Scratches, rust spots, and worn metal make many owners ask: How Much To Paint A Truck Bed and is it worth doing? The answer depends on whether you want a smooth painted finish or a durable textured bed liner, plus how much prep the metal needs. This guide breaks down real U.S. costs, materials, and step-by-step prep that determines durability.
How Much To Paint A Truck Bed at a body shop?
Professional pricing depends on bed size, rust, and finish type.
| Service | What’s Included | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic repaint | Sand, prime, color | $300–$700 |
| Repaint + rust repair | Grinding, filler, paint | $700–$1,500 |
| Spray-in bed liner | Textured protective coat | $500–$900 |
| Premium liner (thick coat) | Extra durability | $900–$1,500 |
Shops charge mainly for prep labor, not paint.
Background on protective coatings:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protective_coating
Paint vs. Bed Liner — which is better?
| Feature | Paint | Bed Liner |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Smooth, glossy | Textured, rugged |
| Durability | Moderate | Very high |
| Rust protection | Good | Excellent |
| Cost | Lower | Medium |
| Maintenance | Needs care | Nearly none |
If you haul tools, gravel, or lumber, bed liner is usually the smarter investment.
DIY cost to paint a truck bed
You can do this in a garage over a weekend.
Read too: Top Trucking Companies That Still Have Manual Transmissions
Materials list:
- Sandpaper (80–400 grit): $35
- Rust converter or primer: $25
- Automotive paint or liner kit: $120–$250
- Masking supplies: $30
- Degreaser: $15
- Rollers or spray gun: $25–$120
Total DIY cost: $200–$500
Time required: 6–10 hours
Step-by-step: Proper preparation (most important part)
Step 1: Remove rust
Use 80–120 grit sandpaper or wire wheel.
Step 2: Clean thoroughly
Degrease. Surface temp: 65–85°F.
Step 3: Sand entire bed
Use 220–320 grit for adhesion.
Step 4: Mask edges and tailgate
Prevent overspray on paint.
Step 5: Apply primer
Let dry 30–60 minutes.
Step 6: Apply paint or liner
- 2–3 coats
- 10–15 minutes between coats
Step 7: Cure time
Do not load bed for 24–48 hours.
Skipping sanding leads to peeling within months.
Real example from a truck owner
Owner of a 2016 pickup with rust patches:
- DIY roll-on liner cost: $280
- Time spent: 8 hours
- Result lasted 4+ years with no rust return
Prep quality made the difference.
What increases the price?
- Heavy rust pitting
- Dents needing filler
- Removing old drop-in liner residue
- Overspray protection
- Large long-bed trucks
How long does painted truck bed last?
| Method | Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Basic paint | 2–4 years |
| Quality paint + prep | 5–7 years |
| Spray/roll bed liner | 7–12 years |
Mistakes to avoid
- Painting over glossy surface
- Ignoring rust bubbles
- Applying thick coats too fast
- Not allowing cure time
- Using household paint instead of automotive products
FAQ
Is painting a truck bed worth it?
Yes, it prevents rust and improves resale value.
Can I paint over an old bed liner?
No, it must be removed or heavily sanded.
What grit should I sand before painting?
Finish with 220–320 grit.
How long before using the bed?
Wait 24–48 hours minimum.
Is spray or roll better?
Roll is easier for beginners; spray gives smoother finish.
Conclusion
Understanding How Much To Paint A Truck Bed helps you choose between a budget DIY refresh and a long-lasting professional liner. With proper prep and the right materials, you can restore protection, stop rust, and make your truck bed look new again.
If this guide helped, share it with other truck owners planning the same project.
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