The Ultimate Guide to Truck Bed Liners:
Why Spray-On Bed Liners Reign Supreme
When it comes to owning a vehicle, protecting your investment should be near the top of your priorities. Whether you’re hauling heavy loads, tackling off-road trails, or simply using your truck for daily tasks, the bed takes a beating. That’s where bed liners come in—a critical accessory for any truck owner looking to preserve their vehicle’s functionality and resale value.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of bed liners available on the market, their pros and cons, and why spray-on bed liners stand out as the top choice. Additionally, we’ll dive into some unique features we offer, like color matching and premium UV-resistant options.
MC Customs Truck Accessories exclusively uses Patriot Liner products for our spray-on bed liner applications. For more information feel free to visit our shop, request a quote, or give us a call.
Types of Truck Bed Liners
There are three main categories of bed liners: drop-in, spray-on, and bed mats. Each has its place, but they serve different needs and come with their own strengths and weaknesses.
Spray-On Bed Liners
Spray-on bed liners, like the Patriot Liner we spray, are professionally applied coatings that bond directly to your truck bed’s surface. They’re made from durable materials like polyurethane or polyurea and sprayed on in a seamless layer.
While spray-on liners require a bigger investment, their longevity and performance make them the gold standard for truck owners who demand the best.
Pros:
- Perfect Fit: Spray-on liners conform to every curve and corner of your bed, leaving no gaps for water or dirt to sneak in.
- Superior Durability: They’re tough enough to withstand scratches, dents, and harsh conditions without cracking or peeling.
- Rust Prevention: The seamless, watertight seal stops moisture from reaching the metal, keeping rust at bay.
- Versatility: Beyond the bed, they can be applied to rockers, bumpers, and other areas for added protection.
- Customizable: At our shop, we can dye the liner to match your truck’s color and even offer a premium UV-resistant version.
Cons:
- Higher Initial Cost: Spray-on liners cost more upfront than drop-ins or mats due to professional application and premium materials.
- Permanent: Once applied, it’s not easily removable—though with a lifetime warranty, you won’t need to remove it.
- Installation Time: It takes a few hours to apply and cure properly, unlike the instant setup of drop-ins or mats.
Bed Mats
Bed mats are thick rubber or carpet-like sheets that sit on the bed floor. They’re simple, lightweight, and often used as a temporary solution. Bed mats are fine for light-duty use, but they’re not a serious contender for comprehensive protection.
Pros:
- Low Cost: Mats are even cheaper than drop-ins, making them the most budget-friendly option.
- Non-Slip Surface: The rubber texture keeps cargo from sliding around, which is great for lighter loads.
- Easy to Remove: You can pull them out anytime for cleaning or to swap them out.
Cons:
- Limited Coverage: Mats only protect the floor, leaving the sides, tailgate, and wheel wells exposed to damage.
- Wear Out Quickly: Rubber mats can tear or degrade under heavy use, and carpet-style mats stain and hold moisture.
- No Seal: They don’t prevent water or debris from getting under them, so rust remains a risk.
Drop-In Bed Liners
Drop-in bed liners are pre-formed plastic or composite trays that slide into your truck bed. They’re widely available, often at auto parts stores, and are a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. Drop-ins are a decent quick fix, but they fall short for serious truck users who need long-term durability.
Pros:
- Affordable: Drop-ins are typically the cheapest option upfront, making them attractive for budget-conscious truck owners.
- Easy Installation: You can install them yourself with minimal tools—just drop them in and secure them.
- Removable: If you ever need to take it out for cleaning or replacement, it’s a straightforward process.
Cons:
- Poor Fit: Even though they’re molded to fit specific truck models, gaps and imperfect fits are common, allowing water, dirt, and debris to seep underneath.
- Moisture Trapping: That trapped moisture can lead to rust and corrosion over time—ironic for something meant to protect your bed.
- Slippery Surface: Many drop-ins have slick surfaces, so cargo can slide around unless you add tie-downs or mats.
- Wear and Tear: The plastic can crack, fade, or warp under heavy use or extreme weather.
Why Spray-On Bed Liners Are the Best Choice
When you stack spray-on bed liners against drop-ins and mats, it’s clear why they come out on top. The seamless application eliminates weak points where moisture or debris can cause damage—something neither drop-ins nor mats can promise.
