Using Bed Liner on Rocker Panels, Doors, And Fenders for Protection
Off-road enthusiasts are always asking if we have a coating that will protect body panels on their trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps from damage caused by rocks, tree branches and other debris. We let them know applying KBS Bed Liner on rocker panels, doors, fenders, and other body panels is a proven and effective way to avoid this type of damage.
Benefits of Using Bed Liner to Protect Body Panels
KBS Bed Liner works to avoid damage to body panels with a tough, flexible, and thick layer of protective coating that is able to withstand the impact of rocks, branches, and other debris. This not only protects against dings, but also deep scratches that can leave metal exposed, and where rust can form.
KBS Bed Liner adheres strongly to painted and bare metal surfaces to provide a highly durable and long-lasting finish. The satin black coating has an attractive appearance and is chip and scratch resistant, UV stable, and chemical resistant. As a bonus, KBS Bed Liner has the ability to hide minor bodywork imperfections.
What Body Panels Can be Protected with KBS Bedliner?
KBS Bedliner can be used to shield a variety of areas including:
- KBS Bedliner on rocker panels
- KBS Bedliner on fenders
- KBS Bedliner on fender flares
- KBS Bedliner on lower door panels
- KBS Bedliner on bumpers
- KBS Bedliner on hoods
Some have even coated the complete body of their vehicles for protection as well as a dramatic look.
How to Apply Bed Liner on Rocker Panels, Lower Door Panels, Fenders and More
KBS Bed Liner does not require any complicated mixing and the application process is simple. Bed Liner can be easily brushed, rolled, or applied with spray equipment. KBS also offers Bed Renu, which is a convenient to use aerosol version of Bed Liner.
Painted Surfaces with No Exposed Metal or Rust
When applying KBS Bed Liner on rocker panels, lower door panels, and other painted surfaces that have no exposed metal or rust the following procedure is used to ensure proper adhesion.
- Wash the surface to be coated with soap and water, or KBS Klean (5 parts Hot Water and 1 Part KBS Klean for steel surfaces). This concentrated super-cleaner removes dirt, grease, grime, and other contaminants without leaving residue that can interfere with adhesion Detailed instruction for use of KBS Klean can be found here.
- Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
- Mask off areas not to be coated
- Scuff painted surfaces with medium grit sandpaper or a scouring pad.
- Wash the surface with KBS Klean (5 parts Hot Water and 1 Part KBS Klean for steel surfaces).
- Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
- The surface must be clean, bone dry, and non-glossy for the best performance.
- Apply 2-3 coats of KBS Bedliner. Apply a thin coat on the first pass and then a slightly heavier coat. The first light coat provides a base for better adhesion, so that KBS Bed Liner does not run off a smooth surface or sag on vertical surfaces.
- Details for applying KBS Bed Liner can be found here.
Surfaces with Exposed Metal, loose or flaky paint and/or Rust
If a surface has exposed bare metal, rust, or loose or flaky paint, it will need additional preparation steps before application of KBS Bed Liner on rocker panels and other body panels.
- Wash the surface to be coated with soap and water, or KBS Klean (5 parts Hot Water and 1 Part KBS Klean for steel surfaces).
- Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
- Mask off areas not to be coated
- Remove loose, flaky paint and/or and all rust with sandpaper, a wire brush, or wire wheel.
- Wash the surface to be coated with KBS Klean.
- Rinse with clean water and immediately dry thoroughly.
- Scuff any remaining paint with medium grit sandpaper or a scouring pad for the best adhesion.
- The surface must be clean, bone dry, non-glossy, and free of rust or flaking paint for the best performance.
- Apply KBS Bed Liner as described above.
For the ultimate in protection against rust, the KBS 3-Step System can be implemented before application of KBS Bed Liner on rocker panels, fenders, doors, etc.. Of note, this procedure can also be used on surfaces where there is exposed bare metal or rust, and also on areas where paint is firmly adhered and there is no rust
The 3-Step Rust Prevention System Consists of:
KBS Klean - Powerful Concentrate Water Based Cleaner and Degreaser.
RustBlast - RustBlast removes rust, acts as a zinc phosphate pre-primer, and etches metal for best adhesion of RustSeal.
RustSeal - RustSeal is a high-performance, single part, ready-to-use, rust preventive coating. RustSeal is impervious to road salts and most every chemical. RustSeal flows out to a beautiful, rock-hard, and tough ceramic-like coating that is tough to chip or scratch and will not crack or peel. RustSeal can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray equipment.
Please note, it is not necessary to remove every last bit of rust before applying RustSeal. RustSeal is very capable of bonding to and permanently sealing any remaining flash rust or corrosion. After treatment with RustBlast, a slight white powder residue may appear. This is a zinc phosphate coating advantageous for RustSeal adhesion. Some flash rust or orange staining may occur if the surface was soaked, rinsed, and not dried immediately after using RustBlast. This is no problem, and you are ready for RustSeal.
How to use the KBS 3-Step System
Follow this application procedure for areas with no loose or flaky paint, no exposed metal, and no rust
- Wash the surface to be coated with soap and water, or KBS Klean (5 parts Hot Water and 1 Part KBS Klean for steel surfaces).
- Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
- Mask off areas not to be coated
- In this case, RustSeal will not be used
- Scuff paint with medium grit sandpaper or a scouring pad for the best adhesion.
- Wash the surface to be coated with KBS Klean.
- Rinse with clean water and immediately dry thoroughly.
- The surface must be clean, bone dry, and non-glossy for the best performance.
- Apply RustSeal as described HERE.
- Let the final coat of RustSeal fully cure (at least 24 hours), scuff with 320 grit sand paper, then apply KBS Bed Liner.
Follow this application procedure for areas with loose or flaky paint, exposed metal, and/or rust
- Wash the surface to be coated with soap and water, or KBS Klean (5 parts Hot Water and 1 Part KBS Klean for steel surfaces).
- Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
- Mask off areas not to be coated
- Remove loose, flaky paint and rust with sandpaper, a wire brush, or wire wheel.
- Wash the surface to be coated with KBS Klean.
- Rinse with clean water and immediately dry thoroughly.
- Scrub with RustBlast and a scrub pad. Detailed instructions can be found HERE.
- Rinse with clean water and immediately dry thoroughly.
- Scuff paint with medium grit sandpaper or a scouring pad for the best adhesion.
- Wash the surface to be coated with KBS Klean.
- Rinse with clean water and immediately dry thoroughly.
- The surface must be clean, bone dry, non-glossy, and free of rust or flaking paint for the best performance.
- Apply RustSeal as described HERE.
- Let the final coat of RustSeal fully cure (at least 24 hours), scuff with 320 grit sand paper, then apply KBS Bed Liner.
Questions?
If you have questions about using bed liner on rocker panels, doors, and fenders for protection, please let us know. +Contact KBS Coatings.