The rhino liner is a popular product that is used to enhance the look of the truck bed. Not only does it make it look attractive, but it also ensures that it maintains the look for a longer duration once it is successfully applied. However, the liner could fade or scratch after a while. This type of situation makes many truck owners wonder whether they can touch up the rhino liner.
Can the rhino liner be touched up? It is unlikely that you want to leave the truck bed in that unattractive situation. You are free to touch up the rhino liner but there is a condition. The only condition is that you will make use of the rhino liner to touch it up. What are the processes involved in doing this? Keep reading.
Likely situations that make truck owners think about touching up the rhino liner?
You might be wondering what could have made some truck owner think about touching up the rhino liner. The truth is that if you value aesthetics, you will not want anything to happen to the look of the truck bed. Here are some of the likely issues that warrant the touching up of the rhino liner.
Stain
The types of cargo you put in the truck bed can determine how soon the rhino liner will be stained. Whenever you remove or replace a cargo, you are increasing the chance of staining the rhino liner.
For instance, if you put oily cargo there, there is a high chance that the truck bed will be stained. When this dirt has stayed on the rhino liner for a longer duration, it will affect the appearance of the truck bed.
Fading
The successful application of the rhino liner is always attractive to the truck bed. In most cases, the color will shine bright and you will desire to maintain it that way for a longer duration.
After some period of usage, depending on how you care for the liner and the type of cargo you put in the truck bed, there is a high chance that the color will fade. In this situation, many truck owners think about how they can touch up the liner.
Peeling or bubbles
Though rhino liner is not expected to peel, especially when it has been applied correctly. However, exposure to wear could make it peel or form like a bubble. If you do not resolve it quickly, it could spread to the other parts and affect the overall look of the liner.
Process of applying the rhino touch up
Are you ready for the touch-up? If yes, it is recommended that you only use rhino liner for the touch-up. Knowing the processes involved will make it hitch-free and ensure that it lasts longer on the truck bed. Below are some of the steps you can follow when you want to touch up the rhino liner.
Clear the truck bed
You cannot do anything on the truck bed except until you remove all the cargo there. You might not be able to see some of the affected locations if you do not remove the cargo. All you need to do is gently remove the cargo and take them to a safe location.
Clean the rhino liner
Before you apply the touch-up, you should first wash the existing rhino liner on the truck bed. It is recommended that you wash it with soap and water.
You can also make use of a pressure washer. Doing this will ensure that you get rid of all the dirt in the truck bed and you have a better view of where the problem is. You should then allow the bed to dry before you move to the next step.
Mask all edges
At times, the issue that needs touching up could be in a limited portion or just a few spots. In such a situation, it is recommended that you get an auto-rated masking tape and use it to mark off the edges of the affected portion.
Spray the liner
Once you have masked the areas that need the touch-up, you can then get the rhino liner and carefully spray it on the affected portion.
Depending on the size, it is recommended that you spray the liner in a circular motion. Before you stop the spraying process, you should watch out for other places in the bed that could have the same issue. There is a chance that you didn’t notice some of the spots.
Dry it
The successful touching up of the liner is not complete until the rhino liner is dry. It is recommended that you leave it for a few hours to dry thoroughly. Once you are satisfied that the liner is dry, you can then return the cargo to the truck bed.
Functions of the rhino liner
Rhino liners are popular but some truck owners, especially new owners, do not know their importance and functions. Highlighted below are some of the functions of the rhino liner.
Protect the truck bed
The truck bed wears once you put different cargo in it and you expose it to different conditions. Some of the things that could happen to the truck bed include residuals of stains from the cargo, discoloration, and many more. Therefore, when you paint the truck bed with rhino liner, you are potentially protecting the truck bed.
Enhanced look
Apart from protecting the truck bed, the application of rhino liner also ensures that the truck bed wears a new and attractive look. You can even be creative and stylish with it. You will likely get compliments from other truck owners for a good job.
Maintenance tips for rhino liner
Rhino liner received all the abuse that should have been received by the truck bed if you had not used it. You are also caring for the truck bed when you use the rhino liner.
Caring for it will also save you from the hassle of frequent touch-ups. The following are some of the things you can do to care for rhino liners.
Wash it
You would have been washing the truck bed regularly if you had not applied the rhino liner. The application of rhino liner doesn’t mean that you should not wash it.
The liner should also be washed anytime you wash the truck. You can even wash it with a pressure washer. However, make sure you do not use harsh soap for washing it to avoid discoloration.
Periodic application of conditioner
To ensure that you keep the rhino liner in good condition, it is recommended that you get a conditioner and apply it periodically on the liner. If possible, you should apply the conditioner on the liner anytime you wash it. Preferably, you can get a UV protector.
Avoid silicone-based products
In a bit to enhance the look of the liner, you could be tempted to apply different materials to it. The use of silicone-based products on the liner will reduce its ability for skid resistance. It is, therefore, recommended that you avoid such products.
Touch up
The liner could get stained, discolored, and have other issues when exposed to different conditions. Leaving it in such conditions for a longer duration will only worsen it. It is recommended that you touch up any issue you notice on the liner. The processes involved have been highlighted earlier in the article.
How do I clean the rhino liner?
There is no special skill involved in cleaning the rhino liner. You can clean it the way you would have cleaned the truck bed if you hadn’t applied the liner. All you need is a brush and auto-rated soap, with water. Below are the steps you can follow when you want to clean the liner.
Remove everything
You cannot successfully clean the rhino liner if you keep cargo in the truck bed. Before you start the cleaning process, you should move to remove everything in the truck bed and take them to a safe location.
Spray with water
This process will be easier if you have a pressure washer. In a situation where you do not, you can use a hose. Just make sure you spray the liner with water.
Use brush
With the aid of a brush, preferably a soft brush, you can begin to wash the liner. You can start with soapy water and ensure that you touch all the parts of the liner. You can then spray again with water to get rid of the soapy water.
Allow to air dry
Once you are through with the cleaning and you are satisfied that the liner is clean, you can leave it to air dry. Afterwards, you can then apply a conditioner or UV protector. You can then return the cargo into the truck bed once you are convinced that it is dry. If possible, you should clean the cargo before you return them.
Conclusion
If you need to touch up rhino liner, make sure you make use of the same product. Nevertheless, proper maintenance of the liner is important.
