How to make the bed look good?

I've got a 2011 Tacoma that I believe has a composite bed. (I understand that is what they come with?) I've been looking all over for the answer to these questions without much luck. Sorry if these are "stupid" questions, but I am trying to learn and I'm having a tough time finding the answers. I'm sure the experts here can make short work of them...

* What is the difference between composite and plastic?

* Is painting the bed with something a good way to restore a faded look? I was surprised that I was only able to find one YouTube video showing someone painting an existing bed liner. The inside of my bed is looking faded and I want to make it look something like new again.

* If so, what is the best product to use for the restoration? I want something that will last longer than a detailing product that only lasts for a few weeks.

Thanks for any help.

 

Composit is plastic. Give it a good power wash.

 

Might want to try 303 Protectant after power washing.

303 will bring out more black in faded plastic.

 

Thanks. I've seen 303 recommended, but when I was reading the product specs, it recommended reapplying it every 3-5 weeks. I was hoping for a more long lasting fix. How long does it usually last?

 

That's about how long it usually lasts for.

Maybe try a ceramic wax for a few more weeks.

Best option might be a ceramic coating from a reputable dealer in ur area.

 

Composite and plastic are 2 different things.
Composite is anything made of different thing.

Plastic is pretty much anything made of polymers.

In this instance we are talking about a Composite Plastic.
Or a plastic with added substances to make it stronger.
Like glass fibers or carbon like fibers.

 

I guess I should probably try a more aggressive pressure washer approach first. That would be a nice, simple solution if it works.

 

So yeah, it's reinforced plastic. ‍

 

don't waste your time trying any bed liners or paints or other coatings, they don't adhere well.

trying to make it look darker black? i dunno, rub some wd40 on it?

how bout just covering it up completely?

get a bed mat. you'll love/hate a bed mat. they're awesome/suck. nothing slides around back there anymore. on the other hand, nothing slides around back there anymore.

have you looked at bed covers? throw a BakFlip on it and carry on.

 

I would start with this
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Scotch-Brite-Poly-Fiber-Dish-Brush/50273201

Then use 303 if you want.

I just scrub mine down every once in awhile.
I don’t use anything on it.

 

I would also say something like 303. Longer lasting, spray in bed liner? I cheated, put a canopy on and installed a bedrug. Composite bed looks great when covered with carpet.

 

has anyone aside from @kuffer14 been able to bed-liner the thing?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/truck-painted-with-bed-liner.387804/

 

Yeah, but it’s good plastic.
I think it’s just marketing, as reinforced plastic would not go over well as a selling point.
I’ve beat on mine pretty good, it’s not “just plastic” there’s other stuff in there.
I’m not disagreeing with you man.
Just letting OP know that it’s ok to use it as a truck bed.
It won’t break that easy.

 

can confirm

 

This guy coated his with liner.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-the-composite-bed.111832/page-2#post-8124497

 

one can only imagine the ungodly amount of prep work that went in to making that stick.
please correct me if i'm wrong, i'd be interested in it.

anyone ever use "MonstaLiner"?

http://www.monstaliner.com/

 

I definitely use it as a truck bed. When things are getting messy, I just throw a cheap plastic tarp from Harbor Freight into the bottom. I just want it to look nice and shiny sometimes. On a side note, as I've been looking this stuff up over the last few minutes, I'm seeing the mention of 303 being by people at a pretty high dilution. That makes the 3-5 week thing look a little bit better.

Edit: After further review, it looks like 303 should be used full strength. I'll give this a shot after pressure washing.

 

05+ beds are a fiberglass based composite. Pressure washer and a black trim cleaner should clean it up.

 

Maybe @yota243 can let us know how it’s held up and what it takes to do it?

 

Bakflip looks great, but I don't want to drop that kind of money on it right now. I was considering a bed mat though.