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What is a spray-on bedliner?
By Product Expert | Posted in Tips and Info, Trucks on Tuesday, May 5th, 2020 at 9:39 pm
Pickup Truck Spray-in Bedliner FAQs
If you’re looking to buy, or have bought, a new truck, you may have heard talk of something called a “bedliner.” This seems straightforward enough, but then another phrase gets thrown into the mix that just may blow the unsuspecting trucker’s mind: “spray-in bedliner.” Just what is a spray-in bedliner?
A spray-in bedliner is a coating that can be applied to the inner area of a truck bed in order to prevent it from damage such as denting and scratching. In addition, it can create skid-resistant surface that allows cargo to stay in place, but this latter element depends on specific circumstances.
There are two main categories of bedliners for pickups: in addition to the above-mentioned “spray-on/in” type, there’s another kind known as “drop-in.” For this post, we’re going to be focusing on the former.
Wait: is it spray-on, or spray-in?
Glad you asked. There’s actually a multitude of names for this device that are used interchangeably in the industry. In addition to the “spray-on” and “spray-in” we’ve been batting around, they can also be called “sprayed-in” and “sprayed-on.”
A spray-in bedliner is available as part of the Z71 Off-Road and Protection Package on the 2020 Chevy Silverado.
How should a spray-on bedliner be applied to a pickup bed?
A big factor affecting the performance of a spray-in bedliner is how effectively the initial application is performed. Before applying the spray, the surface of the bed should be specially prepared to allow the coating to adhere correctly. The better this coating adheres determines how long it will last.
Spray-in bedliners can be applied by roller, low pressure, or cartridge driven by an air compressor or high-pressure machine.
Because the application is such a touchy procedure, is should be performed by a professional applicator who has the requisite training and experience. This applicator should follow the proper process and deliver a smooth, even surface. This will allow the sprayed-in bedliner to bond permanently and prevent bubbling, even in extreme weather.
What types of spray-in bedliners are there?
A lot. A wide variety of formulations and process methods for spray-on bedliners result in a multitude of categories. These include:
- High or low pressure
- Aromatic or aliphatic
- Polyurea or polyurethane
- Hybrid and solvent base
What are the benefits of a spray-in bedliner?
When correctly applied, a spray-in bedliner will resist denting and scratching to the bed of your pick-up. It should firmly keep its shape, yet stay flexible enough not to crack when navigating rough terrain. It will also absorb vibration to protect cargo. Polyurethane coatings prevent damage from scratching and from most chemicals, and should therefore avoid rusting.
