Qwik Spray vs High Pressure Spray for Truck Bedliner: Which to Use?

VFI offers several products to accommodate the application of spray-on truck bedliner. The two methods most utilized are Qwik Spray and high-pressure. These types of spray equipment are vastly different from each other, so do you know which is best for your autobody shop?

Cartridges are an inexpensive way to enter the bedliner industry, especially if you’re only planning on spraying at lower volumes or providing patch repairs.

High pressure bedliner is better for autobody shops spraying consistently at mid to high volumes. This is more so due to the upkeep associated with the equipment.

VFI has put together this guide to help bedliner applicators weigh the pros and cons of these polyurea hybrid products and the associated spray equipment.

Note: You will need a designated spray booth for proper ventilation. Always wear personal protective equipment, such as an approved respirator, when spraying.

Qwik Spray Gun & Requirements

The recommended applicator for this spray method is the VFI-7500 Qwik Spray Gun with GS-15 Static Mix Tips. Cartridge-based equipment like this utilizes air to atomize the material. Air compressor requirements to run the Qwik Spray Gun are dry air capable of supplying 10 cubic feet per minute (CFM) at 100 pounds per square inch (PSI) minimum.

The trigger on the Qwik Spray Gun uses a continuous flow and should not be stopped once pressed. If you stop, the material will cure in the static mix tip, and you’ll have to swap tips before restarting.

VFI’s cartridge-based bedliner is VFI-544 Qwik Spray Bedliner.

High Pressure Spray Rigs & Requirements

Recommended rigs for this spray method are plural component Graco air, electric, or hydraulic sprayers that can accommodate temperature and pressure recommendations. High pressure rigs utilize heat and pressure to produce a fine, even texture. The equipment should be able to provide a minimum of 2,000 psi of constant pressure at 150-155°F.

High pressure guns have a controlled trigger, which can be released during application. You do not need to spray constantly, as the material mixes right before it leaves the spray gun.

VFI’s high pressure bedliner is VFI-542 High Pressure Spray Bedliner.

Qwik Spray vs High Pressure Material Properties

Properties	High Pressure (VFI-542)	Qwik Spray (VFI-544)
Hardness Shore D	57 D	40 D
Tensile Strength	2,410 psi	2,182 psi
Elongation	80%	110%
Tear Strength	241 pli	187 pli
Yield Strength	12,987 psi	551 psi
Gel Time	4 seconds	4 seconds
Tack Free	28 seconds	28 seconds
Recoat Time	2 hours	4 hours

Cartridge-Based Spraying Advantages

1. Portable

As long as you have an adequate air compressor and the lightweight applicator, you should be able to take your bedliner on the go if you don’t plan to only spray at your shop. High-pressure equipment is heavy, and most rigs can’t be transported easily, so cartridges are a great alternative. Note: Portability will also depend on the size of your air compressor.

2. Cost-Effective for Limited Spraying

If you’re looking to have bedliner application as an additional service to your autobody shop, you’ll probably be more interested in Qwik Spray equipment. It’s a great addition to your offerings if you’ll only be spraying a few truck beds per month.

The initial startup costs of the Qwik Spray Gun are much lower than if you were to work with a high-pressure rig. While the material might cost more, you won’t have to justify the equipment costs if you’re not spraying consistently. Typically, a single case (6 cartridges) covers an entire truck bed.

This spray method also reduces labor costs because there’s less setup and cleanup. With the two components already pre-measured in the cartridges, you don’t have to worry about pre-mixing materials, checking for correct mix ratios, etc. All you need to do is make sure the rest of the truck is taped up and covered to protect it from overspray.

If your spray load increases substantially, you may then consider upgrading to high pressure equipment to save on material costs. A cartridge kit is just under a gallon of material and is more expensive than purchasing gallons or drums.

3. Limited Training Needed

Before cartridge-based bedliners were created, you had to have specialized training and knowledge to use high pressure machines effectively. Now, the material is more accessible with this user-friendly application method.

