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)
- What chemistry is being sprayed? (polyurea, polyurethane, hybrid; any UV topcoat?) :content Reference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- What equipment & target thickness? (Plural-component machine; spec your use case rather than chasing a single number.) :content Reference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Warranty + network reach? Can you get service nationwide? :content Reference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
- 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?
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Questions? Call us at (703) 591-0900.