light, and snow and ice.

Spray-in bedliners, on the other hand, are designed to be long-lasting and essentially become "one" with the truck bed. That means they will not crack or fade, if applied correctly, and they can successfully resist environmental forces that can break them down.

Conceals Existing Damage

If you have a truck bed with existing dings, dents and scratches, then a spray-in bedliner offers another benefit. Spray-in bedliners can effectively renew the truck bed by permanently covering these imperfections and hiding them from view. While a drop-in bedliner may cover these areas, they are still vulnerable to rusting and will also be there once the drop-in liner has finally worn out and needs replacing. A spray-in bedliner provides peace of mind since you know there will be no rusting or corrosion occurring.

A spray-in bedliner from ArmorThane is your best bet to protect your truck’s bed from damage. Contact us today and ask about our exclusive ArmorLiner spray-in bedliner. We are your truck solutions provider and are here to help.

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The Best Spray in Bedliner Options for 2018!

There are many bed liner sprays available on the market nowadays, but how do you choose the perfect one just for your truck?

Great for the affordable price. After intensive testing, I chose five top products, which are unquestionably worthy to become the perfect protection for your truck’s body. Four critical parameters were compared: durability, quantity, UV-protection and compositions to decide which one is the best.

So let’s get started, here we have top-5 Bed Liner Kits (including the best roll on truck bed liner):

1. U-POL Raptor Black Urethane Spray-On Truck Bed Liner Kit
Durability79%
Quantity78%
UV-protection88%
Inclusions90%
1. U-POL Raptor Black Urethane Spray-On Truck Bed Liner Kit
View on Amazon To start with, let’s review this spay closely:
Durability:

When it comes to painting bed liners on your car, this product will prove itself worthy. The spray will protect your truck’s body for long periods of time, looking as good as the day it was applied.

I use my truck daily, and day by day I have to deal with mud roads – still, the spray holds perfectly. Use this to keep the rust off your truck. Moreover, the color is really saturated. You can use this spray not only for bed lining but also for trailer flooring, undercoating, etc. – and it will never disappoint you.

Quantity
It is essential to figure up how much paint you will need to cover every part you’ve decided to renovate. The four liters of Raptor will be enough for most painting jobs. Probably. You will have plenty left. However, it is recommended to apply the second layer afterward, to make sure the effect will stay for longer.

UV-protection
Raptor will provide the body of your truck with additional UV-protection due to its chemical formula, granting the extended term of service. After the months of use, the look is still fantastic.

Inclusions
The kit is provided with a free spray gun, which personally I have found extremely helpful. I sprayed at 60 psi, and the results were excellent. Would love to work with this spray gun again for sure. Here is the link for the video, demonstrating how easy to work with the product.





2. U-POL 0820V-GUN Black URETHANE Truck Bed Liner Kit With 726 Gun
Durability91%
Quantity79%
UV-protection76%
UV-protection85%
2. U-POL 0820V-GUN Black URETHANE Truck Bed Liner Kit With 726 Gun
View on Amazon
By purchasing the following product, you’re getting the genuinely incredible DIY kit allowing you to paint your truck bed lining on your own. Just follow the necessary instructions, and you are good to go.

Durability
I must admit – it is brilliant and works like nothing else in this price bracket. But keep it in mind – the bed liner will give the best results after an appropriate preparation job. After the half a year of service, the U-pol has proven itself to be a reliable product, which I can definitely recommend for you.

Quantity
The basic kit allows you to perform most of the painting job. I used this to spray the bottom six inches of the doors and new rocker panels on a 4-door 2500 truck, and I still got some left. However, if you’re planning to cover a larger surface – buying the extra amount is advised.

UV-protection
The method of the bed liner allows it not to fade by UV-radiation. Therefore, whether you live in a sunny area, it would be another advantage of buying U-Pol. I haven’t encountered any issues with color growing dim for half a year.

Inclusions
The kit includes a spray gun, which privately I found enjoyable to use. It’s easy and requires almost no effort s to spray lovely layers of paint. However, in my judgment, the handle could be better – still, we should not forget about the price of the kit, which compensates for the minor discomfort.




3. U-Pol Products 0820 RAPTOR Black Truck Bed Liner Kit – 4 Liter
Durability91%
Quantity78%
UV-protection93%
UV-protection43%
3. U-Pol Products 0820 RAPTOR Black Truck Bed Liner Kit - 4 Liter
View on Amazon
Let me introduce to you another reliable product. It will make an excellent job not only as a bed liner but also for various paint jobs either. Here is a video demonstrating the preparation of RAPTOR:


Durability
Let’s get things straight – I’ve used this on numerous cars, and every time got a great result. It is suitable for traversing almost every surface of your drive, not only for bed lining. This kit will do great guarding the body of your truck from various environmental effects for a long time. However, keep it in mind that prep is essential if you want the spray to serve longer.

Quantity
The kit contains 4 liters of spray, which needs preparation before it can be used. By following the simple instructions, you will make plenty of ready-to-use sprays. I doubt that you would require more than a standard kit can offer.

UV-protection
This one has proved itself right against the UV-radiation. After seven months the bed lining color is still, and I’m sure it will stay that way for much longer.

