How Much Do Spray-On Bedliners Cost?

If you've owned a truck for more than five minutes, you know the bed takes a beating. Tools, lumber, gravel, weekend gear, everything ends up back there, and sooner or later the metal starts showing it. That's why so many drivers look at spray-on bedliners. They're tough, clean, and they lock onto the steel like nothing else.

But the big question everyone asks first is the same: how much do spray-on bedliners cost? Prices can jump all over the place depending on the truck, the coating, the shop doing the work, etc. Some guys go for a basic liner. Others want a heavy-duty build that can handle jobsite abuse every day.

Stay with us, as we break down what really affects the price and why a good spray-on liner is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. And since Armadillo Liners has built a name in the industry, we'll talk about what sets our system apart too.

Understanding the Value of Spray-On Bedliners

Spray-on bedliners stand out because they give your truck bed real, long-lasting protection. Instead of laying a loose liner on top, the coating bonds straight to the metal, creating a tight seal that doesn't shift nor trap moisture. You get a tough surface that handles everyday abuse, keeps rust at bay, and helps your truck stay in better shape over the long haul. For anyone who works their truck hard or simply wants it to hold its value, a spray-on liner is one of the smartest upgrades you can make.

Typical Price Ranges (Standard vs Premium vs DIY)

To give you a clear picture, here's how the most common options stack up.

Basic Professional Spray-On Installation

A standard spray-on job is what most drivers get. Shops usually quote this for a small or mid-size truck bed with no extra work. Prices often start on the lower end if your bed is already clean and doesn't need much preparation. You're paying for the coating, the masking, and a clean finish that protects the metal under real use. Most shops charge somewhere in the mid-range for this because it's the most common package. Keep in mind that some aluminum truck beds need additional prep to help the coating bond properly, which can influence labor time.

Premium Installations (Polyurea, Heavy-Duty, Full Coverage, Custom Colors)

Premium spray-on liners cost more because you're asking for more protection. These are the thicker coatings: polyurea, hybrid blends, and tougher mixes that hold up better under construction gear, tools, and constant loading. Some shops add UV protection or color-matching, which bumps the cost again. If you're hard on your truck or haul every day, this is where you want to be.

DIY Bedliner Kits

DIY kits look cheap at first, and they are, but they come with trade-offs. You spray or roll them on yourself, and the finish won't be as strong as a shop job. You won't get the same bond, the same thickness, or the same durability. If you're working on an old beater or a quick flip, a DIY kit can do the job.

Spray-On vs Other Bedliner Options

A spray-on liner isn't the only way to protect a truck bed. Some guys go with drop-ins, mats, or even carpet-style setups. They all have their place, but the cost and performance are very different.

Drop-In Liners vs. Spray-On Liners

Drop-in truck bed liners are cheaper up front, but they come with problems. They can trap water under the plastic, and that moisture can eat through the metal. They're also loud, they shift around, and they can scratch the bed. A spray-on liner bonds straight to the steel, so nothing moves, nothing rattles, and nothing gets underneath it.

Bed Mats, Carpet, and Rubber Liners vs. Spray-On

A bed mat or rubber mat is a budget choice. It's fine for light cargo or weekend hauling. These mats stop things from sliding around and help protect the floor, but they don't cover the sides. They also don't seal the metal. If you want real, full-coverage protection, a spray-on liner wins every time.

Long-Term Value vs. Up-Front Cost

A spray-on liner costs more at the start, but over time it pays for itself. You won't deal with rust, peeling, or the constant shifting of a loose liner. It also keeps the resale value higher because buyers like a clean, protected bed.

What to Expect From a Spray-On Bedliner

If you've never had a spray-on liner before, you might wonder how they hold up and what kind of upkeep they need. The good news is they're built for work, not for babysitting.

Durability & Lifespan

A good spray-on liner is built to handle real work. It stands up to dents, scratches, chemicals, and sliding cargo. Shops using stronger polyurea blends give you even more toughness. Most liners last as long as the truck. Every expert says the same thing — once it's sprayed right, it's not coming off. You also get better durability over the years compared to anything that isn't bonded to the metal.

Care & Maintenance

There's not much to do. Keep the bed clean, rinse out dirt, and check for cuts if you haul sharp metal. Avoid strong solvents. That's it. You don't have to wax it or baby it. Once the coating cures, it's meant to take abuse.

Warranty

The better shops stand behind their work. Many offer multi-year or lifetime warranties. The key is choosing someone who knows what they're doing. If the surface isn't prepped right, the liner won't bond. Paying a little more for a reputable installer saves you from problems later.

Common Mistakes & What to Ask the Installer Before Paying

A lot depends on the prep, the product, and the guy holding the spray gun. Before you hand over your keys, it's worth asking a few simple questions.

• Poor Prep Work: If the shop doesn't sand, clean, and prep the metal right, the liner won't bond. It may peel or bubble. Ask how they prepare the bed.

• Not Spraying the Sides or Rails: Some shops offer cheap "floor-only" jobs. That leaves the sides exposed. Think about how you load gear — most damage happens above the floor. Get full coverage.

• Thin Coats or Weak Material: A strong bed liner needs the right thickness. Cheap shops use too little material or a weaker mix. You'll feel the difference the first time you drop a tool.

• Not Checking the Warranty or the Brand: A good truck bedliner installation comes with a warranty. A handshake and no paperwork is not enough

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)