Essential Bedliner Spray Equipment: Tools and Tips for a Professional Finish
October 16, 2024
The key to getting a pro-grade truck bed liner is having the right tools and being prepared. With the right equipment and a clear process, it's easy to make your bedliner durable, long-lasting, and eye-catching. Let’s dive into the essential equipment and best practices for a perfect spray-on bedliner.
Determine the Right Equipment
It all starts with choosing the right equipment for spray-on bedliners. You’ll need:
High-pressure spray gun for smooth, even application.
Compressor with at least 21 CFM to ensure consistent airflow and pressure.
Protective gear like gloves, masks, and goggles to keep yourself safe.
UV stabilizer to protect the bedliner from sun damage and fading.
High-quality polyurea products that offer superior durability and resilience.
Armadillo Liners recommends investing in a compressor with a minimum of 21 CFM to ensure an even application.
Explore Armadillo Liners' spray equipment to get started with professional-grade tools.
Additional Tools for a Superior Finish
If you want to take your finish to the next level, these tools can make all the difference:
Electric sander to prep the surface for better adhesion.
Masking tape to protect areas of the truck you don’t want coated.
Measuring cup for precise chemical mixing.
Properly Prepare Your Truck Bed
Preparation is key to achieving a flawless, durable spray-on bedliner. Here’s how to prep your truck bed:
Clean the surface thoroughly, removing all dirt, debris, and grease.
Sand the bed with 60-80 grit sandpaper to create a rough surface that the liner can bond to.
Prime (if necessary): This will make your bedliner stick better and last longer.
"Using 60-80 grit sandpaper creates an ideal profile for the liner material to grip, ensuring maximum adhesion," advises Armadillo Liners certified installer teams.
Learn how Armadillo Liners can help you master the preparation process for your truck bed.
Additional Preparation Steps
To ensure a flawless outcome, keep these additional prep steps in mind:
Remove any hardware or accessories from the truck bed.
Use an air blower to clear out dust and debris.
Ensure the bed is fully dry before applying the liner.
Mastering the Spraying Process
The spraying process itself requires skill and attention to detail. Here are the key techniques you need to know:
Maintain a consistent spray pattern and angle for even coverage.
Apply multiple thin coats to avoid drips and ensure durability.
Regularly check your equipment to make sure it’s functioning at its best.
A uniform, durable coating is created by applying four or five thin layers. Your spray gun's lifespan can be extended significantly with well-maintained equipment.
Start perfecting your spraying technique with Armadillo Liners' expert advice.
Critical Spraying Tips
For the best possible finish, remember these essential tips:
Hold the spray gun 6-8 inches from the surface.
Overlap each pass by 50% to prevent gaps.
Continuously adjust pressure settings to maintain even coverage.
Should You Prime or Sand Before Applying Bedliner?
Sanding and priming are critical steps before applying a bedliner. Sanding roughens the surface, making it easier for the liner to adhere. Priming, on the other hand, enhances this bond and contributes to long-term durability.
Not priming your bedliner can reduce its effectiveness, possibly leading to peeling. If you want a long-lasting bedliner, both sanding and priming are recommended.
The Importance of UV Protection for Bedliners
UV protection isn’t optional if you want your bedliner to last. Over time, exposure to the sun can cause fading and deterioration. By using a UV-stabilized liner, you ensure that your truck bed stays in top shape for years. According to Truck Accessory News, UV-stabilized bedliners can last up to 40% longer than non-stabilized options.
For the best UV-stable products, check out Armadillo Liners' UV-stabilized bedliners.
DIY vs. Professional Installation: Cost Considerations
When it comes to cost, the decision to DIY or go professional can make a big difference. Here’s how the numbers break down:
DIY kits: Range from $200 to $600, depending on quality and materials.
Professional installations: Costs range from $400 to $1000, depending on truck size and liner type.
DIY kits may save you money upfront, but professional installations give you peace of mind and warranty protection.
Find out what Armadillo Liners can do for you.
Long-Term Savings with Professional Installation
In the long run, professional installation often provides more value. You’ll benefit from:
Fewer touch-ups and reapplications.
Higher resale value.
Warranty protection that covers your investment.
By using the right tools and following a precise process, you'll ensure that your truck bedliner looks great and performs well. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, you need to know the steps involved to get a lasting, high-quality result.
Ready to upgrade your truck’s protection? Check out Armadillo Liners' full range of products and expert services to get started.