How to Remove Spray-On Bedliner

The best thing about a spray-on bed liner is its longevity! It needs occasional touch-ups and makes your truck ready to transport almost anything. However, spray-on truck bed liner is prone to fading and can also develop cracks over time.

And if you don’t replace it, be ready to deal with rust, as the water seeps inside the cracks and ruins the truck bed. Spray-on bed liners are highly durable, so peeling them off isn't the best way to do it.

Here are some tried-and-tested ways to remove it like a pro. Also, you don’t have to spend a lot of time doing strenuous work with the hammer and chisel, as the post covers some quick and easy ways.

Let’s get started:

Why Do I Remove the Spray-on Bedliner?

The truck bed liner looks fine and is serving the purpose, why should I remove it? Well, there are a plethora of reasons why it is better to remove the liner and get a new one installed in its place. 

Not only does it ruin the appearance of your beautiful and muscular truck, but it also affects the structural integrity of the metal bed.

The Color Fading is Inevitable 

One of the common problems with spray in bed liners is the color fading issue. No matter how much you care for the liner, the discoloration will take place after a few years. 

Even if you use the most expensive and premium liner, the discoloration will still happen, but the process will be gradual. 

The biggest reason behind this issue is the sun. Making your truck look great again requires removing the truck bed liner and installing a new one.

A Gritty and Rough Liner Makes Cleaning Harder 

The key to enhancing the lifespan of the bed liner is cleaning it regularly. But as it ages, you’ll notice gritty and rough surfaces, which makes cleaning a daunting task.

It Leads to Rust 

This is a cause of major worry because cracks can lead the water to reach the metal bed, and it’ll lead to rusting. So removing the spray in liner is the best option in such cases.

Insufficient Coverage 

The liner can break off some places if you use it vigorously. And insufficient coverage is another cause of rusting, which calls for the removal of the truck bed liner.

A Step-by-step Guide to Remove Spray-on Bed Liner 

I don’t want to break your heart, but removing the bed liner is a challenging task. Also, the sticky liner doesn’t come off easily, so it would be great to call someone to accompany you. 

Tools You’ll Need Throughout the Process: 

The removal process doesn’t just need one or two, but multiple tools. I’ve removed a truck bed liner several times, and here are the tools it asks for.

  • Hammer and chisel 
  • A powerful angle grinder
  • A torch or heat gun
  • Chemical stripper 
  • Heavy-duty grit paper 

Step 1: Inspect the Liner 

Start with assessing the problem. Have a look at the bubbles, cracks, and other visible issues. If you see a lot of cracks and bubbles, it will be relatively easy to remove the truck bed liner.

However, if the only visible issue is discoloration, I’d suggest you have an energy drink to do the task with ease.

Get a marker, and highlight the areas with major issues.

Step 2: Apply the Chemical Evenly 

Get a pair of protective hand gloves, and start applying the chemical stripper on the spray-on liner. Some folks even call it Aircraft Remover, but that does not change what it does. 

The ingredients present in the chemical stripper are potent and are useful for removing rust from vehicles. Apply the coat throughout the liner while ensuring it doesn’t spill on any other car part or even on the floor.

Once done applying the chemical, wait for 10-15 minutes. Now you can go for another coat if required. Cover all areas and don't leave anything, even the bubbles and cracks. 

Scrape whatever loosens up, and make sure to protect the plastic parts while removing the chemical. This process may take a lot of time, as you have to apply the chemical with care on a massive bed. 

Step 3: Do Some Action with the Angle Grinder 

If you don’t think applying a potent chemical is your thing, get an angle grinder right away! The grinder helps to remove the thick sections of a bed liner. 

I’d recommend using a grinder fitted with a wire wheel for this task. Run the tool carefully and try to remove the bed liner, you can even use a torch or heating gun to make it a little easier and less time-consuming.

Step 4: Heat Up the Metal Bed 

Heating is important to remove the spray-in bed liner. The chemicals present in the liner lose their grip when heated. Bring a torch or heat gun closer to the bed, and heat it evenly. Don’t focus on one area for longer, as it may burn the liner.

After you have heated a particular area, get a hammer and chisel, and start removing the liner. Place the chisel on the spray-on liner, and hammer it carefully like removing the pulp from wood. You can even use a paint scraper to do it.

Do this to the entire liner, and you’ll start seeing the metal bed of your truck. 

Step 5: Clean the Leftover 

Now it’s time to get the grit paper handy and remove the leftover bed liner. Ask someone to help you out, as this task also takes a hell of a lot of time. 

You are saving a few hundred dollars by removing the liner yourself, so it requires you to invest some time. Once the grit paper gets blunt and loses its effectiveness, get a new paper and keep sanding until you remove the liner completely.

Here is a sample video of manually removing a spray-on bedliner using tools that you have at home:

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind When Removing Spray in Bed Liner 

Removing the liner involves using chemicals, and tools like a grinder, so there is no chance you can go without proper safety gear. Even if you see professionals do this job, they wear proper protection and ensure 100% safety.

Choose an Open Area for the Task 

No matter how roomy and spacious your garage is, it would be great to do this job outside. However, applying chemicals to the truck bed may result in fumes, so an open area would be better.

Wear Proper Protection 

The gear that you need includes eyewear, gloves, a mask, and a canvas apron. Wear something with full sleeves so that the chemical doesn’t spill on your arms. 

Keep the Fire Extinguisher Handy 

It is essential to keep a fire extinguisher handy when using a heating gun or torch. There are several plastic parts on a truck's desk, and if you burn something accidentally, the extinguisher will save your day.

You can even keep a bucket of water if the extinguisher isn't available at the moment. 

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Remove a Spray-on Bed Liner 

Q: How much time does it take to remove a bed liner?

A: Well, it depends on a multitude of factors, including the quality of the bed liner, its age, and how long is the truck’s bed! This is not a task one can do in minutes, so the weekend will be the best time to do it. 

Q: Should I go for professional assistance for the Bedliner removal?

A: Why not! If you have a hectic schedule and don’t have spare time for this task, leave your car with the experts, and they’ll remove the liner. Furthermore, you can even get a new liner installed from them, and that'll save you time.

Q: What if I keep using the cracked liner?

A: A cracked bed liner has a direct impact on the truck's metal bed. It won’t act as a barrier against water, and moisture so the metal bed will get rusted, and it can turn out to be an expensive deal for you.

Final Thoughts 

Now you know how to remove a spray in bed liner. So get all the required equipment, gear up in your suit, and plunge into action. Removing the old liner is definitely worth the time, as it’s a matter of your truck’s body. 

Follow the step one by one, and use a good-quality chemical stripper for the task. Lastly, you can opt for professional assistance as well if you are ready to spend money.

Got any questions in mind? Drop them in the comments section, and I’ll get back to you shortly! 

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