Spray-in bedliner before painting?
 

Hey Guys,
I'm at least a year away from being ready to have the truck painted. And I'd like to end up with a spray-in liner. I realize it's not ideal to do the liner first, but it is feasible to do the liner before painting? I'd like to get the bed protected (from Oregon rain) and start using it more.

Thanks,
Jeff

Re: Spray-in bedliner before painting?
 

Definitely not the way I would go, but I suppose you could. It would be real hard to mask it off later to spray right up against it. I suppose you could "jamb it" or paint right where you plan to split the two colors, but like I said, I think you will have a hard time doing good paint up against such a rough surface. JMO

Re: Spray-in bedliner before painting?
 

Most or all commercial spray-in liner vendors can make the liner any color you want it.

Re: Spray-in bedliner before painting?
 

There is a Product I think it is called Raptor that you buy from the paint store and they mix it to match the color of your Truck. you can apply it yourself with the purchase of the gun. the gun is pretty cheap. the finished look is a color matched bed liner.

Re: Spray-in bedliner before painting?
 

I've seem some dudes do it before and it actually comes out pretty cool. In my opinion, I like the contrast of the body's color with the black liner, but thats me. I'd say find some dudes who have done it (I've seen it in StreetTrucks before I believe) and talk to them about the process so it doesn't flake in the future.

Re: Spray-in bedliner before painting?
 

IMHO that is not what you want to protect from Oregon Rain, that stuff will never come out easily when you decide to change.

You truck looks good enough right as it sits to be fit for a full restoration. Please remember that is still only my input.

We are a free people!

Re: Spray-in bedliner before painting?
 

You didn't mention if you want under the rails or over the rails, spray the liner under the rails, then paint, if you want it over the rails do that later. I'm sure the liner guys can give you a quote for that.

Re: Spray-in bedliner before painting?
 

I second that. The parting line with over the rails bed liner would be a huge paint failure point if the liner was sprayed in first.

You could always have them spray the liner in up to the under side of the bed rails now then after it is painted have the bed liner sprayed on over the rails and tied into your existing bed coating.

Re: Spray-in bedliner before painting?
 

It looks like you have a pretty nice truck, also looks like it would polish up vers a repaint?

Re: Spray-in bedliner before painting?
 

This sounds like a good option to me!

Re: Spray-in bedliner before painting?
 

Agree. I don't actually like the color-matched liners. Prefer black.

Re: Spray-in bedliner before painting?
 

Thanks! I'm looking for a shop that wants to do the little bit of body work and paint. The body work is a dent on the opposite side and patching the original mirror bolt holes. I haven't found anyone interested in the project for a reasonable amount. Not looking for a show truck, but would like the body to look nice.

So, about the spray in liner? Do you think I'll have issues with it? I've read a bit about them and see that there are mixed opinions.

I could just paint it original and be ready to repaint it again someday?

Re: Spray-in bedliner before painting?
 

Thanks! It does polish up well in spots. But there's a dent on the other side you can't see and the original mirror holes bug me. And the tailgate has fresh paint on it, so the contrast is pretty dramatic.

Re: Spray-in bedliner before painting?
 

The Raptor product is a great one! It's short filled cans that you attach the schutz gun directly to make it easy to mix the activator and then apply. Applying the product is a little tricky as your pressure and distance from the bed, and the set up of the spray nozzle combined with the process of applying the product with greatly affect your outcome. I've demonstrated the Raptor and other similar products and it looks easier than it actually is. Great product but I'd watch a few demos before tackling a truck that you don't want to redo. Removing the product once cured is nearly impossible so be prepared.

Even if you go ahead and coat just up under the rails, you still need to consider where you will "end" on the tailgate and front panel as they don't have a lip to finish up to or under.

If you are deadly serious about repainting the truck, don't bother treating the bed. You're only creating more work for yourself or the folks you pay to get the paint work done.

I'd drive her hard and put her away wet. It's not going to see any more harm than it's seen over the past 45 years or so.

Re: Spray-in bedliner before painting?
 

I agree with the others, do an "under the rail" for the liner. If you want it to cover the top rails, wait until after it's painted (but I personally don't like that look, I'd go under the rail.)