Guide to using the best headliner adhesive in 2023

best headliner adhesive
Photo by Kelly Norwood, CC BY 2.0

Got an old car? You’ve probably got a headliner that’s sagging, too.

Whether you’re an advanced auto-detailer or even just a casual do-it-yourselfer, choosing the best headliner adhesive for your vehicle will make this inconvenient task quick and easy.

7 Top Rated Headliner Adhesives with Reviews

SaleBestseller No. 1
Permatex 27828 Body Shop Heavy Duty Headliner Adhesive, High-Strength Spray Adhesive, Repair Detached Or Loose Interior Parts, Dries Clear, Aerosol Can, 16.75 Oz
  • Extreme Holding Power - High Strength And High Temperature Spray Adhesive; Especially Effective In Repairing Automotive Headliners; Carpet; Trunk Linings; And More
  • Easy Application- Permatex Headliner Adhesive Is Designed For Repairing Interior Parts That Have Become Detached Or Loosened; Dries Clear For Neat Appearance
  • Resist The Elements - Permatex Headliner Adhesive Is Resistant To Extreme Weather Conditions Like Rain; Sleet; And Snow Because Of The Water-Resistant Formula
  • Professional Grade- Headliner Adhesive That Has A High Temperature Formula And Maintains High Strength At Temperatures Up To 170°F (77°C) For An Industrial Strength Hold
  • Suggested Applications - Headliners; Carpets; Trunk Linings; Inside Door Panels; And Other Interior Applications Where Material Has Become Detached Or Loose
SaleBestseller No. 2
3M Headliner & Fabric Adhesive, 18.1 oz. Aerosol Can
  • Exceptional strength bonds heavyweight automotive headliners
  • Versatile formula effectively bonds headliners to metal and plastic
  • Aerosol can dispenses a controlled, even layer on surfaces
  • Recommended for automotive headliners in vehicles
  • Formula dries in 30 to 60 minutes
Bestseller No. 3
3M 38808 Headliner and Fabric rMHrh Adhesive, 18.1 Oz (2 Pack)
  • Versatile formula effectively bonds fabric, foam and plastic to metal
  • Exceptional strength bonds heavyweight automotive materials
  • Aerosol can dispenses a controlled, even layer on surfaces
  • Recommended for headliners, carpets, and other fabrics in vehicles
Bestseller No. 4
Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive, Multipurpose and Repositionable, 14 Ounce, Clear, (Pack of 1)
  • Heavy duty - dries permanent
  • Repositionable, non-yellowing, Photo safe
  • Comfort nozzle - wide pad, controlled fine mist - even application
  • Meets new VOC standard
  • Bonds – wood, metal, fabric, foam, plastic, paper, glass leather and more
Bestseller No. 5
Lokweld Heat Resistant Contact Adhesive (Quart)
  • THE PRODUCT MAY NOT BE SHIPPED TO CALIFORNIA
  • Formulated for superior heat resistance and a superior, permanent, water-proof bond
  • For after-market automotive, marine, and upholstery manufacturing and general-purpose bonding
  • Ideal for bonding carpet, cloth, foam, headliners, landau tops, and leather to foam, metal, or wood
  • 1 gallon covers 136 sq. ft. of bonded materials (both sides)
Bestseller No. 6
BayTrim 2028 Hi Heat Resistant Headliner Adhesive Spray 15oz
  • High heat and water resistance for automotive and other outdoor applications
  • Industrial strength for heavy vinyl and rubber
  • Contains no chlorinated solvents
  • Heavy duty perfect for headliners, and high temperature applications.
  • 2028 Hi Heat 15oz Headliner Adhesive Spray 15oz
Bestseller No. 7
All New Car Roof Liner Quick Repair Adhesive Glue, Fast Drying and Easy Restore Fabric, Instant Strong Bonding Glue for Car Cloth, Auto Headliner, Fabric Seats (100ml)
  • 【High Performance Adhesive】 More effective than silicone, acrylic and rubber cements because it adheres to more surfaces more durable. The fabric adhesive provides excellent adhesion to hard porous and non-porous substrates. Fabric glue can be made from denim that has been ripped and then seamlessly glued back together.
  • 【Fix and Repair】 Unique adhesive ability that can be used to glue any leather and fabric. It is the most effective and economical glue. This glue can also be used to add patches to jeans, add a fun twist to arts and crafts projects, enhance a pair of cowboy boots, and other fun ideas.
  • 【100% Safe】 We insist on producing a unique leather and iron adhesive formula that has passed SGS and various safety reports. Our Leather and fabric glue is clear, odorless and environmentally friendly, 100% safe unlike any other glues that are made of low quality glue, which causes imperceptible health and fabric damage!
  • 【Wide Application】 Suitable for gluing fabric, car cover, ironing board, ​​etc. Can be used to glue leather, fabric and other materials., such as metal, rubber etc.. Whether you are a professional seamstress or a beginner, DIY master or hobbyist, our adhesives help you repair damages and other materials safely and instantly.
  • 【Great After Service】 If you are not satisfied with the Car Roof Liner Repair glue you received, or if the paste is transferred due to the shipping process, please contact us and we will be happy to help with exchange or refund services.