VFI’s Qwik Spray applicator is easy to use from start to finish, with minimal training necessary. We even offer a guide with pictures on how to use the Qwik Spray System. With a built-in airflow regulator, you’re also able to easily adjust the flow and pattern you desire while spraying.

Note: New bedliner applicators will need to practice to achieve a consistent, textured finish.

4. Reduced Equipment Maintenance & Easier Cleanup

With the Qwik Spray applicator, you have few replacement parts to worry about if the gun breaks down. It has no hoses, fittings, pumps, or other expensive machine parts like a high-pressure system has.

Disposable cartridges and static mix tips also make cleanup much easier. You don’t have to worry about flushing spray lines with solvents or doing regular maintenance on your rig to prevent downtime. If you’re not constantly spraying or cleaning the machine enough, old material can clog up the lines as well.

5. Improved Non-Slip Protection

The VFI-544 Qwik Spray Bedliner is a bit softer than its high-pressure counterpart, which gives it a bit more grip. Because cartridge-based bedliners spray at a lower pressure, a less fine texture is produced, which creates a better skid- and slip-resistant surface. If you need the bedliner to have these features, the Qwik Spray Gun might be a better option.

High Pressure Spraying Advantages

1. Best for High Project Volume

If your autobody shop has enough business where you’ll be spraying truck beds consistently, high pressure is more cost-effective in the long run. It has a higher initial investment due to equipment costs, but high-volume spraying should help you make that back quickly. Drums and tote prices are typically more affordable due to the way the material is packaged vs cartridges.

High pressure equipment also has to be used regularly for maintenance purposes. If you’re spraying almost every day or a few times a week, you shouldn’t have to worry. If you do not have plans to use your high-pressure rig for an extended period, make sure to flush the lines to prevent bedliner buildup.

2. Allows for Versatile Material Options & Applications

Premium bedliner options like polyurea coatings are available for high pressure spray equipment. The VFI-200, VFI-201, or VFI-202 50 D Polyurea Coatings are recommended if you want a higher-end bedliner. However, polyurea hybrid coatings work just as well and can be sprayed in a high pressure and cartridge format.

You’re also not limited to spraying truck beds. If you need to make the cost of the equipment worth your while, you can spray different parts of the vehicle or other recreational vehicles like ATVs, boats, side-by-sides, and even utility trailers, ramps, work trucks, etc. We’ve also provided these products to users with vastly different applications like tank pads, table edging, and speaker boxes.

3. Better Control When Spraying

Because you don’t need to constantly hold onto the trigger while spraying, you can control how and where you spray. This makes it easier to get a consistent thickness across the board, as well as a desirable, uniform texture for the final finish.

High-pressure creates a very fine texture, which is much nicer than some low-pressure options. Because cartridge-based coatings utilize lower pressure and no heat, they produce a less fine texture. If texture matters, this may be something to consider when choosing equipment and materials.

You’ll also save material with high pressure because you can stop at any time once you’ve completely coated the truck bed and reached a desirable thickness. The spray equipment only mixes what you need, so you can store leftover material with a nitrogen purge once you’re finished. Most truck beds utilize 2-3 gallons of material, depending on the size of the truck.

4. Higher durability

Because the VFI-542 High Pressure Bedliner has higher tensile and tear strength as well as higher hardness, it is more resistant to physical damage, wear, and tear. This makes it durable and reduces the amount of chips, scratches, and dents over time. It is also less susceptible to the effects of temperature changes.

5. Good for On-Site Spraying

For the most part, bedliner is typically sprayed in a consistent location. There’s not usually a reason to go somewhere else to spray unless that’s a service you would like to offer. So, if portability isn’t desirable to you, look into a high pressure rig.

Regardless of the equipment you choose, both coatings provide similar, durable protection for truck beds.

Contact VFI if you need further assistance choosing the right bedliner and equipment. We also have a separate low-pressure version, primer, and UV-stable top coat to round out your line.