The benefits of installing a truck bed liner far exceed the cost implications of installing one. Truck liners protect cargo, truck integrity, provide protection from internal dents and scratches and also convenience of keeping the truck clean. All in all, it is a good investment.
Truck bed liners are accessories made of polyurea elastomer composite. It is a durable material that lines the truck bed that can withstand outdoor elements and cargo workload.
Here we will dive deep into the differences between the spray and roll on bed liner application and the advantages and drawbacks, so you can make an informed decision before embarking on a DIY project.
One thing’s for sure – bed liners do provide protection for your truck bed against wear and tear. Trucks are for hauling, carrying debris, mobilization, or the usual rough off-road activities. These are harsh conditions that can wear out your truck bed.
Roll-on bed liners
A do-it-yourself roll-on bed liner can cost $100-$200, significantly cheaper than the drop-in and spray-on alternative by more than half.
There are four roll-on bed liners available in the market today – polyurethane formulation (the basic), oil-based, water-based and urethane. All vary in features, but all are inclusive of brush kits for convenience.
This option is like any homestyle painting activity. Most of the tools for a DIY bed liner project are available in any local hardware store. This great liner can protect your pick-up’s bed from corrosion and moisture with a guarantee of unrivaled UV protection for up to a decade. It also offers a textured finish that provides the bed with an anti-skid feature to keep items and gear from sliding down the truck bed. Wood, metal, and concrete are some surfaces that are possible to apply roll-on paint – a versatile material yielding a much cheaper end product.
Spray-on bed liners
As the name implies, a vital spray gun tool is needed to apply spray-on bed liners. Aside from a spray gun, an air compressor is also one of the tools. A unique feature for spray-on bed liners is the ability of the material to lull sounds and vibrations that are distracting while on the road. It is also resistant to rust and sun exposure. The only drawback of this method is that the application is not a DIY sort of thing. Manufacturers generally apply it using a spray system; thus, this can be a more expensive option. A professionally installed spray-on bed liner costs $500-$1,000. The application requires specific technical capabilities, especially on navigating the pressurized spray brush.
In summary, both roll-on and spray-on provide a textured finish product that acts as a non-skid flooring. Both also offer protection from scratches, corrosion, moisture and wear and tear. The differences lie in the method and ease of application and the costs. A roll-on bed liner appears to be much cheaper and relatively easy to apply. If you are budget-conscious, a roll-on bed liner is a good choice.
