Using Bed Liner on Rocker Panels, Doors, and Fenders for Protection

Off-road enthusiasts frequently ask about a coating that will protect body panels from rocks, tree branches, and trail debris. Applying KBS Bed Liner on rocker panels, doors, fenders, and other body panels is a proven and effective way to prevent this type of damage.

Benefits of Using Bed Liner to Protect Body Panels

KBS Bed Liner protects body panels with a tough, flexible, thick coating that can withstand impacts from rocks, branches, and other debris. This protects against dings and deep scratches that leave metal exposed — the entry point for rust.

KBS Bed Liner adheres strongly to both painted and bare metal surfaces to deliver a highly durable, long-lasting finish. The satin black coating is chip and scratch resistant, UV stable, and chemical resistant. As a bonus, it hides minor bodywork imperfections.

What Body Panels Can Be Protected with KBS Bed Liner?

KBS Bed Liner can be used to shield a wide variety of areas, including:

• Rocker panels
• Fenders
• Fender flares
• Lower door panels
• Bumpers
• Hoods

Some customers have even coated the complete body of their vehicle for maximum protection and a dramatic look.

How to Apply Bed Liner on Rocker Panels, Lower Door Panels, Fenders, and More

KBS Bed Liner requires no complicated mixing and is simple to apply. It can be brushed, rolled, or applied with spray equipment. KBS Bed Renu is a convenient aerosol version for smaller areas and touch-ups.

Painted Surfaces with No Exposed Metal or Rust

When applying KBS Bed Liner on rocker panels, lower door panels, and other painted surfaces with no exposed metal or rust, follow this procedure to ensure proper adhesion:

1. Wash the surface with soap and water, or KBS Klean diluted 5 parts hot water to 1 part KBS Klean. This concentrated cleaner removes dirt, grease, and contaminants without leaving residue that can interfere with adhesion. See full KBS Klean application instructions.
2. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
3. Mask off areas not to be coated.
4. Scuff painted surfaces with medium-grit sandpaper or a scouring pad.
5. Wash again with KBS Klean (5:1 dilution).
6. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
7. The surface must be clean, bone dry, and non-glossy before application.
8. Apply 2–3 coats of KBS Bed Liner. Start with a thin first coat to provide a base for adhesion — this prevents the product from running or sagging on vertical surfaces. Follow with a slightly heavier coat. See full KBS Bed Liner application instructions.

Surfaces with Exposed Metal, Loose or Flaky Paint, and/or Rust

If a surface has exposed bare metal, rust, or loose/flaky paint, additional preparation steps are required before applying KBS Bed Liner:

1. Wash the surface with soap and water, or KBS Klean (5 parts hot water to 1 part KBS Klean).
2. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
3. Mask off areas not to be coated.
4. Remove loose, flaky paint and rust with sandpaper, a wire brush, or wire wheel.
5. Wash again with KBS Klean.
6. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
7. Scuff any remaining paint with medium-grit sandpaper or a scouring pad.
8. The surface must be clean, bone dry, non-glossy, and free of rust or flaking paint before application.
9. Apply KBS Bed Liner as described above.

For the ultimate protection against rust, use the KBS 3-Step System before applying Bed Liner on rocker panels, fenders, doors, and other body panels. This system also applies to surfaces with firmly adhered paint, exposed bare metal, or rust.

The KBS 3-Step Rust Prevention System

The KBS 3-Step System consists of three products used in sequence to clean, treat, and permanently seal metal against rust:

Note: It is not necessary to remove every last bit of rust before applying RustSeal. RustSeal bonds to and permanently seals remaining flash rust or corrosion. After RustBlast, a slight white powder residue may appear — this is a zinc phosphate coating that is beneficial for RustSeal adhesion. Some flash rust or orange staining may occur if the surface was soaked and not dried immediately after RustBlast; this is normal and you can proceed with RustSeal.

Procedure for Surfaces with No Loose or Flaky Paint, No Exposed Metal, and No Rust

1. Wash the surface with soap and water, or KBS Klean (5 parts hot water to 1 part KBS Klean).
2. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
3. Mask off areas not to be coated.
4. Scuff paint with medium-grit sandpaper or a scouring pad for best adhesion. (Note: RustBlast is not used in this procedure since there is no rust or exposed metal.)
5. Wash the surface with KBS Klean.
6. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
7. The surface must be clean, bone dry, and non-glossy before application.
8. Apply RustSeal per the RustSeal application directions.
9. Let the final coat of RustSeal fully cure (at least 24 hours), scuff with 320-grit sandpaper, then apply KBS Bed Liner.

Procedure for Surfaces with Loose or Flaky Paint, Exposed Metal, and/or Rust

1. Wash the surface with soap and water, or KBS Klean (5 parts hot water to 1 part KBS Klean).
2. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
3. Mask off areas not to be coated.
4. Remove loose, flaky paint and rust with sandpaper, a wire brush, or wire wheel.
5. Wash the surface with KBS Klean.
6. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
7. Scrub with RustBlast and a scrub pad. See full rust prevention directions.
8. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
9. Scuff any remaining paint with medium-grit sandpaper or a scouring pad.
10. Wash the surface with KBS Klean.
11. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
12. The surface must be clean, bone dry, non-glossy, and free of rust or flaking paint before application.
13. Apply RustSeal per the RustSeal application directions.
14. Let the final coat of RustSeal fully cure (at least 24 hours), scuff with 320-grit sandpaper, then apply KBS Bed Liner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions?

Not sure which procedure is right for your project, or have questions about using bed liner on rocker panels, doors, and fenders? Our team is happy to help.