How to Apply Spray On Truck Bed Liner

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Last Updated: April 7, 2025

Are you unhappy with the way your truck bed looks with dents and scrapes? Truck beds and tailgates endure a lot of wear and tear from hauling tools, wood, metal, and equipment, so it’s a good idea to protect them. A spray-on bed liner will provide a durable coating to extend the life of a truck bed and tailgate. This article will provide instructions to repair damage to a truck bed and demonstrate how to apply a spray-on truck bed liner.

Note: You'll need access to an air compressor and spray nozzle to complete this project.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Preparation

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1
Clean out the truck bed and tailgate. Start at the cab and rinse the sides and bottom of the bed toward the tailgate to wash out any dirt and debris.
2
Degrease the truck bed and tailgate so the products adhere well. Spray the automotive degreaser on the sides and bottom of the bed and the tailgate. Scrub well with a stiff bristle scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Repair

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1
Remove loose rust and imperfections. Scrape the bed and tailgate with a flat tool to eliminate obstructions.
2
Sand off old paint and rust. Buff the bed and tailgate with a wire brush or sandpaper to expose bare metal so the primer will adhere to it.
3
Remove scraping and sanding debris. Sweep with a broom or use a shop vacuum to remove the sanding dust, paint flakes, and rust particles.
4
Eliminate oils and residue. Wipe down the bed and tailgate with an alcohol based cleaner because it evaporates quickly.
5
Repair truck bed and tailgate damage. This will ensure your bed-liner adheres to a uniform and clean surface with no holes. Ensure you wear appropriate PPE and follow the manufacturer's instructions closely.
- Use a fiberglass repair kit for holes and an automotive body filler to fix dents and scrapes.
- Prepare just enough product to work on a small area at a time and move quickly because both mixtures harden in 15-20 minutes.
- Use a clean, disposable container or a disposable piece of cardboard for preparing the mixtures and use a putty knife or scraper to apply them to the damaged areas.
- Allow to dry thoroughly.
6
Sand the repaired areas. Smooth out the repaired surfaces using sandpaper.
- This will ensure a uniform and clean surface for the bed liner to adhere to.
7
Remove repair dust. Wipe down the bed and tailgate with the alcohol based cleaner again to remove the repair dust from sanding.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Application

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1
Protect surfaces from overspray. Shield areas from unwanted primer and spray-on bed liner by covering them with plastic and using tape to hold it in place.
2
Apply the primer. Ensure you cover all areas of the bed evenly following the steps below. You may need to apply several coats for the best result.
- Shake the primer can well for several minutes.
- Hold the can about 6-8 inches from the surface.
- Spray the primer lightly and evenly, using short bursts while moving the can back and forth, side to side.
- Allow the primer to dry completely.
3
Apply the spray-on truck bed liner product. You may need to apply several coats to ensure adequate coverage and thickness. Follow manufacturer instructions closely.
- Mix the product and hardener according to the manufacturer’s instructions and follow their personal protection equipment requirements.
- Shake the can well for 2-3 minutes.
- Attach the sprayer nozzle and air compressor hose to the can.
- Hold the nozzle 10-12 inches from the surface. Spray the bed liner product evenly with a medium coat while moving the nozzle back and forth, side to side, until the can is empty. Allow to dry for only 5-10 minutes. Repeat this step again. Please note that you may want to repeat this step a third or fourth time to achieve the thickness you desire for durability.
- Allow to cure for 24 hours after the last coat.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Clean Up and Completed Project

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1
Clean up. Wrap up cords and put tools away. Remove plastic covering and tape from protected surfaces and discard. Dispose of trash and spray cans properly.
2
Enjoy your new truck bed! Your truck's bed is now refurbished and will last for many more years.

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Tips

Remove the tailgate for easier access.

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Warnings

Read the manufacturer’s instructions for each product before using.

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Make sure the work area is well ventilated.

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Wear safety glasses, gloves, mask, long pants, and long sleeves when applying the spray-on bed liner because it’s dangerous to breathe it in and caustic to skin.

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