U-POL Raptor Liner
What is U-POL Raptor?
U-POL Raptor is a tough and versatile protective coating designed to provide a durable textured finish on correctly prepared surfaces.
It is resistant to scratches, mechanical damage, fuels, hydraulic oils, salt water, damp and many of the harsh conditions encountered by working, off-road and expedition vehicles.
Raptor is particularly popular for Land Rover restorations and working vehicles where a tougher, more practical surface is preferred to a conventional smooth automotive paint finish.
Popular Land Rover and 4x4 applications
A durable textured finish
Raptor can be applied in finishes ranging from relatively fine and smooth through to a much coarser, heavily textured surface.
The final appearance depends on the application method, gun pressure, spraying distance, thickness of each coat and the number of coats applied.
A textured finish can help disguise minor surface imperfections, but it should not be used to hide rust, loose paint, damage or poor preparation.
Choosing the right Raptor product
Black Raptor
Black Raptor is suitable for customers wanting the familiar black textured finish. It is commonly used for wheel arches, floors, load areas, bumpers and complete vehicle projects.
Tintable Raptor
Tintable Raptor can be coloured by adding up to 100 ml per litre of a suitable solvent-based automotive paint, allowing the finish to complement or closely match the vehicle.
Smaller kits and aerosols
Smaller kits and aerosols can be useful for individual components, repairs and touch-ups where a full four-bottle kit would provide more material than required.
Surface preparation
Correct preparation is essential. Raptor will only adhere properly when the underlying surface is clean, dry, sound and prepared for the coating.
Clean and degrease
Remove dirt, grease, wax, oil and other contamination. After sanding, clean the surface with a suitable degreaser and ensure it is completely dry and free from dust.
Remove loose material
Rust, flaking paint and poorly bonded coatings must be removed. Existing sound paint should be thoroughly keyed before Raptor is applied.
Prime where required
Bare metal and other exposed surfaces may require a suitable two-part polyurethane, epoxy or etch primer. Follow the primer manufacturer’s preparation and drying instructions.
Mask carefully
Protect adjacent paintwork, trim, glass, threads and fixings from overspray. Textured coatings can be difficult to remove after they have cured.
Check paint and primer compatibility
The existing guidance states that Raptor should be applied over a compatible two-part coating, such as a suitable primer, clearcoat or solid colour, and that it is not compatible with water-based paint.
Product instructions and formulations can change, so always read the current technical and safety information supplied with the Raptor product, primer and colour before mixing or applying them.
Spray application
Raptor bottles can be applied using a suitable Schutz-type underbody gun. Air pressure, spraying distance and material thickness all affect the final texture.
Roller application
A suitable textured roller is useful where spray equipment is unavailable or overspray must be avoided. The roller type and amount of material will affect the finish.
Brush application
Raptor can also be brushed onto suitable areas and components. Brush marks and texture will vary, so test the method before coating a visible panel.
Controlling the texture
Finer finish
Apply several thinner coats and allow suitable flash-off time between them. A finer coating normally dries and hardens more quickly.
Coarser finish
Heavier coats can create a more pronounced texture, but they use more material and require care to avoid runs, sags and extended curing times.
Always test the chosen application method on a spare panel or hidden area before coating a complete vehicle.
Approximate coverage
Coverage varies according to the application method, surface shape and texture required.
One coat: approximately 2.5–7.5 m² per litre.
Two coats: approximately 2–4 m² per litre.
Allow enough material
A coarse finish uses more material than a fine finish. Complex shapes, uneven surfaces, overspray and test applications also reduce the area that can be covered.
Allow additional material rather than calculating the requirement from the maximum quoted coverage, particularly for a complete body, interior or pickup load area.
Drying and curing
Drying times vary according to temperature, airflow, coat thickness and application method. At approximately 20°C, the existing guidance states that the coating may become touch dry in less than one hour.
Light use may require approximately two to three days, while a thorough cure may take approximately five to seven days. Thick coats, low temperatures and poor airflow can extend these times.
Avoid loading the surface, refitting trim, washing the vehicle or exposing the coating to harsh use until it has cured sufficiently. Always follow the current product instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
Frequently asked questions
Can Raptor be used to paint a complete Land Rover?
Yes. Raptor is often used for complete Land Rover and 4x4 projects. Preparation and application must be consistent across every panel to avoid obvious changes in texture.
Can Raptor be applied over existing paint?
It can be applied over a sound and compatible existing coating after the surface has been cleaned, sanded and prepared correctly. Loose, damaged or poorly bonded paint must be removed.
Does Raptor stop existing rust?
No. Raptor should not be used to cover untreated corrosion. Existing rust must be removed or correctly treated and the surface properly primed before the coating is applied.
Can Raptor be applied without a spray gun?
Yes. Depending on the product and the required finish, Raptor can be applied by roller or brush as well as with suitable spray equipment.
Is tintable Raptor already coloured?
No. Tintable Raptor is designed to have a suitable solvent-based automotive colour added before application. Check the current mixing instructions before use.
Shop U-POL Raptor products
Browse our current range of Raptor coatings, kits, aerosols, applicators and accessories for Land Rover and 4x4 projects.
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