DIY Network

Spray-On Bed Liner: Spray Techniques From "Weekend Mechanic" episode WKM-303

	With the primer components mixed thoroughly, and a black pigment added, the primer is poured into a standard automotive paint sprayer.
	The spray-on bed liner is applied using a hopper sprayer and high-powered air compressor.

In this segment of Weekend Mechanic the primer is sprayed on the bed of the pickup and, once the primer has dried, the spray-on bed liner itself is applied.

DIY Difficulty Rating for Project: This is a challenging project that requires some special experience and equipment, and the chemicals used are toxic and must be handled properly. We gave it a difficulty rating of 4 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. There are other types of bed liners available that might be better suited to the novice do-it-yourselfer. It took us about 12 hours, over two days, to finish this project. Depending on the nature or severity of the problem, completion time for this job may vary.

Materials:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.), some of the specialty tools that will be needed for this project include a hopper spray-gun, standard automotive paint sprayer, air compressor, rotary sander, mixing tools, plastic scrapers, broom, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), rags, coveralls, rubber gloves, dust mask, painting respirator-masks and safety glasses.

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Safety Alert: When working with toxic chemicals, solvents, sprays, paints, etc., always work in a well ventilated area. For some jobs, eye protection and respirator masks are required.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with power tools.

Spraying on the Primer and Bed Liner

• With the primer components mixed thoroughly, and a black pigment added, pour the primer into a standard automotive paint sprayer. Then you can hook the sprayer up to an air compressor and start painting.

• It's typically easiest to start at the front of the bed and work rearward, painting the sides and bottom as you go. Longer spraying strokes make for a more even coat and use less primer (figures A and B). This procedure should only take about 20 minutes. Allow another 20 minutes for the primer to dry.

• Tip: Before spraying primer, be sure to cover any plants or any nearby vehicles. Avoid spraying on a windy day.

• Note: If the bed liner is not sprayed on within four hours of the primer being applied, the primer will have to be re-applied.

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  
• Once the primer has dried, you're ready to mix and spray on the bed liner. Like the primer, this particular bed-liner spray comes in two components that must be mixed together before spraying. The mixing can be done in the larger of the two cans (figure C).

  Safety Alert: For mixing and spraying on the bed liner, it's necessary to wear gloves, goggles and a respirator mask.

• Following the manufacturer's instructions, we mix the correct proportions of components "A" and "B" together, along with a rich, black pigment. (Custom colors can also be obtained to color-match the bed liner to your truck.) To mix the components thoroughly and evenly, we used a mixing attachment and a 1500-rpm electric drill (figure D). Following the manufacturer's directions for this particular mixture, we stir for no longer than 45 seconds. The proper amount of stirring is essential to getting the right consistency for spraying.

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  
• Once the components are mixed properly, the bed-liner mixture is loaded into a hopper loaded atop a high-pressure sprayer (figures E and F). The sprayer is similar to the ones used to add texture to drywall, and requires a heavy-duty air compressor. The operating range of the sprayer should be 80 psi. to 10 psi. Hopper spray-guns can be purchased for $20 to $60.

• Important: Once the components have been mixed and stirred, it's critical that the liner be sprayed on right away. When spraying on the liner, the temperature must be at least 68 degrees, and the liner must be allowed to cure at or above that temperature as well.

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  
• The average pickup bed requires about 4 gallons of spray-on bed liner for good coverage (figure G). The compound will dry to touch in 12 hours, but requires about 72 hours to completely harden.

• The person spraying on the liner should wear coveralls to protect clothing, as well as gloves, safety glasses and a respirator mask.

• The inner wall of the tail-gate is sprayed as well (figure H), and allowed to dry for 12 hours before the tailgate is reinstalled on the truck.

  Figure G

  Figure H

  
  
• As soon as the liner has been sprayed on, the tape and plastic must be removed right away (figures I and J). If the tape and plastic aren't removed quickly, the tape will be bonded to the body of the truck.

  Figure I

  Figure J

  
  

  Figure K

• Once all of the tape and plastic is removed (figure K), the truck is placed inside the garage so that the spray-on liner can cure thoroughly.
  

RESOURCES :

Ultimate Auto Detailing
Model: 0879389419
Author: David H. Jacobs
(1995)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Motorbooks International

Auto Detailing: Step-By-Step Procedures for Complete Automobile Detailing
Model: 0801983940
Author: James Joseph
(1998)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Chilton Book Company
Westchester, PA 19380
Phone: 610-738-9280
Fax: 610-738-9354

Automotive Detailing: A Complete Car Care Guide for Auto Enthusiasts and Detailing Professionals
1557882886
Don Taylor
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
H.P. Books