How To Repair Truck Bed Rust With ArmorThane

Remove

Start by removing the rust using a wire wheel mounted on the angle grinder. Then, work your way up to the rusty region and in the paint to ensure that no rust is hidden beneath the paint.

Then, make use of a sanding disk on your angle grinder. Smooth the rough surface. Finally, you can blend the repaired area into its surrounding paint. Start with a grit of 80 and then gradually move upwards to 400grit. The process of fusing the paint is a bit difficult but not necessary should you opt to opt for using a bedliner in place of paint (which we will discuss below).

Clean

If you’re using a chemical rust removal agent, use it before cleaning your truck’s bed or following the manufacturer’s recommendations. When the bed is free of rust, it is necessary to thoroughly wash it using water and soap, followed by an agent to remove the grease. Then, thoroughly dry the area before proceeding.

Paint

One of the toughest things to do to repair rust in the bed of your truck is to make the repaired area blend in with the original paint. This isn’t a problem when it’s a beater farm vehicle. However, your everyday driver has a different story. If you regularly drive an older farm vehicle, then good for you. The most effective way to incorporate the rust repair zone in the original finish is to paint the entire bed. However, if you find this too difficult, keep looking.

The auto parts shop in your area will assist in finding the appropriate paint or primer that is suitable for the vehicle. Inform them that you’re fixing the bed of your truck that is rusty, as there are specific primers designed for such projects. Each automobile paint differs, and you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the most effective outcomes.

Apply primer and paint when it is cured. It would help if you allowed enough time and the perfect weather conditions. You may require several coats; certain paints need a couple of hours between coats before applying another. Cover up areas surrounding the repair area to avoid overspray.

Another option is to cover the entire bed with an ArmorThane bedliner. It covers the repair area and provides protection for the whole bed against dings and scratches that could result in rust within a short period of time.