Raptor Liner is one of the most durable bed liners on the market. It’s very easy to apply, and compared to the rest, it is pretty affordable. If you consider getting a Raptor liner, the first thing you may be thinking about is the cost.
In this article, we will estimate how much you may pay for a Raptor bed liner and other essential details you may need to know.
How Much Will I Pay for a Raptor Liner?
There are a bunch of variables that determine the total cost of a Raptor bed liner. Let’s start with the option that entails buying a Raptor liner kit and installing it yourself.
This is the cheapest option when it comes to applying a Raptor liner. You can get a Raptor liner kit for less than $300, including the shipping costs.
Depending on the seller, a liter of U-Pol Raptor liner can range from $50 to $150. Buying a kit makes more sense because you get all the tools you need for a DIY paint job.
With the help of guides such as the one we will share later on, you can paint the bed liner yourself. As mentioned earlier, spraying Raptor liner is relatively easy, and you shouldn’t run into any challenges.
The other option entails paying an expert detailer to spray the Raptor liner for you. Even though this option guarantees a more professional finish, it costs way more.
Paying someone to apply Raptor liner for you can cost from $500 to $1000. Depending on the level of expertise, the cost can even be higher.
As a car owner interested in benefiting from a Raptor liner coating, you need to evaluate which of these two is the best option. You can pay less and do it yourself.
Fortunately, Raptor makes a kit that contains everything you may need. Alternatively, if you don’t like getting your hands dirty, you can always pay an expert detailer to do it for you but at an extra cost.
Both options have their pros and cons. It’s up to you to determine which is better.
Other Factors that Affect the Cost of a Raptor Liner Paint Job
Most people usually think that DIY vs. Professional is the only factor that affects the cost of a Raptor line job. However, there is more. The space you intend to coat with Raptor liner also determines how much the entire project will cost.
According to Raptor, one of their kits can cover 125 square feet. This is equivalent to the truck bed of a full-size pickup.
Most of the time, the Raptor liner is used to paint the truck bed and protect it from wear and tear caused by cargo. These days, people are painting their entire trucks with Raptor liner.
This is a good thing because the Raptor liner creates a durable finish that allows you to conquer the off-roads without worrying about damaging your car’s finish. For heavy-duty off-roaders, this is an excellent idea.
The other factor that can affect the total cost of a Raptor liner paint job is the amount of space you intend to cover. Suppose you want to spray Raptor liner on the entire car.
You will need about three to five kits. That will shoot the cost to around $1000. If a detailing expert handles the project, the costs will skyrocket to about $3000 to $5000. The more Raptor liner you will need, the higher the project’s price.
For those of you that are having the liner installed by an expert, you need to understand that your location can have a significant impact on the cost.
In certain areas such as towns, the installation costs tend to be higher. By conducting adequate research, you should be able to get a reasonable quote that won’t break the bank.
How Does a Raptor Liner Compare to an Ordinary Paint Job? (In Terms of Prices)
As you evaluate the costs of a Raptor liner, you must also compare it to other alternatives, such as an ordinary paint job.
If you are on a strict budget, a typical paint job will be cheaper than spraying the Raptor liner on your car or truck. Each has its advantages, and you have to evaluate what matters the most to you.
An ordinary paint job can cost around $100 or $200 if you have gathered all the necessary supplies.
However, if an expert is doing it, the cost rises to around $500. The assumption here is that we are talking about spraying the bed liner since that’s what most liners are used on.
For the entire car, a professional paint job will set you back around $2,000. That is almost what you will pay to have your entire car Raptor lined.
The difference in prices will fluctuate most of the time. So, you can save a buck or two if you opt for an ordinary paint job.
A Raptor liner comes with extra durability, which ordinary paint can’t compete with. Therefore, if you are always on off-roads and want a coating that will protect your car from scratches and dents, the Raptor liner is a great choice.
Please note that a Raptor liner may not compete with paint when it comes to aesthetics. It’s a sacrifice you should be willing to make.
As you can see, an ordinary paint job and Raptor liner. Each has its benefits. You have to figure out what works best for you.
Is It Worth Spending Money on a Raptor Liner?
You already have the estimates on how much money you will spend on a Raptor liner. What you may not have are the reasons why you should spend this money on a Raptor liner.
At the end of the day, whether you go with the DIY or professional application method, you will still spend money. Before spending money, you should always confirm that you are putting your money to good use.
A Raptor liner creates a highly durable and protective coating on your car’s surface. After installation, the layer of the Raptor liner left behind can withstand any physical abuse and weather conditions.
A Raptor line gives you the confidence to take your car to the worst terrains without worrying about scratches or paint wear. This liner can last for several years.
It comes in various colors; therefore, you can find something that suits your preferences. Considering all these benefits that you can get from a Raptor liner, it is worth spending every coin on it.
How to Enjoy All Benefits of Raptor Liner While Keeping the Costs Low?
You can only enjoy all the benefits of a Raptor liner without spending a lot of money by applying it yourself. In the past, such a project would be next to impossible.
These days, however, there are a lot of resources online that can equip you with the relevant knowledge needed. Below is a guide on installing a Raptor liner on your car and minimizing the costs of hiring an expert to do it.
Step 1 – Gather the Necessary Materials
The first thing that you will need is a Raptor liner kit. You can always buy the Raptor liner by itself. But the kit comes in handy because it comes with scuff pads and a spray gun which all come in very handy.
The other requirement is an orbital sander. It’s a tool that is widely available in most homes. If you don’t own one, you can always rent one.
Next, you will need an air compressor. You can easily rent a basic model. Once you have gathered the above, you can start working on installing the Raptor liner.
Step 2 – Surface Preparation
Like paint, the Raptor liner will need a rough surface to stick on. However, it will require a much rougher surface, and that’s where an orbital sander comes in.
Inside your kit, you will find scuff pads to help you rough up the surface. It may be hectic, but it’s a crucial tape.
Step 3 – Masking Tape
Even if you are painting the entire car, some parts will need to be covered. Some masking tape should cover such parts. Take the time to ensure these parts are well covered so that you can create a fine finish.
Step 4 – Spray Away
When you look at the tools on your table, you will see that the spray gun connects to the top of the Raptor liner bottle. And beneath it, there is a part that connects with the air compressor.
Assemble your setup and spray away. Unlike paint, the Raptor liner will have a rough finish. Don’t think that you have made a mistake.
Always use a manageable pressure of around 50 PSI. Spraying the Raptor liner is easy because it doesn’t bead up. You can put on at least two coats.
After you are done with the second coat, you should let the Raptor liner dry out. As you apply this product, you must wear protective gear.
In the kit, there is a paper mask that should be worn to avoid inhaling the contents of the Raptor liner. Using this method, you will have installed a Raptor liner in your car without using a lot of money.