First time building my bed out, using lots of inspiration from the folks on this forum. Wondered if the more seasoned camper buildout folks could advise on the best finish for plywood for a blacked out look. ive so far researched black paint with spar urethane or to go with herculiner. Want something that is easy to brush and clean. Appreciate anyone’s thoughts on this.
I went marine grade carpet on mine as i do use the bed for “couch” mode and it’s more comfortable than stained or painted wood even sanded
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I would use a professionally applied bedliner over 1/2” or thicker Baltic birch plywood. Do it after making all the holes, if you plan to add slides or other fixed storage. It will be waterproof and easy to retouch if it gets damaged, which is unlikely if done correctly. The aerosol bed liners are not good.
Carpet is way more comfy to the knees, but you will need a battery powered portable vac to keep it tidy looking when camping. If you are not going to bolt stuff through it, forget the wood and just get a Bedrug. It will be way lighter than a sheet of plywood.
Wood, even properly protected on all sides, will always be at risk for water damage underneath, where the finish wears against the truck bed. You cannot stop that from happening. Don’t use it unless you take it out regularly AND your bed and tailgate are well sealed…
Unfortunately Baltic Birch comes in 5’ x 5’ sheets, so a single one may be too short for your bed. In that case you will have to pick a regular 4x8 sheet and skimp on the side coverage. 5 x 8 plywood is a specialty item that might be hard to locate… and it will be pricy. Unless you are a master woodworker, don’t even think about joining sheets.
https://www.epoxyworks.com/index.php/joining-plywood-2/
Have you thought about a Decked system with a scrap of carpet thrown on top? That would be my approach.
John Davies
Spokane WA
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I just used off the shelf stain. I’ve stained my decking once with clear and haven’t touched it since 5 years later 
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I used Glidden porch/floor paint on the plywood floor in my Colorado. It is abrasion and water resistant made to take foot traffic and weather. It dries smooth and hard, easy to sweep clean. Two coats fill in all the wood grain. Dark brown is the darkest they have that I could find. Brush clean up with water and low VOC so it doesn’t have any lingering smell. Costs about $32 a gallon; will cover about 250 sq. ft.
Thanks for the recommendation, did you seal the plywood before applying this paint?
I used Raptor liner and their schutz gun. I have no spraying experince and the product and ease of application far exceeded my expecations. I sprayed it on a custom set of drawers I built. 4 years later it still looks awesome.
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