Can you spray-in bedliner yourself?

Spray-in bedliners have become a popular upgrade for pickup truck owners looking to protect their truck beds. A professional spray-in liner can cost $400-$600 for materials and labor. With some basic skills and equipment, you can save money by spraying in your own bedliner.

What is a spray-in bedliner?

A spray-in bedliner is a layer of protective coating that is sprayed directly onto the inside metal surfaces of a truck bed. The thick, rubberized coating adheres tightly to create a durable, skid-resistant surface that protects against dents, scratches, rust, and UV damage.

Spray-in liners are more durable and longer lasting than drop-in plastic bedliners. The spray coating can stand up to heavy use and abuse better. It won’t trap moisture or debris underneath it like a drop-in liner. Spray-in liners also have a more integrated, seamless look compared to drop-ins.

What are the benefits of a DIY spray-in bedliner?

Spraying in your own bedliner can save hundreds of dollars in professional installation costs. Additional benefits include:

• Customize the color and finish
• Get desired coverage and thickness
• Make repairs or touch ups
• Fun DIY project

While hiring a professional shop is advisable for some, with proper preparation and technique, high quality DIY spray-in results are achievable.

What do you need to spray in a bedliner?

Spray-in bedliner products consist of two components that must be mixed together prior to spraying:

• Isocyanate: Provides adhesives properties for bonding to the truck bed.
• Resin: Gives color and texture. Polyurethane or polyurea resin is typically used.

In addition, you’ll need the following equipment:

• Protective gear: Respirator mask, gloves, eye protection
• Paint sprayer: High volume low pressure (HVLP) spray gun and air compressor
• Sandpaper: 80-150 grit for prep work
• Cleaning solvent: Acetone, wax, and grease remover
• Masking tape and plastic sheeting: For overspray protection
• Leveling tool: Squeegee or putty knife

How to Prep Truck Bed for Spray-In Liner

Proper prep work is crucial for the bedliner to adhere correctly. Follow these steps:

1. Remove existing bedliner. If there is a drop-in or old spray-in liner, remove it completely.
2. Clean the bed. Use a degreaser to remove all oil, grease, and dirt. Rinse and let dry fully.
3. Scuff the surface. Lightly scuff the bare metal with 120-150 grit sandpaper to rough it up for better adhesion.
4. Clean again. Go over the bed one more time with solvent cleaner to get rid of any residue.
5. Mask off areas. Use masking tape and plastic to cover surrounding surfaces not being sprayed.

Proper prep ensures the spray-in liner bonds tightly. Rushing this step can cause future lifting or peeling issues.

How to Spray In a Bedliner

Once prepped, you’re ready to spray. Follow manufacturer instructions for mixing and spraying, but here is the general process:

1. Mix components. Mix resin and catalyst together per instructions, typically a 1:1 ratio by volume.
2. Test spray. Adjust pressure and spray pattern on cardboard until coverage is even.
3. Apply coating. Spray in even back-and-forth passes. Overlap passes 50% for consistent coverage.
4. Check thickness. Use leveling tool to verify desired mil thickness while still wet.
5. Second coat. Allow to dry completely according to cure times before second coat.
6. Inspect surface. Check for thin spots and spray additional coats as needed.

Spraying should be done in a well ventilated area. Maintain a wet edge and keep the spray gun about 10 inches from the surface. Mist coats build up the thickness gradually to avoid sagging.

Tips for DIY Spray-In Liner Success

Here are some additional tips to help your spray-in bedliner project go smoothly:

• Practice spray technique first on cardboard or scrap metal.
• Apply 2-3 coats for optimum durability and protection.
• Add ceramic granules for extra traction in high wear areas.
• Don’t skimp on prep work – it’s the most important step.
• Allow several days for full curing before heavy use of truck bed.
• Apply light coats in layers versus heavy coats that can sag.

Cost Comparison of DIY vs Professional Spray-In Bedliner

Spraying in your own bedliner can provide huge cost savings compared to paying for professional installation. For example:

Expense	DIY	Professional Install
Bedliner kit (enough for 2-3 coats)	$150-$300	$150-$300
Equipment	$200-$300	N/A
Labor	Self	$200-$400
Total Cost	$350-$600	$400-$600+

As shown, the material costs are very similar either way. The big savings is the labor costs of $200-$400 for professional installation. With the right preparation and technique, a DIY spray-in bedliner can provide truck protection at half the cost in many cases.

Conclusion

Spraying in your own bedliner is a project a mechanically-inclined DIYer can absolutely take on. The keys are proper surface prep, having the right spray equipment, and taking the time to apply multiple coats for complete coverage and thickness.

While hiring a professional shop to spray in a bedliner costs $400-$600 typically, a DIY application will only run $350-$600. The material costs are very similar, but doing it yourself saves the high labor charges.

With a willingness to invest some sweat equity and the patience to do the job right, spraying in your own bedliner can give you great results and save hundreds of dollars.