417-831-5090
technical@armorthane.com
2660 N Eastgate Ave
Springfield MO 65803
Tech Tip: Bedliner Step
By Step
When it comes to applying bedliners, precision and technique are everything. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned applicator, there’s always room to sharpen your skills and improve your process. At ArmorThane, we believe that a successful bedliner application is about more than just protecting a truck bed it’s about delivering durability, longevity, and a finish that customers can count on. Here’s a guide to getting it right every time.
Know Your Product: Understanding Polyurea vs. Polyurethane
First things first let’s talk material. At ArmorThane, we offer both polyurea and polyurethane bedliner solutions as well as a whole host of hybrid formulas Each has its strengths, and knowing which one to use is crucial for a top-quality application
Polyurea: This fast-setting material is perfect for jobs that demand high impact resistance and fast turnaround times. Polyurea bedliners are incredibly tough and durable, with excellent resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and environmental factors.
Polyurethane: A bit more forgiving when it comes to application, polyurethane offers a slower cure time, making it easier to achieve a smooth finish. It also provides excellent impact resistance but is slightly more flexible than polyurea, which can be advantageous in certain conditions.
Choosing the right material is the first step to a flawless bedliner Typically our bedliner applicators choose to go with our ArmorLiner material which gives the best of both worlds You get the incredible toughness of polyurea but while also getting the forgiving nature of polyurethane.
Surface Prep: The Key to a Lasting Application
Ask any ArmorThane trainer, and they’ll tell you that the quality of your application starts with how well you prepare the surface. Proper surface prep is essential to ensure strong adhesion and long-term durability.
Clean the Surface: Before you do anything, make sure the truck bed is thoroughly cleaned. Remove dirt, debris, oils, and any other contaminants. A clean surface means better adhesion for the liner.
Scuff the Surface: After cleaning, it’s time to abrade the surface. Scuffing creates a texture that the bedliner material can grip onto Use a sander or a scuff pad to achieve a consistent roughness across the entire bed
Blow Off Debris: After scuffing, make sure to blow off any dust or particles that remain. You don’t want any debris trapped under your liner, as this can cause bubbles or weak points in the coating.
Masking: Use high-quality masking tape and paper to protect areas that shouldn’t be coated. Take your time here a rushed masking job can lead to overspray and an unprofessional finish.
Mixing: The Heart of a Perfect Application
Proper mixing of your materials is critical. As we’ve discussed in our other tech tips, mixing polyurea or polyurethane components to the correct ratio is non-negotiable Be sure your equipment is calibrated and that both components are at the right temperature
At ArmorThane, we recommend performing a test spray before each job to ensure your machine is properly balanced. This simple step can save you from costly mistakes and ensures a smooth, even application.
Spraying Techniques: Mastering the Art
Once the surface is prepped and your materials are mixed, it’s time to spray. Here are a few professional tips from our trainers:
Spray Distance: Maintain a consistent distance from the surface, usually around 18 to 24 inches Spraying too close can lead to runs and heavy spots, while spraying too far can cause a rough, uneven texture
Overlap Your Passes: Overlapping your spray passes by 50% ensures even coverage and avoids thin spots. Remember, consistency is key.
Watch Your Speed: Spraying too quickly can result in thin, weak coverage, while moving too slowly can lead to thick, heavy areas Find a steady rhythm and maintain it throughout the application
Corners and Edges: Pay extra attention to corners and edges, as these areas are prone to wear. Apply additional passes to ensure full coverage and long-lasting protection.
Curing Time: After spraying, allow adequate curing time before exposing the bedliner to heavy use While polyurea bedliners cure quickly, giving the material enough time to fully bond and harden will enhance its performance.
Troubleshooting: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Even the best applicators run into issues from time to time. Here are a few common problems and how to avoid them:
Orange Peel Effect: This happens when the material is too thick or the spray gun is too close to the surface. To avoid this, ensure you’re using the right spray distance and speed.
Bubbles: Bubbles typically result from improper surface prep or moisture trapped beneath the liner. Make sure the surface is completely dry and free of contaminants before spraying.
Uneven Texture: If your coating comes out uneven, it could be due to an inconsistent spray pattern or improper overlap. Take your time, keep your hand steady, and always maintain consistent passes.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, bedliner applications are an art and a science. A professional finish requires the right materials, precise surface preparation, and proper technique. As ArmorThane applicators, it’s our responsibility to ensure every bedliner we spray meets the highest standards of durability, aesthetics, and performance
Remember, every job is a learning opportunity, and the more you practice these techniques, the more seamless your applications will become. So take your time, stay consistent, and always strive for perfection because that’s what being an ArmorThane expert is all about.