Utes have achieved a level of popularity never imagined when Ford built the first unit in Australia in 1934. Keeping a work vehicle looking sharp is tough when it spends its weekdays humping tools and machinery to work sites and having all kinds of abrasive materials loaded in the tray.
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Even on weekends a ute is likely to be hauling trail bikes, camping gear and even rubbish for a quick run to the tip. A ute floor gets quite a beating, and if it’s not cared for, the devaluation of an otherwise sound vehicle can considerable, not to mention the heartbeaking effect it can have a good ute’s appearance.
There’s a product that can put a stop to all that.
Herculiner
Herculiner is a two-component bed-liner that prevents rust and is resistant to petrol, oils, solvents and other chemicals. It has high scratch resistance, adhesion, impact resistance and chemical and skid resistance, andprovides a non-slip coating with a textured, tough, durable layer that won’t chip, flake or peel.
Herculiner’s proprietary solvent-based formula adheres better to surfaces than water-based products, and it can bond to virtually any surface or material: metal, concrete, aluminium, asphalt, rubber, fibreglass, and plastics including PVC. It even adheres to itself, so it can easily be repaired with additional applications.
Get it on
Herculiner can be applied with a brush, roller or spray compressor, and the application process begins with cleaning the surface of all dirt and grime and masking off areas to be painted. All paint areas must be scuffed to remove gloss and the surfaces wiped down with Xylene (Xylol), Acetone or MEK solution.
The Herculiner parts must be thoroughly mixed before use and during application so the rubber particles remain suspended and to ensure an even application.
A light first topcoat acts as a primer, then, after about four hours when the product is dry to the touch a second coat is applied. After 24 hours of curing it’s ready for light use, and after three to five days it’s in good shape to protect the ute floor from the heavy knocks and scrapes of a solid work day.