7 Best Roll-on Bedliners – Review and Buying Guide

If you’re a truck owner who wants to enjoy a durable and high quality truck bed coating without having to spend a ton of money, then buying the best roll-on bedliner is the answer to your problem. These things may be cheap, but they’re definitely tough and reliable when it comes to offering long lasting protection against scratches, spills, and general wear and tear.

A roll-on bedliner comes in a can and requires the use of a roller brush for application (hence the name). Available options are aplenty, and we are here to help you choose the right one for your needs and budget.

Read also related articles: Truck bed organizer, Cost to paint a truck, virtual truck customization, best interior car cleaners, best shock absorbers, and best rooftop cargo carriers.

Top 7 Best Roll-on Bedliners

We took on the task of reviewing dozens of different options out there so you don’t have to, and we came up with this list of the seven best roll-on bed liners that boast of excellent customer ratings and superior performance for the price.

1.  Herculiner HCL1B8 Brush-on Bed Liner

The best of the best in our opinion is the Herculiner HCL1B8 Brush-on Bed Liner, which gives you a coat that’s easily five times thicker than most other roll-on bedliners on the market. This coating is made with all-weather polyurethane that’s tough, dries to a textured, non-slip finish, and works on pretty much any kind of surface including concrete, wood, and metal.

It’s designed to cover the entire bed of a six-foot pickup truck and leaves a finish that resists moisture and UV light in order to protect any metal area from corrosion and rust. It also resists gasoline and oil so you don’t have to worry about cumbersome spills.

Moreover, it’s a heavy-duty and long-lasting surface sealant that offers superior protection by bonding with a wide array of materials, meaning, you can use it on cargo van floors, carts, trailers, and of course, truck beds. You just need to be prepared for a thorough preparation process and significant setting time if you want to achieve the best results.

2.  U-Pol Products RAPTOR Black Truck Bed Liner Kit

A worthy runner up is the U-Pol Products RAPTOR Black Truck Bed Liner Kit, which claims to give a finish that is 8x tougher than its competitors free giving you high quality and easy to use aerosolized material that is versatile and ideal not just for truck beds or but also for weatherproofing various surfaces.

It’s available in a wide selection of tintable finishes and plain black. You can also choose to apply it with a brush or roller, or you can spray it on by using a paint spraying nozzle along with an air compressor.

In any case, for every purchase, you get four 1-quart bedliner cans to give you around 125 square feet of coverage area, and a hardened solution that can be mixed in various ratios depending on the drying and storage times you desire. Meaning, you can do several small jobs or one huge weatherproofing and re-coating task.

3.  Speedokote T-Rex White Roll-on Truck Bed Liner

We’re also huge fans of the Speedokote T-Rex White roll-on Truck Bed Liner, one of the best options if you want a white bedliner. It comes as an all-weather urethane kit that includes a brush, roller, and hardening solution which you can mix with the urethane bedliner immediately prior to application in order to considerably speed up drying time.

In fact, you can even apply another coat just half an hour after the first one, unlike some other options that can take as long as eight hours to dry. It’s also worth noting that this product is compliant with the environmental laws of all 50 US states.

Plus, it delivers a finish that’s comparable to those of most cargo van floors and OEM truck beds. It’s scuff resistant, durable, and holds up well against UV light. You can even paint over it with a nice automotive-grade top coat if you’re looking for a great quality gloss finish.

4.  POR-15 49701 OEM Bed Liner

Another promising option is the POR-15 49701 OEM Bed Liner, a professional grade underbody and truck bed coating that provides you with a black high gloss finish. It’s a versatile product that can bond to various materials like wood, concrete, fiberglass, aluminum, and other metals.

This water-based bedliner is a solid and reliable option that comes with an affordable price tag. It’s ideal for use as a weatherproofing coat for undercarriages, trailers, and truck beds. It also doesn’t emit as much odor, and is easy to apply. Cleaning up is also fairly easy with just a bit of soap and water, making it ideal for beginners.

That said, it does require a bit of prep work before application if you want to guarantee a strong bond to the surface. For instance, if you’re using it on bare metal, you need to apply a prep coat with rust prevention properties, or if you’re applying it on a painted surface, prior thorough sanding is a must.

