Spray On Bedliner
Cleaning the Truck Bed
This is the most important step of the bed liner application process. Failure to properly clean the surfaces will result in the poor adhesion of the bed liner. Carefully wash the area to be coated with a high pressure water hose. The jet of the hose should be as close to the surface as possible to ensure the complete removal of all dirt. A stiff bristled hand brush may be useful at this stage for hard to reach areas. Keep in mind that a common low pressure hose will not be sufficient, since even in low mileage or new trucks dirt tends to have high adhesion.
Degreasing the Truck Bed
- Use a water-based degreaser, preferably a citrus based product.
- Apply the degreaser by means of spray bottle, air pump or air gun.
- Be sure the degreaser reaches all areas and let it work for at least 10 minutes.
- Rinse with plenty of water and repeat if necessary.
- To speed up the drying process, blow any excess water off with an air gun.
Sanding the Truck Bed
- Use P-80 / P-120 grit sandpaper
- Remove any loose flaking paint or rust with a metal hand brush or steel wool.
- Rinse again with plenty of water to remove the dust formed by sanding and scraping; failure to remove this dust will keep coating from bonding to the surface.
- If bare metal is exposed during the sanding and scraping, apply the Total Coat Bedliner immediately, before new rust has a chance to form.
- Alternatively, you can apply a suitable primer. Allow the primer to properly cure before applying Total Coat Bedliner.
TC Spray In Bed Liner should not be exposed to temps below 65°F / 40% RH during the application and curing process. Do not apply in full sun. Total Coat Bed Liner is a water based product, which means easier cleaning when wet, (simply wipe with a damp cloth). However, cleaning/removal after drying will have to be done mechanically (grinding).
Applying Total Coat Spray In Bed Liner
- Mask off any areas you do not wish to coat.
- Open TC Bed Liner bottle and screw in the air gun.
- It is easier to spray the bedliner to the desired texture and thickness in 2 applications. Allow the first coat to dry to the touch before applying the second coat.
- The recommended air pressure is between 35 to 75 psi. A higher pressure causes the spray drops to “back splash” and could also make small craters in the coating. If you cannot adjust your air pressure you can try to move the spray gun farther away from the surface to lessen the effect of back splash.
- Remove any masking tape or paper before the coating dries.
- Do not apply in direct sunlight.
- Do not apply in Relative Humidity lower than 40%.
- Apply at ambient temperature between minimum 65°F. and max 90°F.
Checking Your Project
Look for any areas of poor coverage. If the coating is too thin it will not exhibit the “orange peel” look and will not have the same surface protection as a correctly coated surface.
If you discover thin spots, simply reapply the bed liner (when dry to the touch) until the desired thickness is achieved. It is important to check the external painted surfaces on your truck, or vehicle for overspray. Run your hand over the paint surface and feel for overspray. It is not always easy to see. If you detect some, simply wipe the area with a wet cloth to clean it. The gun is easily cleaned with water. Never allow the product to dry inside the gun.
Drying Times
When the coating is “dry to the touch” the sprayed items can be moved, worked on, packaged etc. However, they cannot be exposed to water and cold temperatures as this will cause thermal shock. Allow the coating to fully cure before exposing to water and cold weather.
Dry to the touch after:
90 min in ambient air of 65°F and RH 40%
30 min in a heated booth at 120°F
30 min (10 min flash off at 30” and 20 min full bake at 30”) under Infra Red lamps.
Fully cured after:
24 hours at ambient air of 65°F and RH 40%
60 min in a heated booth at 130°F and a cool down period of 1 hr at 72°F
40 min (10 min flash off at 30” and 30 min full bake at 30”) under the Infra Red Lamps and a 1 hr cool down at 72°F
Do not force dry at temps higher than 130°F.
More Recommendations and Tips
- Some air pressure systems contaminate the out flowing air stream with compressor oil. Be sure the system you are using is free of oil mist, because even a minimal oil presence can affect the adherence of the Bed Liner. A filter or oil trap is a must.
- Keep a damp cloth at hand, in order to quickly wipe away any over spray or spills.
- It is easier to start the application at the cab end of the vehicle bed and work backwards towards the gate.
- Do not attempt to mix the product with any other liquid or solvent, including water.
- If you observe the product dripping there are two probable causes: Drops of water remaining from the washing process, or too thick an application (2 millimeters or more).
- If any of the product gets on your clothing, wet it immediately and remove the spot. Once dry it will be impossible to remove it from the fabric.
- The product bottles must be kept closed and in the shade. Avoid exposure to direct heat.
- Thicker applications (more than 2 millimeters) are not advisable. Thicker applications will not result in better surface protection qualities.
- Small touch-ups can be done using a brush. Stippling the brush against the surface will produce a similar texture to the original.