Inclusions
Unlike the prior ones, the kit doesn’t include a spray gun, so it is recommended to get one. Buy or rent one– but do it before painting job, as a ready solution shouldn’t be left for long. Otherwise, it will harden and become utterly useless.




4. Rust-Oleum Automotive 248915 32-Ounce Truck Bed Coating Quarts, Black
Durability95%
Quantity92%
UV-protection64%
UV-protection46%
4. Rust-Oleum Automotive 248915 32-Ounce Truck Bed Coating Quarts, Black
View on Amazon
The following product could definitely come in handy – it dries fast and protects from various environmental effects, keeping the body in your vehicle in excellent condition. I should admit that in my opinion, it’s the best spray on bed liner in a can in this price bracket.

Durability
That’s real American quality – I’ve been using this product for a long time to cover various surfaces, and it showed excellent results every time. It adheres well and dries to a tight finish, protecting the body of a car for a long time.

The more layers you cover – the stronger the protection is. But you never forget about proper prep – it determines how well the paint handles all the environmental effects. Also, it deadens sounds, so if you’re tired of them, it is strongly advised to use this.

Quantity
In case you want to refresh the paint, 32-ounce should be enough for most kind of painting jobs. For example, use this not only for bed lining but also to coat the inside of a garden cart of moderate size – in the second case, it took half a can to complete the job. So plan prudently and buy additional boxes if required.

UV-protection
There is no particular UV-protection component in the formula of this product. However, it is still good against the environmental factors. After the months of use – again, no rust developed. Also, I haven’t noticed any discoloration.

Inclusions
None included, so you should keep it in mind to buy either a spray gun or brush. To be honest, both of them did just fine while using this product – layers were neat with a great texture.




5. Custom Coat BLACK 4 Liter Urethane Spray-On Truck Bed Liner Kit with Custom Coat Spray Gun with Regulator
Durability91%
Quantity92%
UV-protection74%
UV-protection88%
5. Custom Coat BLACK 4 Liter Urethane Spray-On Truck Bed Liner Kit with Custom Coat Spray Gun with Regulator
View on Amazon
And the last, but not the least – this product was specially manufactured to be applied on truck beds, concrete, metal, wood, and fiberglass. It’s easy to use and comes in a decent kit.

Durability
I must admit – this product will keep the body of the vehicle looking great for a long time, as it protects from various environmental effects. I’m crossing the muddy roads on my truck almost every day, and the bed lining is still performing well, after using this paint half a year ago.

The result surpassed any of my expectations, as no scratches or rust appeared. If you want sustainable protection – choose this product without any doubt, but remember about prep.

Quantity
A great thing about this product – you can choose from numerous available options to get the perfect kit just for you. So, it would be a good idea to try to predict the amount of painting job before ordering. On a full-size 8ft bed I got the 8-liter kit, still got some extra paint left.

UV-protection
To begin with – among the numerous resistances, I haven’t found anything about UV-protection. So, I’ve never relied on it in this case. However, no color fading or corrosive processes observed – the product protective qualities are just excellent, keeping the body of my truck in excellent condition.

Inclusions
I’ve already told about numerous kits available, and that left a positive impression on me. I was free to choose the quantity and color from various options – that’s always great. Also, the spray gun included – and it works just fine. Sprayed the product with the help of included at 60 psi – was pleased with the result.



So, after you’ve completed reading about the best bed liner kits, I hope it helped you to decide for yourself which product will suit you better for your truck. Maybe you are planning to cover another surface – now you know that it is possible with the help of these kits.

However, if you want to know more information about truck bed liners in general – it is recommended to visit Wikipedia.
Different types of bed liners and their past are described there.
No wonder that after you complete the painting job, there might be some paint remaining to use afterward.

All of those products were in one price bracket, but it’s not the only thing they have in common. You should recognize that every bed liner will demonstrate its best only after you complete the proper formation job. So make sure to clean the dirt – that’s how the protective qualities of the product would be most excellent.

Even the best spray in bedliner requires prep. You know – “show, not tell.” This video demonstrates the process of a proper preparation:

Keep it in mind, that not every kit has the spray gun included. If you order the one with the included gun it’s okay, otherwise, make sure to purchase one in advance. Well, choosing the nice spray gun could be an excellent topic for another article. However, the ones described here are handling the job just fine.

Sure thing, working without protective clothes on could be dangerous, the following may occur:
• skin allergic reactions;
• paint can get into your eyes, causing various issues;
• inhaling the paint may cause respiratory system diseases.

And it’s not the complete list. Worth consulting your doctor before working with paint all by yourself. While the truck bed liner will keep the body of your drive protected, it is advised to think about personal safety, after all.

So make sure to prepare not only your drive but yourself for the job. Always use at least a right old combination of respirator, goggles, and gloves to make sure you stay safe.

Keep it in mind – only thinking about every aspect of the further painting job will lead to excellent results. Let’s sum it up:
• choose paint which suits best for your purposes;
• learn how to prepare the DIY kit for the painting job;
• learn how to store the unused paint after finishing the job;
• protect yourself before getting started with the help of googles, gloves, and respirator;
• perform the preparation job;
• perform the painting job itself.

I hope it was useful information for you. Good luck with making your drive protected with.

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