5.  Dupli-Color BAQ2010 Bed Armor DIY Truck Bed Liner

You should also check out the Dupli-Color BAQ2010 Bed Armor DIY Truck Bed Liner, a water-based bedliner that comes in a well-packed, resealable paint can. It bonds extremely well to automotive plastics, concrete, fiberglass, wood, sanded paint, and bare metal.

It also delivers a textured and chip resistant polyurethane finish that is highly durable. One thing we really like about this product is that it’s reusable thanks to the creative packaging, so you can store any leftover product and use it for later applications.

Now, while it doesn’t come in a sizable package and won’t be enough to cover an entire pickup truck bed with just one can, it’s worth saying that it’s a great option for use on outdoor furniture, wheel wells, and bumpers. It also dries pretty fast, letting you work quicker.

6.  Durabak 18 Non Slip Coating, Bedliner, Deck Paint

Don’t forget to try the Durabak 18 Non Slip Coating, Bedliner, Deck Paint, a polyurethane-based, moisture cured bedliner that can be used as an outdoor protective coating. It’s an extremely durable product, hence its use on some US Navy ships.

It also comes in many different color options, making it a rare gem in the roll-on bedliner category. It dries off into a thick, tough, durable, anti-skid, and non-slip finish that offers excellent UV resistant and weatherproofing.

It’s also easy to use since you don’t have to pre-mix any product before application. In other words, it’s a great and highly versatile option that you can use for a variety of purposes, including deck paint and outdoor furniture paint.

7.  Rust-Oleum, Black Automotive 32-Ounce Truck Bed Coating

Finally, you might also want to consider the Rust-Oleum, Black Automotive 32-Ounce Truck Bed Coating, a durable bedliner for truck beds that comes as a generous 35 square foot package in a single quart can, making it ideal for full size pickup trucks and other large areas.

It comes from a well-known and reputable brand that delivers consistent quality, so you can expect a lot from this product. The square footage alone gives you great value for your money, especially when you compare it to the small sizes of many other options on the market.

Now, the coat it produces may not be the thickest, but it does seal off metal areas against moisture exceptionally well in order to prevent rust and corrosion. It also offers a finish that’s similar to OEM truck bedliners with its textured matte black look. It’s even all-weather safe and UV stable, making it ideal for protecting your precious truck equipment.

The best roll on bedliner buying guide

If you want to find the best roll-on bedliner, here’s a list of the most important things you need to consider:

Water vs oil based

Roll-on bedliners can either be water based or oil based. On one hand, water based options are easier to apply, produce less odors, and are easier to clean up with just soap and water. They also take less time to dry, usually as little as three or four hours. However, they require plenty of preparation including sanding services to ensure proper adhesion.

On the other hand, oil and urethane based bedliners adhere much better on any kind of surface while also providing reliable chemical protection once the product has set and dried adequately. These bedliners just take a longer time to apply and dry.

Surface texture

The bedliner’s surface texture is an important consideration that you shouldn’t overlook so you can find the most appropriate one to suit your needs. For example, smoother surfaces are better suited for sliding heavy loads and other cargo in and out of your truck without needing much effort.

Alternatively, a more rigid surface will be better able to keep your cargo in place due to its skid resistant finish.

Vehicle compatibility

In general, vehicle compatibility isn’t really that big of an issue when it comes to roll-on bedliners, but it’s always a good idea to make sure that the product you buy will work for your vehicle to avoid any problems.

Having said that, what you should really be looking for here is the amount of product that comes in the package since this will determine whether you can cover your entire truck bed with just one can of bedliner. Otherwise, you end up having to buy several cans of product, which costs more money.

Durability

Another important factor is the durability of the bedliner. Aside from being easy to apply, it should also be able to last for a considerable period of time so you don’t have to keep reapplying for a new coat, which not only costs time and money, but also leaves your vehicle and usable for several hours.

It’s even better if the product comes with a manufacturer’s warranty as it serves as an assurance that you are getting good quality and durable product, and even if the bedliner falls short of its promise, you got the warranty to back you up.

Weather resistance

It is of utmost importance that your bedliner offer excellent and reliable weather resistance since your truck bed will constantly be exposed to the outdoor elements and is at great risk of wear and damage.

