Question:

I’ve seen Raptor and Durabak in the automotive paint supply stores. How does Spray Lining and Coatings truck bed coating compare to these brands?

Answer:

We have a broad range of products available depending on your specific needs and method of application. Our products include epoxies, polyurethanes, poly-hybrid, and polyureas, and each product has advantages over another. Some of the general comparison information is provided below, but we are always glad to discuss your specific project as well.

For the most durable coating using a DIY application, we would probably recommend our Diamondback Ultra Liner product. This is our most durable coating in our DIY lineup and also has the highest gloss retention for low wind resistance and ease of cleaning. Although available in black only, it would provide the best flexibility and tensile strength overall. This coating includes Kevlar by Dupont along with other additives which makes it the closest match to Line-X, Rhino, Armadillo and other polyurea products available other than our Rhino/Line-X Alternative Cartridge Polyurea Coatings.

If you require a different color, our standard SL&C brand products still outperform Durabak and Raptor and cost less per gallon when actual “dry” mil height is considered.
Durabak is a one part polyurethane which (with the ground rubber additive) is 76% solids by volume (loses 24% thickness as it dries). Effective cost per gallon (at $149.95 per gallon) is $197.37. Durabak recommends application at 10 mils thickness (which dries to less than 8) and 2 coats minimum (for a total thickness of less than 16 mils).

Raptor is a two part polyurethane which is 57% solids by volume (loses 43% thickness as it dries). Effective cost per gallon (at $119.95 per gallon) is actually $210.53 as compared to a 100% solids product. Raptor recommends 3 coats applied at 8 mils thickness since the product is less thick than Durabak. Each coat dries to about 6 mils for a total of 18 mils. Raptor specifically recommends no more than 3 coats, so 18 mil is the maximum thickness.

All our coatings also include a powder additive which you can vary to allow you complete control of your application. Most of our coatings (with the exception of some of the garage floor and primer products) are 100% solids, so you do not lose any volume as they cure. They do not “dry”, but rather… cure, and will do so even under water (not recommended). Their resistance to chemicals or corrosives is better than either Raptor or Durabak. The Ultra Liner product line includes a significant number of additional additives which thicken it without the additional powder additive, so you are able to apply individual coats in approximately 20 mil on verticals without drips or sags. On horizontal surfaces, you can apply individual coats as thick as you like since the product cures. It will actually cure faster if applied thicker.

You can apply our Ultra Liner (or our standard SL&C product line) thicker in 1 coat than with 2 coats of Durabak or 3 coats of Raptor. Additionally, if using our powder additives, the final cost per gallon is less than $70.00 for our standard product,. Our Compact Truck Bed Liner Kit includes 1.75 sprayable gallons, along with a texture hopper spray gun, and is still less than the cost of 1 effective gallon of either of these popular options.

You are always welcome to Get in Touch with any specific questions.