Anyone else coated the bed!

The plastic bed. I like the light weight but hate when stuff slides.
I have another truck that has the spray liner. So I bought two cans of Herculon from o'rielly's. It did the job and looks great plus added some toughness to it. I just did the bed not the side or gate.

 

got any pics? how did you prep it? i want to do the same thing

 

I got the oem bed mat and nothing really slide around.

 

been in the market for a bed mat but at 60-120 bucks, figured a can or two of spray would/could do the same thing

 

^^ This.

The difference is that the bed mat can be removed.

No prep required for the mat, other than get your shit out of the bed first.

Frank

 

Just masted it off with the blue masking tape. Around the outside of the bed on the inside about 1/4 inch up off the bed all the way except I opened the tail gate. np preping but washing it out with a little soap rinse and dry. 1 can per coat two coats so 2 cans.
Stuff is way better than a mat!

 

I'm glad it turned out for you... but better than a mat? Mats come out, liner does not.

Agreed!

Frank

 

The spray-in or brush-on (off the shelf) liner won't last forever. If its exposed to the weather, you'll have to re-apply it in a few years - plus, if you drag anything heavy across it, it will scratch off.
(I coated my 96 tacoma bed with Herculiner)

My 07 tacoma has a Protecta Bed mat in it and I absolutely love it!! You can buy them for like $50

 

yeah bed mat is removable but how often do you remove it or want to? also at 15bucks for two cans is another +, weight maybe insufficient but over time it could add up in gas, just saying, i would also like a bed mat but at the price... spray liner could be the way to go

 

The weight of a bed mat will not play into the equation even in the slightest bit...

I like the rubber mat because it's softer than the spray in liners. I have a shell so can end up on my knees loading and unloading stuff and the spray in liners can cure very hard and actually cut you or the bottom of a cardboard box if you're not careful. I'm still a big supporter of the rubber bed mat, it takes a LOT of abuse, doesn't tear, never needs to be reapplied, 0 maintenance and can be removed (say if you buy a new Taco).

 

Make sure you read the instruction on the cans..... application might not be 'as easy' as you think. Prep work may be needed and could be a royal PITA. Especially - make sure its compatible with the bed (plastic).

When I installed Herculiner on my 96 - We put the stuff in a couple foam cups so we could paint the edges and get ready to roll it. The Herculiner ATE right thru the foam cups.....

 

well weight is a logistical thing, weight = more gas, so even if it's 5cents a year, it's still 5 cents a year, ya i know moot point but a point nonetheless

definately agree it is softer and the main reason for me wanting one, the removablity is only second, so i might still go this route

i agree with everything here but i got a folding tonneau so sun wont be an issue so im hoping it lasts more than a couple years, prep work should be easier than what i did with my first truck so im good with that

haha in the end ill probably just buy a cheap mat i find on craiglist if i ever do.

 

It's not the sun I'm referring to....

It's the chemical composition of the spray-on liner that may react with the plastic. Read the warning labels and make sure the stuff is GOOD to apply on the composite bed/plastic. Just to be safe....

 

Paint/Liner adds weight too.

Mats also tend to have better grip with less chance of damaging soft materials (finished wood for example)

I hope the stuff sticks to the composite bed well. I wanted to get my wifes 4R fenders and bumper LineX'd and the shop didn't want to because those types of coatings are not made for and do not bond well with plastic.
Hope it turns out like you want and better than I think it will...but I'd be ready to get a bed mat if I was you...

 

Brunes, I just did the step pads & bar ends on my nerfs (well the whole bar actually).
I scuffed it up pretty good, wiped down with a promoter then sprayed with rustoleum bed coating, 2 light coats.
It covered great & adhered very well to the plastic, was very surprised & if it does chip would just touch it up. It was $7 a can at lowes.
I think Will (tacomaman06) did his with herculiner & it held up.


As far as the mat or liner, I loved my mat & was able to take it with me.
It is in the back of the tundra on top of the line-x

 

You are right that is the difference. Since the mat gets water and dirt under it and then the dirt wears the bed material be it plastic or painted metal.
Plus the mat shifts around. Had them before and there not for me.
The spray on or in this case. The brush on liner is right for me.

If you like the mat better use it!

 

No need to be snarky.. I've yet to see my mat shift around the bed, or anything I put on it. As to dirt, that's why we wash them. Enjoy your spray on, really. But post some pictures however.

Frank

 

this is a loser thread.

 

my bed is herculined, bed mat on top and a tonneau cover.