Their durability means they’ll outlast cheaper alternatives by years, if not decades, saving you money in the long run. Plus, the ability to customize them for both function and style adds a level of personalization that other options can’t touch.
At MC Customs, we’ve seen customers switch from drop-ins or mats to spray-on liners and never look back. For commercial truck owners, off-road enthusiasts, or anyone who uses their truck or utility vehicle hard, spray-on is the only choice that truly delivers.
The Installation Process
Wondering what to expect when you bring your truck to us for a spray-on bed liner? It’s a smooth process that takes about 2-4 hours, depending on the job’s complexity. We start by prepping the bed—sanding it down and masking off areas to ensure a clean application. Then, we use high-pressure equipment to spray on the bed liner, layer by layer.
It dries almost instantly, but we recommend avoiding heavy use for 24 hours to let it fully cure. When you pick up your truck, it’s ready for light duty and looks fantastic. Plus, with that lifetime warranty, you’re covered for the long haul.
Cost vs. Value
We get it—cost is a big factor. Drop-ins might run you $100-$300, mats are even less at $50-$150, and our Patriot Liner spray-on bed liner starts around $500 per bed. Here’s the thing: cheap options wear out fast, leaving you to replace them or deal with a rusted bed that tanks your truck’s value.
A spray-on bed liner’s upfront cost is an investment in years of worry-free use. No rust repairs, no replacements—just a bed that stays tough and looks great. For commercial users, that durability translates to less downtime and more productivity.
Applications Beyond the Bed
One of the coolest things about spray-on bed liners is their versatility. We’ve sprayed it on more than just truck beds. Commercial clients love it for protecting fleet vehicles, from delivery vans to heavy-duty work trucks. Off-road enthusiasts have us coat their Jeep rockers and bumpers to fend off rocks and mud. We’ve even applied it to trailer floors, boat docks, and industrial equipment.
The possibilities are endless—any surface that needs a tough, durable coating is fair game. It’s this adaptability that makes spray-on liners a standout in the vehicle accessories industry.
Patriot Liner: Our Go-To Spray-On Solution
We’re proud to use Patriot Liner as our spray-on bed liner of choice, and for good reason. Patriot Liner isn’t just another coating—it’s a high-performance solution born from decades of expertise in the coatings industry. Founded by veterans, Patriot Liner is designed to protect your truck in even the toughest conditions. Their proprietary formula uses top-tier ingredients, heated to 155°F and sprayed at over 2000 psi, creating a rock-solid layer that dries in under 10 seconds.
What sets Patriot Liner apart? It’s not just about toughness. The seamless, uniform texture looks sleek and professional, enhancing your truck’s appearance while shielding it from scratches, dents, and rust. It’s applied by certified professionals—like us—using high-quality equipment to ensure a flawless finish every time. And with a nationwide lifetime warranty, you can trust that Patriot Liner stands behind its product as long as you own your truck.
Unique Features We Offer with Patriot Liner
These features make Patriot Liner not just a protective coating, but a fully customizable upgrade for your vehicle:
- Color Matching: Why settle for basic black? We can dye Patriot Liner to match your truck’s exact color, blending protection with style. Imagine a red F-150 with a matching red bed liner or a blue Ram with a custom blue coating.
- Beyond the Bed: We don’t stop at the bed. Patriot Liner can be sprayed on your rockers, front and rear bumpers, or anywhere else that needs rugged protection. It’s great for off-roaders who want to shield their undercarriage or commercial users protecting high-wear areas.
- Premium Bed Liner with UV Clear Coat: For extra durability and a showroom finish, our premium option includes a UV-resistant clear coat. It prevents fading from sun exposure, keeping your liner looking fresh for years, and makes your bed significantly easier to clean.
The Bottom Line
After years in the truck accessory industry, we can say with confidence that bed liners are a must-have, and spray-on liners like Patriot Liner are the best of the bunch. Drop-ins and mats have their place for light use or tight budgets, but they can’t match the seamless protection, durability, and customization of a spray-on liner.
At MC Customs Truck Accessories, we’re passionate about giving your truck, Jeep, or SUV the treatment it deserves, and Patriot Liner lets us do just that. Whether you want a color-matched bed, a UV-protected finish, or full rocker-and-bumper coverage, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to protect your investment? Swing by our shop or give us a call. Your truck works hard for you—let’s make sure it’s got the best armor in the game.