Black vs Tintable Truck Bed Liners: Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing between a black vs tintable truck bed liner often comes down to color preference and coverage needs. Both products are spray-on urethane liners from Custom Shop, offering abrasion resistance and waterproof protection. They share identical application methods and protective features against rust and corrosion. The main difference lies in the finish and kit size. You get a pre-colored black option or a customizable tintable base. This guide compares their specs to help you decide which fits your truck bed best.
Key differences
| Aspect | Custom Shop U-POL Raptor 6 Quart Black Urethane | Custom Shop U-Pol Raptor Tintable 4 Quart Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Black | Tintable |
| Kit Size | 6 Quart Kit | 4 Quart Kit |
| Material | Urethane | Urethane |
| Installation Type | Spray-on | Spray-on |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Custom Shop U-POL Raptor 6 Quart Black Urethane if
- You want a ready-to-use black finish without mixing pigments.
- You need more material to cover a larger truck bed area.
- You prefer a pre-colored urethane liner that is abrasion resistant.
Choose Custom Shop U-Pol Raptor Tintable 4 Quart Kit if
- You plan to mix your own color to match your vehicle.
- You are covering a smaller bed area with a 4 quart kit.
- You want the flexibility to customize the liner's appearance.
Verdict: The black liner is the better choice if you need extra coverage for a larger bed and want a finished look immediately. The tintable liner suits you if you want to customize the color and have a smaller bed to cover. Both provide the same durable, spray-on urethane protection.
Black vs Tintable Bed Liner Specs
Finish and Color
The Custom Shop U-POL Raptor 6 Quart Black Urethane arrives with a pre-mixed black finish. You apply it as-is for a uniform dark look that hides dirt well. The Custom Shop U-Pol Raptor Tintable 4 Quart Kit offers a blank canvas. You mix your own colorants into the urethane base before spraying. This allows you to match your truck’s paint or choose a custom shade. If you want a specific color match, the tintable option gives you control. If you prefer a standard black without mixing, the black kit is ready to use.
Coverage Volume
Coverage is a key difference between these two kits. The black liner comes in a 6 Quart kit. This larger volume covers more surface area, which is helpful for larger truck beds or multiple applications. The tintable liner is packaged in a 4 Quart kit. This smaller volume covers less area. If you have a standard bed, the 4 Quart kit might suffice. For larger beds or if you plan to cover more than just the bed floor, the 6 Quart black kit provides more material. You need to calculate your bed’s square footage to decide which size is sufficient.
Material Composition
Both products use the same urethane material. This base material is known for being flexible and durable. It resists abrasion and stains, protecting your truck bed from scratches and spills. The material also helps deaden sound and vibrations when you load items. Since the chemical composition is identical, the protective qualities are the same. You get rust, corrosion, and salt damp protection from either option. The only difference is the color additive, which does not change the material's strength or flexibility.
Application Method
Both liners require spray-on installation using a spray gun. The black kit includes a Custom Coat Bedliner Spray Gun with an adjustable nozzle, regulator, and gauge. The tintable kit includes the exact same spray gun setup. You must add a hardener, shake the mixture, and then spray it onto the bed. The tintable version adds one step: you tint the base before adding the hardener. The physical application process and tools are identical. You need the same equipment and technique for both products.
Protective Features
Both products offer waterproof protection and abrasion resistance. They shield your truck bed from rust, corrosion, salt, dampness, and extreme temperatures. The urethane coating is flexible, which prevents cracking when the bed expands or contracts with temperature changes. These protective features are built into the urethane base material. Since both kits use the same base, they provide the same level of protection. You do not lose any protective capability by choosing the tintable option over the black one.
Which bed liner fits your truck best
You want maximum coverage in one kit
The 6 Quart Black Urethane kit provides more material for larger truck beds. You get a pre-mixed black finish that requires no tinting steps. The spray gun and regulator are included. This option covers more surface area per box, making it practical for standard beds without needing multiple purchases.
You prefer custom color matching
The tintable finish allows you to mix your own color to match your vehicle. You add tint before the hardener, then spray. This flexibility ensures the bed liner blends with your truck's exterior. The urethane material offers abrasion resistance and waterproof protection for long-term durability on your truck bed.
You need rust and corrosion protection
Both liners protect against rust, corrosion, and salt damp. The black urethane coating provides a thick, flexible layer that deadens sound and vibrations. You spray it on for a durable, stain-resistant surface. This finish hides dirt well and withstands extreme temperatures, keeping your truck bed safe from daily wear.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Custom Shop U-POL Raptor 6 Quart Black Urethane | durable black urethane protection with spray kit | Check price of Custom Shop U-POL Raptor 6 Quart Black Urethane on Amazon |
| 2 | Custom Shop U-Pol Raptor Tintable 4 Quart Kit | Custom color spray-on bed protection | Check price of Custom Shop U-Pol Raptor Tintable 4 Quart Kit on Amazon |
The products compared
Custom Shop U-POL Raptor 6 Quart Black Urethane
Best for: durable black urethane protection with spray kit
- Finish
- Black (what this guide is about)
- Bed Liner Type
- Spray-on
- Material
- Urethane
- Coverage
- 6 Quart Kit
- Installation
- Spray-on
- Features
- Waterproof, flexible, abrasion resistant
View on Amazon: Custom Shop U-POL Raptor 6 Quart Black Urethane Affiliate link
This Custom Shop kit delivers a durable black urethane spray-on bed liner. The 6-quart size covers standard truck beds. It includes a spray gun with a regulator for even application. The flexible coating resists abrasion, stains, rust, and extreme temperatures. It also dampens sound and vibrations. You get a waterproof finish that protects your truck bed from daily wear and environmental damage.
