What’s the best roll-on bedliner for your truck?
Here’s the deal:
You’re looking for a roll-on bedliner that will not only protect your truck bed but will look good and be easy to apply.
And keep your bed free from rust and corrosion, for a long time because no one wants to reapply a roll-on bedliner every year.
But, you know what?
Not all roll-on bedliners are created equal.
We’ve done a lot of research to determine the best roll-on bedliners for renewing, refreshing, and most importantly, protecting your bedliner from dirt, grease, scratches, rust, and corrosion.
Which roll-on bedliner will work best to protect your truck bed?
Updated: January 25, 2022
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At A Glance: The Top 5 Roll-On Bedliners
SPECIFICATIONS | FEATURES | |
---|---|---|
Herculiner HCL1B8 | – Polyurethane-based – 1 gallon covers 55 – 60 SQ. FT. – Waterproof | – Very thick – Skid-resistant finish – Available as a kit with 1 gallon, brush, 2 rollers |
Rust-Oleum, Black Automotive 248915 | – 1 gallon covers 140 – 160 SQ. FT. | – Appealing price-point – Anti-skid textured finish |
U-Pol RAPTOR Roll on Coating Kit | – Water-based formula – 1 gallon covers 125 SQ. FT. – Waterproof | – 10x tougher than other bedliners – Easy to apply |
Dupli-Color BAK2010 Bed Armor | – Water-based formula – 1 gallon covers a 6 FT truck bed | – Textured finish – Covers metal, aluminum, fiberglass, and wood – Low odor |
Rust–Oleum 34051 | – Water-based formula – 1 gallon covers 6 Ft truck bed | – Clear but can be tinted with 1 of 3 colors – Dries in 1-2 hours |
Herculiner HCL1B8
Pros
- Superior quality
- Thicker coating
- Will not peel off or chip
- Great surface protection
Cons
- Takes quite longer to dry
Summary:
Herculiner HCL1B8 Roll-on Bedliner Kit won our hearts due to its incredible thickness and durability. You only need to apply one layer, and the paint won’t bubble or peel.
Performance aside, this bedliner is also one of the affordable options in our list, not to mention that you can buy it in different quantities based on your needs.
The Polyurethane black paint is water-resistant and extremely tough for extended durability. Its anti-skid formula makes it ideal for boats and floor applications.
It’s appropriate for both professionals and beginners since it comes while ready for application.
Apart from the quality black paint, the kit also includes a durable brush and two quality rollers.
It will enhance your truck’s appearance and offer protection from chemicals, salts, rusts, stains, and oil.
Rust-Oleum, Black Automotive 248915
Pros
- Very Affordable
- Formulated to prevent rust
- Fast-drying formulation
- Appealing texture
Cons
- Applies a little thinner
Rust-Oleum 248915 is formulated to deliver a smooth, good-looking finish to enhance your vehicle’s appearance.
It offers your truck superior protection from rust, extreme weather, and damages caused by scratches.
Compared to other roll-on bedliners, the Rust-Oleum 248915 is relatively fast-drying, so you won’t have to wait for so long.
This roll-on bedliner delivers an anti-skid textured finish, making it suitable for various applications.
You can use a roller or a brush to apply it. If neither of these two options is viable, you can spray it on.
However, you’ll have to apply several coats since it applies a little thinner.
U-Pol RAPTOR Roll on Coating Kit
Pros
- Ten times harder than other bedliners
- Resistant to rust
- Generous kit
- Excellent protection from chemicals
Cons
- Rollers aren’t the best ones
U-Pol Raptor Roll-on is a very generous coating kit. It comes with two bottles of bedliner, two hardeners, two rollers, two paint trays, an anti-slip additive, disposable gloves, and two abrasive pads.
The paint is very protective and resistant to rust and any other chemicals that could damage your truck bed.
U-Pol Raptor is also highly versatile when it comes to application. You can apply it on different materials like wood, metal, boats, RV roofs, and concrete.
This bedliner’s formula contains urethane, making the paint to be water-resistant and extremely durable.
