I installed Herculiner in my F150 about 18 months ago. I guess I didn't do it right. It has been slowly coming off (looks like it has been sandblasted) ever since. Also, it has always been very dirty to the touch. I can wash it out and in a few days you can wipe your hand across it and it will leave a black powder residue similar to wiping your hands all over an old tire (UV damage from all that South Texas Sun???).

Should I redo the Herculiner or go with a spray in? If I go with a spray in, do I need to strip out the Herculiner? If so, how?

Thanks,
Jody

'99 F150 XLT SC Longbed
5.4L
No leaks, piston slap, or door cracks! (fingers crossed)

 

I dont think you can get any other bedliner at this point. I've had the same experience as you but I personally chalk it up to not putting in enough prep work and/or not using enough of the stuff. I have a longbed and I don't think the 5 Quarts I used was enough, especially when I did two tailgates. I just put a touch-up coat on mine last week after about 14 months.

 

I don't mind the idea that I didn't prep it good enough too much, but what about how the surface turns chalky? Anything I put back there kinda looks like I put it in a bag of charcoal.

*shrug* I've pretty much given in to just putting another 5 quarts on it.

 

Have you thought about buying a bed mat. Would keep your cargo separated from the residue on the floor of the bed. My Dupli-Color is peeling in a few spots but it's definitely due to where I didn't do a good job of preping (corners, etc.). Plan to put some more on next spring; may do the floor also but still intend to keep my bed mat. Haven't had any residue problems with it. Color is somewhat faded though.

 

I had given thought to a BedRug at one time. My truck came with a plastic bedliner. They may as well have coated the bed with vaseline.
I believe I have found the answer to the chalky residue problem. Herculiner now has a topcoat (in black only) that seals the liner and provides UV protection. I imagine my problem with it coming off (not flaking or peeling, just looks sandblasted) was simply because I didn't put it on thick enough, and the residue is from UV exposure. I am going to recoat the bed and try the topcoat.

 

I just recently saw another truck exactly like mine except it had a Herculiner instead of a Rhino and it had the same problem. Most of the Herculiner has come of and has left the bed looking not so nice. I really feel sorry for the owner but since it is normally covered by a Roll N Lock, the owner doesn't see it very often. Maybe it is just the natural of the Herculiner It could be that it just doesn't stand up to exposure and heavy use. Not to make you feel bad but my 5 year old color matched Rhino Liner still looks good.

 

Short answer: get a spray in liner.

I put a Line-X in my '02 F-150 SB and it looks great, takes abuse and hasn't chipped, cracked or peeled off.


Paul