Pros
- Black urethane finish for a solid protective layer
- 6-quart kit provides ample material for coverage
- Includes spray gun with adjustable nozzle and regulator
- Flexible coating reduces noise and vibration
- Resistant to abrasion, stains, and rust corrosion
Cons
- Fixed black color lacks customization options
- Spray-on application requires careful technique
- No tintable variant in this specific kit
Good fit if
- You want a permanent, durable black bed liner
- You prefer a professional-grade urethane finish
- You need a kit with included spray equipment
Skip if
- You prefer a tintable finish for custom coloring
- You want a pre-formed or roll-on liner
- You need a quick peel-and-stick solution
Verdict: Custom Shop U-Pol Raptor Black Urethane Liner suits buyers who need a tough, black protective coating and are comfortable with spray application. It is ideal for those prioritizing abrasion resistance and sound dampening over color flexibility.
Custom Shop U-Pol Raptor Tintable 4 Quart Kit
Best for: Custom color spray-on bed protection
- Finish
- Tintable (what this guide is about)
- Bed Liner Type
- Spray-on
- Material
- Urethane
- Coverage
- 4 Quart Kit
- Installation
- Spray-on
- Features
- Waterproof, flexible, abrasion resistant
View on Amazon: Custom Shop U-Pol Raptor Tintable 4 Quart Kit Affiliate link
This spray-on urethane liner offers a tintable finish, letting you mix your own color. The 4-quart kit includes a spray gun with an adjustable nozzle, regulator, and gauge. It is abrasion and stain resistant, waterproof, and flexible. The material protects against rust, corrosion, and extreme temperatures while dampening sound and vibrations. You get a durable, customizable bed surface without needing professional equipment.
Pros
- Tintable urethane finish for custom color matching
- Includes spray gun with adjustable nozzle and regulator
- Abrasion and stain resistant
- Waterproof and flexible construction
Cons
- Requires mixing hardener and shaking before application
- 4-quart kit covers less area than larger options
- Spray-on installation demands more effort than drop-in liners
Good fit if
- You want to match your truck's exterior color
- You prefer a spray-on application for full coverage
- You need abrasion resistance for heavy cargo
Skip if
- You want a pre-colored black finish without mixing
- You prefer a quick drop-in installation
- You need coverage for a very large bed with one kit
Verdict: Custom Shop U-Pol Raptor Tintable Bed Liner Kit suits buyers who want a custom color and durable, spray-on protection. It delivers a flexible, abrasion-resistant surface for those willing to mix and apply the urethane themselves.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Custom Shop U-POL Raptor 6 Quart Black Urethane | Custom Shop U-Pol Raptor Tintable 4 Quart Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Bed Liner Type | Spray-on | Spray-on |
| Material | Urethane | Urethane |
| Coverage | 6 Quart Kit | 4 Quart Kit |
| Installation | Spray-on | Spray-on |
| Finish | Black | Tintable |
| Features | Waterproof, flexible, abrasion resistant | Waterproof, flexible, abrasion resistant |
| Kit Contents | Bed liner kit, spray gun with regulator | Bed liner kit, spray gun with regulator |
| Size | 6 Quart Kit | 4 Quart Kit |
| Color | Black | Tintable |
| Model | not stated | 5841743442 |
Frequently asked questions
Can you tint a black truck bed liner?
No, you cannot tint a black liner. The Custom Shop U-POL Raptor 6 Quart Black Urethane comes with a pre-mixed black finish. It is designed to be applied as-is. You cannot add color pigments to this specific kit. If you want a custom color, you must choose a tintable product instead.
What is the difference between black and tintable bed liners?
The main difference is color flexibility. The black liner offers a uniform dark look right out of the box. The tintable liner allows you to mix in your own colorants. Both are urethane-based and provide abrasion resistance. You choose black for simplicity or tintable for customization.
Which kit covers more area, black or tintable?
The black kit covers more area. The Custom Shop U-POL Raptor 6 Quart Black Urethane includes 6 quarts of material. The tintable version comes in a 4 Quart Kit. The larger volume in the black kit provides more coverage for larger truck beds without needing additional purchases.
Do both liners require spraying?
Yes, both products require spray application. The data indicates both are spray-on urethane liners. You need to use a spray gun and regulator to apply them. Neither product is a roll-on or brush-on option. Proper spray equipment is necessary for both the black and tintable versions.
Is the tintable liner durable like the black one?
Yes, the tintable liner is equally durable. Both products are made from urethane material. They offer abrasion resistance and flexible protection. The tintable kit delivers a surface that resists wear just like the black version. The durability comes from the urethane base, not the color option.
Can I use tintable liner for a black finish?
Yes, you can use the tintable liner for a black finish. The Custom Shop U-Pol Raptor Tintable 4 Quart Kit allows you to mix pigments. You can add black colorant to achieve a standard black look. This gives you control over the final shade while using the tintable product.