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The following buyer’s guide will provide you with tips and tricks to do the work.

Read customer reviews of headliner adhesive products on Amazon.

Buyers guide for the best adhesive for headliners

It may seem counter-intuitive to produce a buyers guide for headliner adhesive because you just need one that keeps it stuck, right?

But the first step is to get the right adhesive product.

Go to your local auto parts store rather than a craft store when shopping, as not all adhesives are created equal.

You’ll want a headline adhesive specifically made to handle the temperature variations that a car is subjected to during cold winter weather and in the summer when the sun bakes the roof.

Avoid rubberized adhesives as these perform poorly in hot weather.

Also, you need to take into account the type of material the headliner is made of, whether there is foam behind the headliner, and how much time it takes for the adhesive to cure.

The type of material the adhesive will bond is probably the most important aspect.

You’ll want one that will bond to fabric, headliners, and foam so you’re prepared if you’re unsure of what’s underneath it.

Foam usually separates the fabric from the fiberglass board, and isn’t necessary if you chose to exclude it when repairing your headliner.

Warm, sunny day project

Speaking of weather, be sure to choose a day when the weather is cooperating for a headliner replacement job.

If it is too cold out, the adhesive won’t set properly.

This job is best completed in the spring or summer, unless you have a heated work space.

A temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.

Don’t be in a hurry

Removing and replacing a headliner can be a long task, as removing all of the old glue is key to a long-life. That could take anywhere from 15 minutes to who-knows-how-long depending on how dense and attached the old glue is.

The second key to getting headline adhesive right is to take your time and remove all of the old foam from the previous headliner.

Use an old wire brush or coarse sand paper to get the job done.

This is an admittedly messy job and it’s not a lot of fun, but it’s crucial to making sure your new adhesive sticks properly and lasts as long as possible.

Once you’ve removed all of the old foam, it’s time to apply the new adhesive.

Spray time

It’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions, and you should not even consider spraying until you do so.

But most adhesives will recommend spraying both the headliner backing and the fabric you’ll be applying.

It’s best to work in sections so that you don’t have to deal with a large piece of fabric that’s tacky all at once.

Instead, do one half or one quarter of the headliner at a time and get a friend to help you so you don’t get the glue against anything you shouldn’t.

When applying the adhesive, be sure to move the spray can in all directions.

Even coverage

First coat the surface by moving from left to right, then up and down and finish with a diagonal motion.

The goal is to cover the entire surface completely. Keep the can as upright as possible while working to promote smooth, even adhesive flow.

It is also important to hold the adhesive can about six to eight inches away from the surfaces when spraying.

Get too close and the adhesive may form small lumps or otherwise texturize. This texture will show through many headliner fabrics and become a part of the ceiling in your car, making your headliner replacement job look amateurish.

Once the adhesive is applied, leave it sit for a few minutes to tack up.

The exact amount of time will vary from one adhesive to another, so read the adhesive directions thoroughly and follow them.

If you mate the two surfaces too soon, the adhesive will soak into and through your new headliner fabric causing unsightly discolorations.

When you do mate the two surfaces, 3M recommends smoothing the fabric down from the middle and working your way out. This pushes out air bubbles and helps promote a smooth, tight fit.

Need to do it over?

Wait again after gluing down the new headliner material to allow the bond to stiffen, which could take up to 24 hours.

If you try to reinstall the headliner too soon you risk shifting the material or creating bulges and bubbles in it.

Like the discoloration that occurs when the glue isn’t allowed to tack up, these bubbles and wrinkles will be a permanent part of the headliner.

When smoothing your new headliner over the headliner backing, be aware of the type of material you have chosen.

If you are using another material with a foam rubber backing, be sure to smooth the fabric with the palm of your hand rather than your fingertips so you don’t leave divots in the headliner.

If you take a little time and do the job right, you’ll get very professional results for very little money in your own garage.

Get it wrong, however, and your new headliner will look almost as bad as your old one and soon be flapping in the breeze and hitting you in the head.

The key is getting the best headliner adhesive and installing it right.

Find the best headliner adhesive in 2023 on Amazon.

Originally posted 2023-01-06 18:21:31.