The Raptor liner is a product that truckers use to protect their vehicles’ surfaces from scratches, chips, and corrosion while being aesthetically pleasing. It also adds grip to the truck bed and protects your cargo from slips. To achieve this, you need a sufficient amount for proper coverage.
One gallon of raptor liner will cover approximately 85 square feet of two coats, about 7-18 mil thick film when spraying. While rolling will cover about 65 square feet per two coats. This amount is enough to do a full-size pick-up truck. You can apply Raptor liner using a brush, roller, or sprayer.
How many layers you need for ideal coverage
We recommend 2-3 coats of Raptor liner with a 60 minute baking time between coats. If you want more, you have to do this in several thin applications. It means; apply the first 2-3 coast, allow the bed liner to dry for about 24 hours, and then add another 2-3 coats. You have to let the solvent evaporate from each layer. If you do not give it time to dry between layers, the Raptor liner will remain soft and take much longer to cure fully.
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Minimum layers/thickness you can get away with
The least amount of Raptor liner layers you can apply is one coat of 7-10 mils thick. However, one coat is likely to fade quickly, forcing you to redo your application.
How to mix raptor liner and prepare your truck bed for it
You have to make sure you have enough product before you start applying your Raptor liner. Also, prep your vehicle before mixing the Raptor liner components.
Materials
- Raptor liner
- 80-180 grit sandpaper
- Applicator (Spray gun, roller, or paintbrush)
- Safety gear (Respirator, gloves, and safety goggles)
- Automotive masking tape
- Masking paper
- Paint ( If you want a tintable bed liner)
Prepping your truck bed
- Wear your respirator and gloves to protect yourself from inhaling paint dust and liner fumes.
- Use the 80-180 grit sandpaper to scuff the surface. Sanding helps the liner adhere to the body and prevent peeling.
- Wipe down or vacuum the truck bed thoroughly to remove dirt and paint dust. Dirt will interfere with how well the liner sticks and also cures to the surface.
- Using the masking tape and masking paper, cover anything in your truck that you do not want bed liner on, like the back window or railing.
Mix your product
- Shake the raptor bottle thoroughly.
- Fill the Raptor bottle with 250ml hardener up to the first ridge labeled A.
- Replace the cap and shake the mixture well for 2 minutes.
- Add about 10% of the volume of paint to the mixture if you want a specific color.
- Mix one bottle of Raptor at a time and clean the applicator between uses.
How to apply Raptor Liner
Before applying your liner, make sure the weather conditions are suitable. Avoid using it in extremely cold or hot temperatures. The ideal conditions are temperatures of 68 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity of less than 60%.
Spraying
- Screw the spray gun on the Raptor bottle with the Raptor mix.
- Set the air pressure on your compressor to 40-60 PSI.
- Press the trigger on the spray gun. Move the spray gun in a sweeping motion over the surface to prevent streaks from forming.
- The further back you hold your gun, the more texture you will get. You can test it out and see what you like.
- Maintain the same distance from the surface to ensure uniformity.
- Ensure the first coat is thick enough, and watch out for thin spots.
- If you want more coats, allow the liner to flash off for about 60 minutes between coats until you get your desired outcome.
Rolling or painting
- Pour the Raptor mixture into a paint tray.
- Apply the Raptor liner slowly with medium pressure using a roller or paintbrush.
- If you’re using a roller or a broad brush, use a smaller brush to cut into corners and crevices.
- Apply the line in the same direction to prevents streaks.
- Using a roller or paintbrushes results in much thinner coats. Therefore you may have to apply more than three coats so that scratch resistance is maintained.
- Wait for the liner to flash off for about 40 minutes between coats.
After application, allow it to completely cure 2-3 days for light usage and 5-7 days for heavy-duty hauling. Also, do not cover the truck bed before the liner cures completely.
Tip: Remove the masking tape when the liner is tacky to prevent it from sticking permanently to your vehicle.
Raptor Liner Pros and Cons
Below are some of the reasons truckers like or dislike Raptor bed liner.
Pros
- Raptor liner is economical because it is easy to apply it yourself. It is also a cheaper option for protecting your truck’s bed compared to other methods.
- It is easier to clean compared to regular painting.
- It improves resistance to skids, therefore, securing your load in place.
- The matte finish that comes with bed liners is aesthetically pleasing.
- You have a variety of choices regarding colors with bed liners compared to using material like rubber.
- Bed liners reduce the number of repairs and maintenance your truck will need.
Cons
- Application of a truck bed liner is time-consuming because it requires time to cure.
- You will need the expertise to be precise during application to achieve great results.
- You have to apply the liner in an enclosed area away from the elements and bugs.
- Spraying bed liners without a respirator is a health hazard to the user.
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How much bed liner you need for commonly used trucks?
You multiply an object’s length to its width to get its square footage. You are supposed to estimate your truck’s square footage to know the amount of Raptor liner you require to cover the whole truck. Here is a list of the amount of liner you need for some common truck types.
| Truck model | Amount of Raptor liner(gallons) |
| Chevy Colorado | 4 |
| Chevy Silverado | 4 |
| Ford F-150 | 3 |
| GMC Sierra | 4 |
| Honda Ridgeline | 3 |
| Toyota Tacoma | 3 |
| Toyota Tundra | 3 |
Additionally, remember to factor in some over-spray, waste, or irregular surfaces, so always buy a little more product.
Conclusion
Whether you’re covering your truck bed only or the entire truck, you calculate the surface area, and you’re covered. With this guide, we hope it will help you figure out the amount of bed liner to get for your truck bed and the application methods at your disposal.