I understand the application process includes sanding of the paint in the
bed so the spray will stick.
Was that your experience? If so, I figure I'll use my truck and when the
bed gets really scratched and dinged up in a few years, then I'll have the
Line-X or similar put on.


Here's a link that describes the process:

http://www.line-x.ca/linex/process.html

Yes, it does look like the paint is scuffed to aid in adhesion. Your
approach is certainly a valid one. On the other hand, there are advantages
to doing it right away. Aesthetically, you don't have to live with the bed
of your truck looking ever more worse for wear as time goes by until you get
the job done. My first truck's bed looked like it did the day it was
sprayed on when I traded it five years later. The spray-in liner is a
natural sealant against rust. Spray it early and you can seal the bed
before any rust forms. I would think that would be a fairly big deal in
your part of the country. Also, the liner gives some traction to things in
the bed, so they are less likely to slide around. This stuff is pretty
tough and thick, and while I don't think it is an absolute shield against
dents in the bed, I do believe it adds a very significant resistance to
dents forming. Food for thought.

These guys do a very thorough and meticulous job. Notice in the picture
below how they remove fastening hardware before spraying and then replace it
afterward, as opposed to just spraying over it. Just the way you would want
it done

http://www2.line-x.com/ns/PhotoGallery.html?now=8499

Russ