How to Remove a Spray-On Bed Liner
by Erin StewartThere is more than one way to remove a spray-on bed liner, but each way is not created equal. If you have hours to spend slaving away with a hammer and chisel or a grinder, you could potentially remove a bed liner by hand. But the truth is that to effectively remove a spray-on bed liner, many people leave it up to professional media blasters. Review your options to determine which method is best for you.
Step 1
Use a grinder with an aggressive tip to remove a spray-on bed liner by hand. However, this process is time consuming and is not recommended.
Step 2
Wear a mask to avoid breathing in the dust if you choose to grind off the bed liner by hand. Keep in mind that the debris will get all over.
Step 3
Use a hammer and chisel to remove a spray-on bed liner by hand. However, this is also not recommended because it is time-consuming and inefficient.
Step 4
Use a chemical stripper to remove a spray-on bed liner. This is more effective than hand grinding or chiseling. Aircraft stripper is the most potent chemical stripper and will be your best bet for success.
Step 5
Apply chemical stripper in 2-foot-by-2-foot sections. The room must be above 70 degrees F for the chemical stripper to activate. Once the stripper is applied and activated, it will start eating away the bed liner and you can then scrape it off. You may have to repeat this process three to four times, depending on the thickness of the bed liner.
Step 6
Hire a professional soda blasting company. This is the most effective way to remove a spray-on bed liner. Soda blasting is non-abrasive and will not tear or damage any surfaces. Soda blasting will penetrate through the liner to the metal, removing the liner and leaving the metal undamaged. Soda blasting requires special equipment and materials and is only available through professional companies.
Tips
- If you choose chemical stripper to remove a bed liner, don't scrape the stripper off too soon. Let the stripper bubble until it stops and then scrape. Plastic bead blasting and sand blasting will not remove a heavy bed liner.
Things You'll Need
- Grinder
- Hammer and chisel
- Chemical stripper
Warnings
- Paying for professional soda blasting will not be more expensive than trying to do it yourself; spray-on bed liners are extremely difficult to remove.
Writer Bio
Erin Stewart is a professional editor and copywriter who has served as a newspaper reporter, designer, and news editor, and currently works as part of a dynamic marketing communications team. Erin has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with an editing minor from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
