Whether you are replacing your headliner, trying to repair a tear in the fabric or recovering that console lid with some new material it is important to know what adhesives work and which ones do their job right. Below, I break down some of the best options on the market, what makes them so special and for who.
3M Headliner and Fabric Adhesive — BEST OVERALL
Well, the answer to that is this 3M Headliner and Fabric Adhesive. This adhesive is perfect for headliners, carpets and foam materials while it provides a secure bond between heavyweight fabrics and metal surfaces. It dries clear and remains water resistant for hours, so that it can last through changes in environmental moisture levels and temperature. The spray-on application allows for a precise, even coat — there’s no danger of over-saturation. Balancing workability and efficiency, it dries in 30 to 60 minutes12.
Best Value: Tear Mender Instant Fabric and Leather Adhesive
In the market for a budget friendly-but-still-effective fix, Tear Mender is one of our top picks. This is a type of adhesive that dries almost immediately and has the ability to bond strongly with types of fabric as well as leathers. This product is resistant to water once it cures out and can be used for both indoor where outdoor applications. It can be used on several kinds of fabrics and accommodate a number of jobs without using different adhesives1;
Best Heavy Duty: Permatex Body Shop Heavy Duty Headliner Adhesive
For those jobs that need a strong adhesive though, the Permatex Body Shop Heavy Duty Headliner Adhesive will do you good.car upholstery adhesive (ad) That means you get superior toughness, with the ability to subdue both high heat and moisture. It is quite sturdy and resilient—in an automotive setting, this adhesive works well for professional restorers12.
Best All Purpose: Loctite General Performance 100 Spray Adhesive
If you’re looking for a general use adhesive that comes with automotive approval, the Loctite General Performance 100 Spray Adhesive is best suited to additional upholstery projects beyond just in the car. The universal adhesive. adheres almost any fabric or material from tile to cardboard anything except vinyl fencing wood and most metal applications including stainless steelguns, pavers and composite decking This manufacturer provides a superfast dry formula for quicker completion of your projects with a long-lasting hold designed specifically for light to medium-weight materials1.
Conclusion
When selecting an adhesive for upholstery and fine fabrics in vehicles, there can never be one clear winner due to unique needs like material type, conditions around the area where it will be applied as well as project characteristics. From heavy duty to a more general contractor glue, the options above provide you everything from automotive upholstery adhesive solutions so that there will always be something best for your Automotive Upholstery projects.
