Spray-In Bedliner UV Topcoat

[The Critic]

Line-X and Bullet liner both offer a “UV topcoat” for their spray-in liners to prevent fading. Line-X calls it “Line-X Premium,” Bullet calls it “Bullet Liner Magnum.”

From my research, a number of folks are saying the UV topcoat is just clear paint. Is there any truth to this?

If the topcoat is just paint, wouldn’t that make cargo more prone to sliding?

 

[Boomer]

If it is to stop UV, the clear coat will contain chemical compounds called UV absorbers. These will eventually disappear after a time (photochemical reactions) and then the clear coat will go, just like happens on some cars after a time. As a chemist, I would just get the regular stuff, throw an old piece of carpet over it and when I needed the anti-friction properties, I would take out the carpet. Problem solved.

 

[demarpaint]

Line-X and Bullet liner both offer a “UV topcoat” for their spray-in liners to prevent fading. Line-X calls it “Line-X Premium,” Bullet calls it “Bullet Liner Magnum.”

From my research, a number of folks are saying the UV topcoat is just clear paint. Is there any truth to this?

If the topcoat is just paint, wouldn’t that make cargo more prone to sliding?

There should be enough texture in the liner coating to help reduce cargo from sliding. Having said that there might be a little more slide with the clear topcoat. You could throw some rubber matting down if you need a no slip surface.

 

[The Critic]

If it is to stop UV, the clear coat will contain chemical compounds called UV absorbers. These will eventually disappear after a time (photochemical reactions) and then the clear coat will go, just like happens on some cars after a time. As a chemist, I would just get the regular stuff, throw an old piece of carpet over it and when I needed the anti-friction properties, I would take out the carpet. Problem solved.

Line-X advertises the Premium "layer" as a 100% aliphatic topcoat. I was unable to find a SDS but did find this product info sheet:

https://linexelcajon.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Premium-PRM-TDS.pdf

Marketing aside, what are your thoughts?

 

[doitmyself]

Your link states it must be applied soon after the base is applied. Doesn't mention applying it as an afterthought, IF that is what you had in mind.

 

[The Critic]

Your link states it must be applied soon after the base is applied. Doesn't mention applying it as an afterthought, IF that is what you had in mind.

I recognize that.

 

[khittner1]

FWIW, I bought the UV topcoat when I had my old Dakota Line-X'ed a few years ago. I also use the rubber bed mat that I've had in it since new (26yrs.) on the floor of the bed. The bed walls and top rail surfaces that have exposed Line-X still have a nice shine to them, if that matters to you, as does the bed floor under the bed mat. It might be a tad slipperier when wet than an un-topcoated spray-on liner (I don't have direct experience with an uncoated Line-X bed), but it's never posed a problem in my use/loading of the truck. I don't regret the additional cost increment, whatever it was.

 

[Kawiguy454]

Had line-x applied new in 17 and it still looks like new even though it is black and lives in arizona sun. good stuff.