Dupli-Color BAK2010 Bed Armor
Pros
- Quick-drying bedliner
- Relatively cheap
- Durable and anti-skid finish
- Highly versatile
Cons
- Inadequate UV protection
Summary:
Dupli-Color Bed Armor is a water-based polyurethane formula with low odor and is very easy to use.
It delivers a durable and rubberized finish that offers exceptional protection to your truck bed.
Bed Armor does not chip, fade, or peel off. You can apply it to your truck bed, any wood, concrete, metal, or fiberglass surfaces.
This paint is quick-drying and highly versatile in application. You can use a roller, brush aerosol, or spray gun to apply it. High versatility makes it an excellent option for DIYers.
However, this paint does not offer the best IV protection compared to other bedliners in our list. But its benefits outweigh this small downside, making it a great deal.
Rust-Oleum 34051
Pros
- Fast-drying formula
- Easy to apply
- Skid-resistant properties
- Fade, chip, and scratch-resistant
- Good-looking and durable finish
Cons
- Not thick enough
Rust-Oleum 34051 enables you to easily recoat and restore your worn, unfinished metal truck beds.
This paint gives an anti-rust and a non-slip coating for a fresh look and excellent durability throughout all seasons.
It’s also highly versatile as you can apply it on any metal truck bed, boards, and bedrails to achieve a premium finish.
There are many ways to apply this bedliner, from brush-on and roll on to spraying. Spraying comes in handy for areas you can’t reach with a brush or a roller.
What is a Roll on Bedliner and Why Do You Need It?
Roll on bedliners are comprised of a compact polyurethane-like mixture that is designed to give your truck bed optimal resistance from corrosion, skidding, and scratching.
They are more affordable than spray-on paints and come in various color options, making it easy for you to find the perfect choice for your vehicle.
Roll-on bedliners are perfect for starters and DIYers since they are relatively easy to apply.
When you apply a roll-on bedliner on your truck, you will always get a stress-free life when loading and off-loading the truck.
Along with that, roll on bedliners offer a very easy to clean coating that doesn’t peel off or chip.
3 Benefits of Using Roll on Bedliners
#1 – Offers Excellent Protection
Roll-on bedliners are very useful in protecting your truck bed and giving it an appealing look.
Most of them are water-resistant and are formulated to prevent rust, skidding, scratching, chipping, flaking, and peeling off.
These bedliners will offer your truck unparalleled protection while adding value to the general appearance.
#2 – Relatively Affordable
Whether you want to buy a roll on a bedliner online or in a store, you will always find quality and affordable options like those presented in our list.
They are relatively cheap compared to other options like spray-in bedliners. If you are on a budget and still want a quality and reliable bedliner, you can’t go wrong with a roll-on bedliner.
#3 – Tough and Highly Durable
Another fantastic thing about roll-on bedliners is the durability they offer.
The coating you obtain from roll-on bedliners can last longer without chipping, fading, or peeling off.
Along with durability, roll on bedliners will make your truck look great and neat.
Types of Bedliners – Roll on vs Spray-In Bedliners
When buying bedliners for your truck bed, you will have to make a choice between roll-on and spray-in bedliners.
While both options are great and can protect your truck bed from damaging elements, each type has pros and cons.
Roll-on Bedliners
These are solid polyurethane-like mixtures designed to prevent corrosion, scratching, and skidding. They usually come with a roller and a brush for the application process.
Pros
- Relatively cheaper than spray-in bedliners
- Easy application
- Plenty of color options
- Very tough and durable
- No chips, flakes, or peels
Cons
- Take longer to dry
Spray-in Bedliners
These are the types of bedliners that you spray directly on the truck bed using a spray gun. You can spray them on any truck regardless of the size or model.
They are popularly known for giving the truck a stunning and unique look if sprayed correctly.
While they require less maintenance, spray-in bedliners are quite pricier than roll-on bedliners.
