Grand Cherokee [“ZJ”] Project

Click on boxes below to view different phases of the build.

Components needed:

5-6 cans of Spray-On Bedliner. Available at most hardware stores, Walmart, or online.

Newspaper, large plastic bags (55 gallon drum size or similar), and masking tape to cover overspray areas.

2-4 hours of time

STEP 1 - Prep Plastics: You’ll want to make sure the vehicle is clean before this install. Any dirt or dust left could cause the spray to not stick as well or peel of later. Give the vehicle a good wash and scrub down plastics with a washcloth. Rinse down and allow to fully dry. Because the bedliner is inherently very sticky, you won’t need to sand the plastic panels before painting.

STEP 2 - Prep for painting: Take some time to cover ANY overspray areas. Use newspaper, plastic, and tape to cover the doors and other sensitive areas. We found completely removing the front bumper was the easiest method for painting. You could also remove the side panels and rear bumper if you feel ambitious, however we left those on the vehicle for painting. For the wheels, simply use a large garbage bag to sit over the wheels. Remember, if you spend a lot of time prepping correctly, it can save a lot of ugly overspray and work later.

STEP 3 - Paint!: This is pretty self-explanatory. Make sure the bedliner cans are well shaken. The spray is very thick and will likely settle in the can quickly. Also keep an eye on the spray nozzle as junk can build up in it. Hold the can about 8-10” away from the plastics and apply a steady but even coat. The bedliner goes on thick and can quickly run if sprayed for too long.

STEP 4 - Allow to dry: It is important to make sure the first coat is dry before attempting the second coat. If you plan it right, you can spray around the entire vehicle in a clockwise direction and be back to where you started close to an hour later.

STEP 5 - Respray: Repeat step 3, taking care to ensure even sprays. The second coat is your opportunity to finalize the look. Make sure all areas are coated well. We found two coats to be plenty. Two coats all the way around took about 5 cans which isn’t bad considering.

STEP 6 - Allow to dry and enjoy: Allow 24 hours for a complete dry before exposing the bedliner to extreme weather, dust, or mud. The bedliner gives your vehicle a unique and sort of “new” look. After a whole year of having it on our Jeep, we have zero complaints. The bedliner is very durable. We’ve been through rain, snow, mud, and LOTS of sun and the spray hasn’t faded or chipped one bit. It is easy to clean and has a nice textured finish. I would definitely use the spray again!

Helpful tips: 

• Don’t spray in extreme cold or heat.

• Don’t spray when it is windy.

• Use quick and short spray strokes when painting. The bedliner is thick and can easily run if you spray too much.

• Use masking tape and newspapers to cover the doors, door jams, and mirrors. They remove easily and keep you from overspraying.