A pickup truck owner understands that the bed of the truck is one of the most abused parts. The truck bed’s purpose is to haul all sorts of stuff. These things can damage the coating of the truck bed. Therefore the truck owner must choose one of the few options for truck bed protection.
A few common bed liners
For some owners, a thick rubber mat is enough. The mat protects the bottom of the bed. For owners who haul a few things occasionally, a rubber mat will suffice.
A few years ago, the plastic bed liner came to the market. This type of bed liner is molded plastic that fits the truck bed snugly. The plastic bed liner protects the bed, including the walls, from damage. However, there is still a downside to plastic bed liners. The liner can rub the paint off around the bed of the truck. Dust, sand, and other tiny particles can penetrate the gap between the liner and the truck bed and remain underneath the liner. Water can seep through as well. Over time, the dirt particles and water can damage the bottom of the bed and the corners, scraping off the coating and causing rust to develop.
Spray-on bed liners came to the market recently. Typically made from polyurethane material, the liner adheres to the metal surface of the truck bed, creating a few layers of rubberized and textured protective coating. Durabak has a wide-range of spray-on and roll-on truck bed liners in smooth and textured variants if you are looking for polyurethane coatings. The spray-on bed liner is tough, waterproof, and scratch-proof, and lasts for a very long time. Today, it is one of the preferred bed liners among modern pickup truck owners.
What are the differences between materials?
Coatings made from polyurea are hard and their tensile strength is higher. They can resist tearing and abrasion but they are quite rigid.
If you’re looking for a softer and more flexible material, choose polyurethane coatings. They provide excellent protection and prevent damage, like puncturing, gouging, and tearing. Manufacturers classify polyurethane coatings according to the shape of the compound. Aromatic polyurethanes are shaped like rings. Their curing time is faster.
Aliphatic polyurethanes are branched or straight. They provide excellent exterior durability and UV resistance. However, they have a slower curing time.
Different types of bed liners
Experts say there are three main types of bed liners, DIY, low or cold pressure, and high or hot pressure. They say that the term hot or cold refers to the product’s temperature and not to the temperature of the surrounding air. The difference is that a colder product takes longer to cure. When the product is warmer, the curing time is shorter. It would be a good idea to research as much as you can regarding the temperature of the product, as you don’t want to accidentally interrupt the product’s curing time. Keep in mind that not all spray-in bed liners are the same, and an understanding of the various differences is crucial to your success.
A spray-on or roll-on coating can be made from 100% polyurea or 100% polyurethane. Some manufacturers combine polyurea and polyurethane to create a hybrid product.
When to use professionals
Most experts would recommend erring on the side of caution and getting the help of a professional when it comes to applying the spray-in bed liner on your truck. While the process might seem simple enough, there is no denying that the slightest mistake can have unforeseen consequences. For example, some sprays, when applied effectively, can last years. That time is cut in half or more if not applied the correct way. There are also the many differences in spray-in bed liners that can make the ordeal more confusing than it has to be.
Fortunately, the help of professionals will alleviate the risk and allow you to make the most out of the opportunity without the stress. Considering that applying spray-in bed liner is not considered a big job, you will not have to pay much to get the help of professionals. Even if you have experience when it comes to applying bed liner spray on trucks, it would still be a good idea to get the help of professionals if you are unsure about the type of spray.
More than just vehicles
One of the best parts about bed liner spray is that there is more to it than meets the eye. After all, you’re likely going to have some of it left after applying on your truck, which means you can either wait for when your vehicle needs another coat — which will take years — or experiment a little with the spray. Any item that is exposed to the elements will benefit from the bed liner spray, with one of the best examples being lawn furniture and ornaments. It can even be surprisingly beneficial for shoes that have become worn over time. You can apply it on the soles for a non-slip solution that could give quite a few years back to your favorite pair of shoes. It can also be applied on your favorite tools, allowing for a much better grip while simultaneously protecting your tools from the elements.
Experts recommend choosing the right truck bed liner according to how you will use the vehicle. You should also listen to the recommendation of the person who will apply the coating, which is usually according to where they will apply it. They need to have good weather when applying a polyurethane spray. Polyurea coating can be applied even in wet conditions, which is why going for a professional isn’t a bad idea.
Bed liner spray is already quite useful, but its list of benefits is surprisingly long considering its specific function is to build a protective coat over a truck’s exposed bed. There are plenty of uses for leftover spray, which is why it is never a bad idea to research about the types of bed liner sprays and how best to use them.
