How Do You Refinish a Wood Truck Bed?

Wood truck beds bring a classic look and sturdiness to a pickup, but they need regular attention to keep them looking good. Refinishing a wood truck bed is no small task, but with the right supplies, tools, and know-how, the job can be completed in a few hours.

First, you will need to remove any existing paint or stain from the wood. This can be done by sanding with an orbital sander or hand sanding with 120 grit sandpaper.

Always wear safety glasses and dust mask when sanding for protection against flying particles. After the wood is completely stripped, it should be washed down with a hose or pressure washer to remove any remaining dirt, dust, or debris.

Once the bed is clean and dry, you will need to apply a coat of primer before staining or painting. Primer helps provide better adhesion for the finish coat and it also helps protect against moisture damage. Make sure all nooks and crannies are covered during this step.

For staining, use an outdoor-grade stain that contains a UV protectant. Apply two coats of stain using a brush or rag, making sure to get into all of the grooves in the wood. Allow at least 12 hours between coats to ensure proper drying time.

For painting, use an exterior-grade paint that contains a UV protectant and is formulated for outdoor use (e.g., enamel paint). Start by applying two coats of primer before moving on to two coats of paint using a roller or brush. Allow each coat at least 8 hours of drying time before applying additional coats.

Once the coating has been applied and allowed adequate time to dry (at least 24 hours), you can apply several coats of polyurethane sealer for added protection from water damage and wear-and-tear. Make sure to apply thin even coats using either a brush or roller.

Refinishing your wood truck bed is not an easy task but with patience and attention to detail you can make your truck look like new again! Take your time throughout this process so that you don’t miss any steps along the way.

Conclusion:
Refinishing a wood truck bed requires some effort but with patience and dedication it can be done in just few hours! Start by removing any existing paint or stain from the wood followed by prepping it for coating either by staining or painting. Once you’ve added primer coat followed by appropriate finish coat (stain/enamel paint) let it dry completely before sealing it off with polyurethane sealer for added protection from moisture damage and wear-and-tear

Photo of author

Karen Watkins