One of the most common questions we get: "I found the right bed but it's the wrong color — can you repaint it?" The answer is yes. Repainting is a core part of what we do at American Truck Beds, and understanding the process helps you make a smarter decision when ordering.
Why Repainting Matters
OEM factory beds come in whatever color that truck was originally painted. If your truck is white and the only available bed in the right year and model is red — you have two choices: wait and hope a white one shows up, or buy the red bed and repaint it. For most customers, repainting is faster and often still cheaper than waiting for the perfect match to appear naturally.
Factory Color Match
Every truck manufacturer uses paint codes to identify exact factory colors. With your truck's paint code (usually found on a sticker inside the driver door jamb), we can mix paint to match the factory color within very close tolerance. The result looks factory-correct and matches your existing panels well — especially important if the bed will sit next to cab panels that are still original paint.
- Provide your truck's paint code (7-character code on door sticker)
- Or just tell us year, make, model, and color name
- We source the matching paint formula and apply it
- Note: older trucks with faded factory paint may not match perfectly without blending
Custom Color Orders
Want something non-factory? We do custom colors too. Matte black, gloss black, flat gray, two-tone — if you can describe it or show us a reference, we can mix it. Custom colors are popular for trucks being used for work or builds where matching the factory color isn't the priority.
What the Process Looks Like
- Surface prep: We clean, degrease, sand, and prime the bed before any color goes on. This is what separates a paint job that lasts from one that peels.
- Priming: Self-etching primer or epoxy primer depending on the metal condition. Rust spots are treated before priming.
- Color coat: Applied in multiple coats with dry time between each.
- Clear coat: Protective clear is applied for gloss finishes. Matte/satin orders skip the clear or use a flat clear.
- Cure time: Allow 24–48 hours before the bed is ready to install or ship.
Pre-Painted Beds in Stock
We also maintain inventory of pre-painted beds — primarily white and black — since those are the most requested colors. If you need a white or black bed fast, check our current Facebook inventory first. Pre-painted beds ship faster since no paint work is needed.
How to Order a Repaint
When you reach out, tell us:
- The bed you want (make, model, year, size)
- Your desired color (factory code or description)
- Whether you want gloss or matte finish
- Your timeline and whether you need shipping arranged