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(Click links below for photos)
The brand of bed-liner I use
is Dupli-Color from Wal*Mart "Black truck bed liner" is
the can name.
I haven't tried using any cleaning agents (such as Armorall) other than soap
and water to clean it, which works fine, so I can't address that.
After it is dry, it is non glaring due to the texture of the surface, it diffuses
the light, so it works very well around your gauge displays (dash)
As far as durability, I discovered a "chip" out of the cowling yesterday when
I was installing the driving lights. I assume a rock or something similar flew
up and did that. Chipped like any other paint would have. I simply sanded down
the edges of the existing paint around the chip and re-applied some more bed
liner. The repair came out fine. As for all other areas I have used it on, the
frame, dash, exhaust guards, scuff covers... there is no chipping or flaking.
The only con I have seen to the process is in cleaning. It is a textured surface
and if you use a cellulose sponge, it will shred off little pieces. I use a cloth
rag for washing it down. To run your finger across it, the texture is not sharp
to the feel, so don't worry about it tearing up your skin.
Some tips on the process:
1) Preperation before painting is the key to good adherence (as it is with any
painting). Take the parts off that you are going to paint. Wash them down with
soap or water, let dry, then scuff them up pretty good with a medium grit sandpaper.
I then use denatured alcohol for a quick wipe off of any remaining dust, grease,
oil, etc. I'm not sure how denatured alcohol interacts with plastic, so either
do it lightly, or use something that suits your tastes better.
2) Apply light, even coats. I did 4 coats with everything I painted. If you do
short bursts, the can is going to "spit" out larger chunks of texture and paint.
Use smooth, long strokes.
3) The distance you hold the can from the item being
painted will also have somewhat of an effect on the texture size. The first 3
coats I hold the can about 7" away.
For the final 2 coats, I hold it about 12" away. The further away, the smaller
the texture will be. I like the looks best when it has almost a sand-like apperance.
If you want your texture to be larger, then hold the can closer.
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