Pros
- Gives the truck a stunning look
- Require less maintenance
- Ideal for all truck sizes and models
- Moisture-resistant and won’t split
Cons
- Quite pricey
- Less protection from scratches
11 Things to Look for in Roll-On Bedliners
When buying a roll-on bedliner, look for:
1. Durability
As with any other product, the durability of a roll-on bedliner is critical. Bedliners are meant to last and protect the truck bed for a reasonable period.
You should consider the materials used to make a roll-on bedliner to determine its durability.
A durable option is better as it will save you money and time spent applying a new coat often and leaving it to dry.
Warranty and manufacturer assurances can also help you to determine how durable the roll-on bedliner is.
2. Adhesion
The better the bedliner adheres, the longer it will offer protection to your truck bed. The adhesiveness of a bedliner manifests itself on a long-term basis.
Keep in mind that bubbling and peeling off isn’t always a sign of inadequate preparation. It’s a sign of the bedliner’s low adhesiveness.
3. Density
The bedliners density will determine the total amount of paint you need for your truck bed. For instance;
If the paint is thin, you will have to apply multiple layers to achieve adequate protection. Thinner paints appear more beautiful but offer less protection unless you apply more layers.
If you are after a tougher roll on a bedliner for extreme protection, you should go for thicker paints.
4. Quantity
This is the amount of paint you need for your truck bed. Some roll -on bedliners are purchasable in several quantities, while are not.
Once you know the amount of paint you need, go for the quantity that suits your needs.
If you want a thin bedliner for better aesthetics, more quantity is better since you will apply more than one layer.
5. Color
Roll-on bedliners are available in a variety of color options. You should go for the color that is appropriate for your truck bed.
Keep in mind that some brands don’t offer all the colors. Once you decide which brand is the best for you, you should ask if they provide the specific color you want before placing your order.
Also, some brands offer smooth and glossy colors than others. Identify whether you want a shiny finish or a matte varnish to know what product is best for you.
6. Finish
This is the kind of coating you are looking for. Different bedliner are made from different materials, and so they deliver varied finishing.
Some coatings aren’t necessarily ideal for truck beds but can be used on a wide variety of surfaces.
You should identify the compatibility you are looking for and then go for a bedliner that suits those needs.
7. Tools
These are the things included in a roll-on bedliner kit. Some kits come with all the tools you need in the application process, including brush and roller, while others don’t.
If you plan to apply the bedliner yourself, it’s essential to go for the product with all the necessary tools.
For those taking their truck to professionals for bedliner application, these tools may not be a major concern.
8. Surface
The surface texture is a very critical factor to consider when buying a roll-on bedliner. Different roll-on bedliners come in various textures.
You’ll need to decide which surface texture is the most appropriate for your truck.
The best surface texture for your truck bed will depend on how you intend to use your truck.
Some truck owners prefer smooth surfaces while others go for a more rigid surface. A smooth surface is better for sliding heavy loads with less effort when loading and off-loading.
Like what the Herculiner HCL1B8 offers, a more rigid surface is ideal for keeping cargo in place or is skid-resistant.
9. Vehicle Compatibility
Vehicle compatibility is not usually a common issue with roll-on bedliners but is still worth considering when shopping.
The main concern here is the amount of paint in the container and the truck bed size it can cover.
In this case, you’ll want to go for the bedliner meant for use on your particular truck size. This will help you avoid buying more cans as it can be more expensive.
Other factors like your vehicle’s color are also crucial in determining which roll on the bedliner is compatible with your vehicle.
10. Ease of Use
While you can always take your truck to the shop for a professional application, this can be more expensive and time-consuming.
In this case, the best thing to do is to buy a roll-on bed liner that is easy to apply and make it a DIY weekend project.
Fortunately, most roll on bedliners manufacturers make their products with the ease of application in mind. They provide everything you need for the application, such as rollers and brushes.
Some roll on bedliners come with detailed instructions. If you are a beginner, these are the most viable options for you.
11. Weather-Resistance
Your truck’s bed will rely on the elements a roll-on bedliner comes with.
