Spray In vs Drop In Bed Liner: A Comparison

Your truck can withstand the elements only up to a certain extent, so it still needs help. Explore the differences between a spray in vs drop in bed liner here.

When you want a vehicle that can withstand wear and tear, you buy a truck. A truck will give you that hefty vehicle you need to haul big loads. It has the engine and the bulk to do big jobs. 

But even trucks have their weaknesses. Just because you have a vehicle that can do aggressive jobs doesn't mean you can't protect it. 

A bed liner keeps a truck bed intact, allowing you to haul whatever you need to toss whatever you want in your truck bed without worrying about denting or scratching your vehicle. Both a spray-in bed liner and a drop-in bed liner will protect your truck bed. 



So which do you pick? By the time you finish reading this article, you will understand the difference between a spray in vs drop in bed liner, and you'll have an idea of which will work best for your truck. 

Advantages of a Spray In Liner

A spray in or spray-on liner is simply a painted on liner.

To install a spray in liner, an auto detailer and technician will start by stripping the paint from the bed of your truck. They grind the coating down to the bare metal. 

Next, they prepare the surface for the liner. They'll make sure the bed is clean of debris, and then they paint a special coating over the truck bed. 

Such a coating will have a textured surface. So when the technician has finished, you will have a bumpy surface lining your truck bed and protecting the metal.

Such a surface will keep your bed from sustaining scuffs and scratches from cargo. It also prevents your load from sliding around the bed. 

If you choose a spray in bed liner, you should ask the technician for pictures of previous jobs they've done. The spray in liner requires a skilled technician to apply it. Thus, if you have an inexperienced technician attempt to spray in the coating, they could leave you with a bed liner that looks worse than before you brought you truck in. 

You should also check your truck's warranty before you have the spray in liner installed. If your truck has a corrosion warranty, a spray in liner may invalidate it. The process of having the paint removed from the truck bed during the installation process often invalidates the typical corrosion warranty. 

Because spray on bedliners are costly, make sure you have a qualified professional doing the job and ensure that you're not invalidating any crucial warranties. 

Advantages of Drop In Bedliners

A drop-in liner is a rubber or plastic liner that a technician or even you can drop into the bed of your truck. Such a liner will cost less than a spray in liner because you can install it yourself. If you want a technician to complete the job, you'll still spend less than you would if you had a technician install a spray in liner. 

The drop in liner, like the spray on liner, will protect your truck bed from the dings and dents it could sustain from carrying loads. It's just a temporary solution that doesn't adhere to your truck. 

When you decide to change trucks, you can take your bed liner with you, since it just drops into the truck bed. It's mobile, and you can drop it into another truck if the two truck beds are the same size. 

On the downside, a drop in bed liner does not always fit the bed of your truck tightly. You can purchase a universal-fit liner that doesn't really fit all trucks. If it's too small, then it will slide around with your cargo and cause the dings that you were hoping to prevent. 

Additionally, typical drop in liners come with a smooth surface compared to the textured surface of a spray-in liner. They thus do not adequately prevent your cargo from sliding around. 

Which Is Better?

Both types of bedliners do the job well. They have the potential to protect your truck from dents and dings. However, there is a significant difference that will help you learn which one you should choose. 

A spray in liner will cost you more than a drop in liner. Plan on spending between $350 and $800 when you have a spray in liner installed. In contrast, a drop in bed liner will cost between $200 and $500. 

You decision should also depend on if you're looking for a permanent or temporary solution. A spray in bed liner is a more permanent solution than a drop in liner. When you have a spray in liner installed, the liner adheres to your bed. 

A drop in liner is more temporary in that you can remove it and take it with you when you sell your truck and purchase another one. 

A spray in liner is also more effective than a drop in liner. It will not move or slide because it is adhered to your truck bed. A drop in liner, in contrast, does not always fit snugly. 

Thus, if you have the finances, a spray in liner is the most effective solution to protect your truck bed. It stays put, and it keeps items from moving around. 

Choose a Spray In vs Drop In Bed Liner 

When examining a spray in vs drop in bed liner, consider how long you plan on having your truck. Also, consider the thought that a spray in liner will increase the value of your truck. The cost is worth the benefit when you put the pros and cons side by side. 

Do you want to protect your truck bed? If so, LINE-X of Greenville can help. Contact us today for a free quote on spray-in bed liners.