Can You Paint Over Bed Liner?

To discover if you can paint over bed liners and how easy it will be, first understand what it is.

A truck bed liner like Rhino lining is a spray-on rugged coating (in the form of plastic mold) used to protect a truck’s bed from wear and tear.

It’s made up of premium quality 100% solid elastomeric polyurethane material, and it can be applied to just about any surface, such as boats, RVs, and ATVs.

When used on trucks, the coating binds to your truck bed and forms an airtight, impact-resistant layer that protects against rust and corrosion.

With all the above information in mind, you may think this plastic-made rhino material is nearly impossible to paint! Right?

Wrong!

While the painting process is not as simple as spraying paint over the Rhino material, it can be done with careful planning.

Painting Over Rhino Liner

There are a lot of things that you can do to customize your truck bed with a Rhino liner.

You can add stripes or paint it a different color – even better; you can make it look more stylish by painting it over the bed liner with the right paint and preparation.

Let’s take a look at how it’s done!

Step 1. The first step is to clean the surface to ensure that the surface is free of any dirt or debris that could interfere with the painting process.

Use a degreaser and a power washer to remove grease or grime from the Rhino material.

Step 2. Next, tape the areas that you don’t want to paint using painter’s tape.

This is important because you need to create a sharp line between the areas that will be painted and those that won’t.

Step 3. Once the surface is prepared, it’s time to sand the surface. This will help the paint to adhere better to the Rhino material.

Be sure to use fine-grit sandpaper so you don’t damage the surface.

Once you’ve sanded the surface, clean the area with a degreaser and power washer to remove the sanding dust.

Step 4. Now prime the surface to help the paint adhere better and create a smooth surface. Be sure to use a primer that is specifically designed for plastic surfaces.

Step 5. Use a paintbrush or a roller to apply the urethane-based paint evenly over the surface. Be sure to let the paint dry completely and then apply a second coat.

Step 6. If you prefer using a paint sprayer, you can do so. However, you’ll need to thin the paint slightly so it doesn’t clog the nozzle.

Set your spray gun on low and spray the liner, making sure to utilize slow side-to-side and lengthy paint strokes for the best outcomes.

Consider commencing at one end and working your way up to the other.

Step 7. Once you’ve applied the desired number of coats, you’re finished!

Allow the paint to dry completely, and make sure to remove all the masking tapes before using your truck as usual.

Final Thoughts

Rhino Lining is a versatile product that can prolong the life of your truck.

It’s available in many different colors and can also be textured to provide additional grip. It is resistant to weathering, UV radiation, and most chemicals, making it an ideal choice for protecting truck beds.

It’s generally applied to the inside of the bed, and it dries to form a hard, durable surface.

Although not very easy, with the right steps and preparation, you can easily paint your truck with rhino liner! Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take your time.

You’ll surely be able to create a stylish and unique truck that will turn heads!