A good roll on bedliner should have the weather-protection elements to ensure that the truck’s bed is usable anytime.
It’s wise to go for something that can withstand extreme temperatures. It should also be moist or water-resistant to prevent rust and corrosion.
UV protection is also an essential consideration as the sun rays may damage the truck bed and cause fading.
How to Apply Roll-On Bedliners in 6 Steps
Since most roll on bedliners are easy to apply, you can make it a DIY project and save yourself some money.
Here are the steps:
STEP #1 – Set Up & Safety
The first thing to do is protect yourself, including wearing safety glasses to protect your eyes from particles that may lead to eye damage.
Wearing a respirator is also crucial as roll-on bedliners contain harmful chemicals that may not be good for your lungs.
If you are using air compressors, you should also consider having some form of ear protection.
Your hands also deserve to be safe, and so you’ll want to wear protective gloves, either disposable or reusable.
When setting up the area where the application process will occur, make sure it is well ventilated. If it’s a garage, keep the doors open.
If you’re applying the bedliner on a sunny day, it’s best to take the truck outside to speed up the drying process.
STEP #2 – Clean
You can follow these steps to clean the truck bed:
– Use a broom or brush to remove the large debris on your truck bed.
– Then use a vacuum cleaner to remove small debris and dust.
– Make a mixture of water and TSP to wash away any oil, grease, or stains. If this mixture doesn’t remove the stains, consider buying chemical removers.
– Cleanse the surface with water and use a rag to wipe.
– Then leave it for some time to dry.
STEP #3 – Protect with Tape
Use a painter’s tape to cover everything you don’t want to coat. Be careful to pay close attention to angles.
You should also cover the drain holes on the truck bed to protect the floor beneath the truck.
STEP #4 – Scuffing and/or Sanding
Scuffing and sanding will promote maximum adhesion. It involves removing the stock paint, rust, and corrosion.
After you’re done with sanding, remove all the dust, and apply a primer or sealer on the metal surface.
Primers are useful in this case as they can withstand high temperatures and prevent corrosion and oxidation.
STEP #5 – Acetone Application
Once the primer has dried, apply acetone to clean the surface which will improve the bonding between the liner and the surface. You can apply it with a spray bottle or pour it on the bed.
Wait for a few seconds, but don’t let the acetone sit on the surface for long.
Then use a clean rag to clean and wipe the bed.
Leave the bed to dry for about 10 to 15 minutes.
STEP #6 – Apply Paint
At this point, your truck bed is ready for paint application. Use a brush or a roller to apply the bedliner carefully knowing that a roller will make the job faster but you’ll likely need a brush for the corners.
If your bedliner is thick, you’ll only need one layer, but if you’re using a thin bedliner, you’ll want to apply two or more layers.
When applying more than one coating, wait for one hour before applying the next layer.
FAQs For The Best Roll-On Bedliner
Which is better, roll-on or spray-on bedliner?
Whether a roll-on or spray-on bedliner is better depends on your budget and whether you want to do the work yourself or pay someone to do it. Spray on tends to be more expensive because of the labour. Roll-on is easy enough to do yourself and very budget-friendly.
Does Herculiner stop rust?
Yes, Herculiner stops rust because it bonds and seals all surfaces.
How long does Herculiner take to dry?
Herculiner will be dry enough for light usage within 12 hours and will be fully cured in approximately 96 hours. The surface can be used before being fully cured but should not be subjected to chemicals, dirt, grease etc…
How long does Herculiner take to cure?
Herculiner will be fully cured in approximately 96 hours.
The Bottom Line – Best Roll-On Bedliner
What’s the best roll-on bedliner?
The list of the top roll-on bedliners will give you a good view of the options available.
If you’re looking for a kit that includes the bedliner and the tools to apply it, the Herculiner is a great option and a reasonable price.
If you already have the tools to apply it and you’re just looking for a quality bedliner at a great price, then Rust-Oleum 248915 is a good option – although it’s a 2 quart can, not a gallon. So, be sure you know how much you need before buying.