Does your truck bed look a little beat up? Scratches and dings can make even the toughest truck look worn out. You haul everything from tools to furniture, and your truck bed takes a beating. But fixing it up yourself doesn’t have to be a headache.
Choosing a DIY truck bed liner can be confusing. There are many types, like spray-in, roll-on, and drop-in liners. Each one has its own pros and cons. You want something that protects your truck bed from damage, looks good, and doesn’t break the bank. It’s tough to know where to start.
This post will help you cut through the confusion. We’ll explore the different DIY truck bed liner options. You’ll learn what makes each one special. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to pick the perfect liner for your truck and your needs. Let’s get your truck bed looking great again!
Our Top 5 Do It Yourself Truck Bed Liner Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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J-B Weld HERCULINER Truck Bed Liner | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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HERCULINER HCL1B8 Roll-on Bed Liner Kit | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Herculiner Aerosol Spray Truck Bed Liner | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Raptor Roll-On Bed Liner Kit | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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Custom Coat Black 1 Quart Urethane Spray-On Truck Bed Liner Kit – Easy 3 to 1 Mix Ratio | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Do It Yourself Truck Bed Liner Detailed Reviews
1. J-B Weld HERCULINER Truck Bed Liner
Rating: 8.8/10
Give your truck bed a tough, new look with J-B Weld HERCULINER Truck Bed Liner in Black. This is the original DIY truck bed liner kit, making it super easy for anyone to get a professional-looking finish. You just need to prep the surface, apply the liner, and let it dry. It’s not just for truck beds either! You can use it on trailers, boat decks, walkways, car floors, and even tire fenders.
What We Like:
- Super easy to apply in just 3 simple steps: prep, apply, and let it dry.
- Works on many different surfaces like metal, concrete, wood, fiberglass, and even most plastics.
- Creates a tough, textured coating that prevents rust and won’t chip, flake, or peel.
- It dries to a skid-resistant finish, making it safer and more practical.
- The final result looks “like new” and is stronger than water-based liners.
- It’s a do-it-yourself product, saving you time and money.
What Could Be Improved:
- It takes 10-12 hours for a functional cure and a full 24 hours to fully harden.
Overall, J-B Weld HERCULINER is a fantastic option for anyone wanting to protect and improve their truck bed or other surfaces. It offers a durable, easy-to-apply solution that delivers strong results.
2. HERCULINER HCL1B8 Roll-on Bed Liner Kit
Rating: 9.0/10
The HERCULINER HCL1B8 Roll-on Bed Liner Kit, Black, 1 Gal. is the original do-it-yourself truck bed liner. It’s tough and easy to use. You can get a great finish in just three steps: prepare the surface, apply the liner, and let it dry. This kit comes with everything you need to get the job done.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to apply – just prep, roll, and dry.
- The liner is tough and textured, so it won’t get slippery.
- It protects against rust and won’t chip, flake, or peel.
- It works on many different surfaces like metal, wood, and even fiberglass.
- The kit includes all the tools you need, like a brush and rollers.
- It’s resistant to gas, oil, and other chemicals.
- It’s 5 times thicker than other roll-on liners.
- The finish looks brand new and is stronger than water-based products.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cure time can be a bit long, with a full cure taking 24 hours.
- While it’s a DIY kit, proper surface prep is important for the best results.
This HERCULINER kit offers a durable, protective coating that’s perfect for your truck bed and beyond. It’s a reliable way to keep your surfaces looking great and protected for a long time.
3. Herculiner Aerosol Spray Truck Bed Liner
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of scratches and rust ruining your truck bed? The Herculiner Aerosol Spray Truck Bed Liner is here to help! This black, textured spray comes in a 15-ounce can and covers about 6 to 7 square feet. It’s perfect for all truck beds and gives you a tough, protective coating. You can use it for quick touch-ups or to add extra protection to your existing bed liner. It even works great on other parts of your truck!
What We Like:
- It strongly protects your truck bed from scratches, rust, and fading.
- The spray is easy to use for touch-ups or to finish edges of bed liners.
- It’s not just for beds! Use it on exterior trim, bumpers, and wheel wells too.
- The textured finish looks good and adds grip.
- One 15-ounce can covers a good amount of space, about 6-7 square feet.
What Could Be Improved:
- While good for touch-ups, a full bed liner might need more cans.
- The spray can could be a bit easier to handle for larger areas.
This Herculiner spray is a handy tool for keeping your truck looking its best. It offers reliable protection and is versatile enough for many jobs.
4. Raptor Roll-On Bed Liner Kit
Rating: 9.5/10
The Raptor Roll-On Bed Liner Kit is your truck’s new best friend. This tough black coating gives your truck bed serious protection. It stops scratches, dents, and even rust. You can also use it on other things like trailers and boats. It’s easy to put on and looks great for years.
What We Like:
- It’s super tough. It protects your truck bed from all sorts of damage, like bumps, scratches, and chemicals.
- It’s easy to use. You don’t need special tools to get a great-looking finish.
- It works on many surfaces. Use it on tailgates, roll bars, trailers, and even boats.
- The color stays black. It won’t fade or bleach in the sun.
- Raptor is a trusted brand. They are known for making great car finishing products.
What Could Be Improved:
- The kit covers about 65 square feet, which is good for one truck bed. If you have a larger truck or want many coats, you might need more than one gallon.
This Raptor Roll-On Bed Liner Kit offers excellent protection and a fantastic look for your truck bed and other surfaces. It’s a smart choice for anyone wanting long-lasting durability.