Aside from weather resistance, the bedliner should also offer decent UV protection to shield your truck bed from the harsh effects of the sun, including compromised durability and fading. Other important protective features include moisture resistance to prevent corrosion and rust, as well as the ability to withstand extremely hot and cold temperatures.

Ease of use

While you can always just opt to go with the professional route, this will cost you significantly more money and might even take a long time since you’ll have to wait for an available mechanic rather than just doing the job yourself.

That said, chances are, you’re not really as skilled and experienced as those in your local auto shop when it comes to applying bedliners. As such, you need to find a product that is easy and straightforward to use. You might even get a complete applicator kit so you can immediately apply it right out of the can.

Drying time

It’s rare to find a one-step bedliner that doesn’t require pre-mixing with a hardener solution. Most bedliners on the market are a two-step process- mix the bedliner solution and the hardener, then apply it on your desired surface. The sooner these two substances are mixed, the sooner you can start the drying process.

Other factors

• Adhesion- the bedliner should be able to adhere well to the surface so there’s less risk of bubbling, peeling, and so on
• Density- thicker and denser formulations will protect the surface more efficiently while also requiring you to use less coating to cover the entire surface
• Quantity- how much product you need should be based on the type and size of the surface you are trying to cover with the bedliner
• Color and finish- not all roll-on bedliners are available in a wide variety of colors, and even the ones that can be purchased in specific colors may not match your truck bed
• Applicator tools- many bed liners will come with a complete applicator kit, which is great in terms of value for money, but it doesn’t always mean that these are quality items

Roll on bed liner FAQs

Which is better- a spray-on or a roll-on bedliner?

It really depends on what you need. Spray-on bedliners offer a more professional and even finish, and are also ideal for weatherproofing. However, they are also more expensive and difficult to apply.

Roll-on bedliners, on the other hand, are more budget friendly and user-friendly, while also offering excellent features such as resistance to skids, corrosion, and scratches. These bedliners also rarely flake or peel, and may even offer the same finish and quality as some spray-on bedliners.

Can you spray a roll-on bedliner?

It largely depends on the product you’re using, but in some cases, it is possible as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the correct applicator tools.

How much roll-on bedliner should you buy?

A gallon of bedliner should, in most cases, be enough to provide complete coverage to a six foot truck bed, but the actual result will depend on the solution’s thickness and how much product you apply in one coat.

The best way to know how much product you need is by measuring your truck bed and comparing its dimensions to what the manufacturer recommends. And, remember to buy a bit of extra solution so you don’t run short of product. Even if you end up not using it, it’s still nice to have something for touch-ups.

Do bedliners require any prior preparation?

Some roll-on bedliners require pre-mixing with hardening solutions, or some other form of prep work. You might also be required to sand the surface you’re planning to apply the bedliner on. In any case, it’s a smart idea to wash your truck bed in order to get rid of any grime or dirt.

How long does a bedliner take to dry?

There are some roll-on bedliners that are advertised as quick drying, with estimated drying times at just a couple of hours, but for best results, you should leave your truck bed alone for about 48 hours in order for the solution to fully cure.

A few tips before you go…

Most roll-on bedliners only need to be applied in one coat to give you satisfactory results, but adding another layer or two won’t hurt especially if you really want to ensure that the finish will be durable and long lasting.

However, keep in mind that the more coats you apply, the thicker the finish will be, the more time it will take to dry, and the more money you’ll have to spend on buying cans of bedliners.

That said, if you’re planning to apply two coats, make sure that you do it on the same day. Give the first coat just a rough time to considerably dry, then apply the second coat to give it plenty of time to bond with the first coat.

And remember, covering your truck bed with a bedliner is a cumbersome and time-consuming process, so you need to mentally prepare yourself, be patient, and work carefully to make sure that everything is going smoothly. If you can, it’s best to also have a brush on hand to deal with those challenging nooks and crannies.

Final Verdict

There are plenty of quality options if you’re looking for the best roll-on bedliners, such as the Herculiner HCL1B8 Brush-on Bed Liner, a superior quality and dependable product that comes from a well known and trusted brand.