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Spray-In Bedliners, The Players — LINE-X vs. The Field

Not all spray-in liners use the same chemistry or process. Here’s a quick, practical guide to the major brands and what actually separates them.

Quick takeaways

  • Chemistry drives behavior: Polyurea systems cure fast and hard; polyurethane tends to be softer; many brands offer hybrids to balance grip, impact absorption, and UV behavior. :content Reference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
  • Process matters as much as product: High-pressure plural-component machines (e.g., Graco Reactor) and tight prep control are what make pro results repeatable. :content Reference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  • Warranties & networks: Major pro networks back bedliners with nationwide lifetime coverage—useful if you move or travel. :content Reference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Brand snapshot (what they’re known for)

LINE-X (your liner)

Founded in 1993; known for fast-cure, high-pressure polyurea systems and a large pro installer network with a limited lifetime nationwide warranty. :content Reference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Rhino Linings

Introduced sprayed-on bedliners to the U.S. market in 1988; portfolio includes polyurethane, polyurea and hybrid formulations; offers a nationwide limited lifetime warranty. :content Reference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Bullet Liner

Brand with roots from Burtin Polymer Laboratories; polyurea-based bedliner line launched publicly in 2010; part of a larger performance materials family. :content Reference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Scorpion Coatings

Offers polyurea and other systems for truck beds and commercial uses. :content Reference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

ArmorThane

Manufacturer/applicator network with pure and hybrid polyurethane / polyurea options across automotive and industrial applications. :content Reference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Speedliner

Introduced by Industrial Polymers in 1995; widely marketed “1000” series; commonly described as a urethane elastomer system. :content Reference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Ultimate Linings

Supplier to OEM and industrial programs; long-running partnerships with automakers since 2009. :content Reference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

All trademarks are property of their respective owners; descriptions are high-level and based on each brand’s public materials.

Polyurea vs. Polyurethane vs. Hybrids — why it matters

  • Polyurea: very fast gel/cure, high abrasion and chemical resistance, typically sprayed hot/high-pressure; great for tough, seamless protection. :content Reference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
  • Polyurethane: generally softer/more flexible and can be formulated for color stability; cure is slower and properties vary by blend. :content Reference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
  • Hybrids: combine attributes (grip + toughness); widely used across brands to balance feel, impact absorption, and durability. :content Reference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
  • UV talk (aliphatic vs. aromatic): most bedliners are aromatic and can discolor under UV; aliphatic systems or topcoats resist fading much better (often at higher cost). :content Reference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Pro spray-ins vs. DIY kits (know the difference)

Pro systems use heated, high-pressure plural-component equipment (e.g., Graco Reactor) to precisely meter and mix A/B components at the gun for consistent texture and bond. :content Reference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

DIY kits (Herculiner, RAPTOR/U-POL) are single- or low-pressure systems rolled or sprayed at room temp—handy for small projects, but a different category than pro hot/high-pressure installs. :content Reference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Category Examples Chemistry (typ.) Process
Pro networked brands LINE-X, Rhino Linings, Bullet Liner, Scorpion, Armor Thane, Speedliner Polyurea / Polyurethane / Hybrids (varies by product line) Hot, high-pressure plural-component spray with controlled prep & cure
DIY / retail kits Herculiner, RAPTOR (U-POL) Typically polyurethane (or 2K urethane systems) Roller/low-pressure spray at ambient temp

How to compare quotes (what to ask)

  1. What chemistry is being sprayed? (polyurea, polyurethane, hybrid; any UV topcoat?) :content Reference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
  2. What equipment & target thickness? (Plural-component machine; spec your use case rather than chasing a single number.) :content Reference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
  3. Warranty + network reach? Can you get service nationwide? :content Reference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
  4. Prep steps? Masking, scuff profile, cleaning, temperature/humidity control.

Why we spray LINE-X at APS

We like LINE-X for its fast-cure polyurea chemistry, consistent results on high-pressure equipment, and the confidence of a limited lifetime nationwide warranty. If you use your truck for contracting, towing, or weekend toys, we’ll dial texture and thickness for your workload. :content Reference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

Ready to protect your bed?

Schedule your LINE-X install
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Get a quick quote

Questions? Call us at (703) 591-0900.


Next up in this series: Part 3 — How It’s Done: Prep, Gear & Technique (we’ll show the booth setup, masking, and spray workflow you should expect from a pro shop).

Keywords to include naturally: LINE-X vs Rhino, Bullet Liner, Scorpion bedliner, polyurea vs polyurethane, DIY bed liner vs professional.

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