5. Custom Coat Black 1 Quart Urethane Spray-On Truck Bed Liner Kit – Easy 3 to 1 Mix Ratio
Rating: 8.6/10
Protect your truck bed and more with the Custom Coat Black 1 Quart Urethane Spray-On Truck Bed Liner Kit. This kit makes it easy to get a tough, textured coating that shields against rust and wear. It’s simple to mix and apply, giving you professional results at home.
What We Like:
- Super easy 3 to 1 mix ratio means you just mix, shake, and shoot.
- Creates a durable, textured coating that resists chipping and impact.
- Protects against rust, heat, and UV rays, making it waterproof.
- Can be used on many surfaces, not just truck beds, like car exteriors, equipment, and even garage floors.
- Offers sound and vibration dampening.
- Available in different kit sizes and with optional spray guns or rollers.
- Customizable with over 50 colors and tint concentrates for unique looks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1 quart kit might not be enough for very large truck beds or multiple projects.
- Coverage estimates are for wet film thickness, so actual coverage might vary based on application.
- Requires a spray gun or roller for application, which may be an additional purchase if not included in the chosen kit.
This kit offers a fantastic way to add tough, long-lasting protection to your vehicle and beyond. It’s a versatile and user-friendly option for DIYers looking for a high-quality finish.
Your Truck Bed’s Best Friend: A DIY Liner Buying Guide
So, you want to protect your truck bed? That’s a smart move! A good truck bed liner keeps your ride looking sharp and stops cargo from scratching and denting your truck. Doing it yourself can save you money and feel pretty rewarding. This guide will help you pick the right DIY liner.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Durability: You want a liner that can handle heavy loads, sharp objects, and all kinds of weather. Look for liners made from tough materials.
- Grip: Does the liner offer good traction? This stops your stuff from sliding around. A grippy surface is a big plus.
- Ease of Application: Some liners are easier to put on than others. Think about how much work you want to do. Spray-on liners might take more effort than roll-on or mat styles.
- UV Resistance: Will the liner fade or get brittle in the sun? Good UV resistance keeps it looking good for longer.
- Impact Absorption: A liner should cushion bumps and drops. This protects both your truck bed and your cargo.
- Chemical Resistance: If you haul things like paint, oil, or cleaning supplies, make sure the liner won’t break down when they spill.
Important Materials
DIY truck bed liners come in a few main types, each made from different materials:
- Polyurea/Polyurethane Sprays: These are often considered the toughest. You spray them on, and they create a seamless, hard shell. They offer excellent protection against scratches and impacts.
- Roll-On Liners: These are usually made from a thick, rubbery material. You roll them on like paint. They are a good balance of protection and ease of use.
- Drop-In Liners: These are pre-formed plastic or rubber mats that fit into your truck bed. They are very easy to install, often just dropping into place. They offer good impact protection but might allow dirt to get underneath.
- Wood or Plywood: Some people build their own liners from wood. This can be cheap, but it doesn’t offer the same protection as other options and can get damaged by moisture.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a DIY liner great or not so great?
- Application Method: A clean, well-prepared surface is crucial. If you don’t clean and prep the truck bed properly, the liner won’t stick well. For spray-on liners, good ventilation and even coats are important. For drop-ins, a perfect fit makes a big difference.
- Thickness: Thicker liners generally offer better protection and cushioning. A thin liner might wear out faster.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands. They usually have better quality control and customer support.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the manufacturer stands behind their product.
- UV Protection: Liners that aren’t UV protected can crack and fade over time, reducing their effectiveness and look.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who uses these liners and why?
- The Weekend Warrior: Hauling lumber for home projects, camping gear, or sports equipment. A durable liner protects against scrapes and dings.
- The Contractor: Transporting tools, building materials, and heavy machinery. Impact resistance and chemical resistance are key here.
- The Outdoors Enthusiast: Carrying kayaks, bikes, hunting gear, or off-road equipment. A grippy surface helps keep things from shifting on bumpy rides.
- The Everyday Driver: Just want to keep their truck bed looking new and prevent minor scratches from groceries or luggage.
DIY liners offer a great way to personalize your truck and keep it protected. Choose the one that best fits your needs and your truck’s lifestyle!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the easiest type of DIY truck bed liner to install?
A: Drop-in liners are usually the easiest. You simply place them into the truck bed.
Q: How long does a DIY truck bed liner typically last?
A: This depends on the type and quality. High-quality spray-on liners can last for many years, while drop-in liners might need replacing sooner if they get damaged.
Q: Do I need special tools to install a DIY truck bed liner?
A: Some liners, like spray-on kits, require spray guns and safety gear. Drop-in liners usually require no tools. Roll-on liners might need rollers and trays.
Q: Can I install a DIY truck bed liner in cold weather?
A: It’s best to install most liners in moderate temperatures. Cold weather can affect how some materials cure or apply properly.
Q: How do I prepare my truck bed before installing a DIY liner?
A: You need to clean the truck bed thoroughly. Remove any dirt, grease, or rust. Some liners also require sanding or priming.
Q: Will a DIY liner prevent my truck bed from rusting?
A: Yes, a good liner creates a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture from reaching the metal and causing rust.
Q: Can I remove a DIY truck bed liner if I want to?
A: Drop-in liners are easy to remove. Spray-on liners are permanent and cannot be easily removed without damaging the truck bed.
Q: What is the difference between a spray-in and a roll-on liner?
A: Spray-in liners are sprayed from a can or gun and cure into a hard shell. Roll-on liners are applied with a roller and create a more flexible, rubbery surface.
Q: Are DIY truck bed liners safe for my cargo?
A: Yes, most DIY liners are designed to protect your cargo from damage and prevent it from sliding around.
Q: How much does a DIY truck bed liner typically cost?
A: Prices vary widely, from under $100 for basic kits to several hundred dollars for premium spray-on systems.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.