10 Best Headliner Adhesive Reviews

Headlining sag all the time due to a number of reasons. It can be poor maintenance, an old car, or a trip you took to the hottest parts of the country. Overheating and lack of upkeep will make the fabric slump. This should not worry you as it can be quickly and effortlessly fixed.

The best way of caring for a sagging headliner is by using the best headliner adhesive. There are countless of them in the market that will enable you to select one rightfully.

In this headliner adhesive review, the top best headline adhesives and factors you should consider when buying has been well discussed.

I have also included useful questions, personal experiences, recommendations, and comparisons you can relate with to not only deal with a sagging headliner but also get a permanent solution.

If you can’t wait here is a quick list for you…

1. 3M 38808 Headliner and Fabric Adhesive
2. Permatex 27828 Headliner and Carpet Adhesive
3. Polymat Hi-Temp 797 Spray Glue Adhesive
4. Loctite 37312 Maximum Strength Headliner Adhesive
5. 3M Super Yellow Trim Adhesive – 08090
6. Gorilla 6314407 Spray Adhesive 11oz, Clear
7. 3M Spray Trim Adhesive – 08074
8. Heads-Up Quick Fix Headliner Adhesive
9. 3M Foam and Fabric 24 Spray Adhesive
10. Dap 121 High Strength Spray Adhesive

What is a Headliner Adhesive?

A headliner adhesive is a high-strength spray that is designed to repair interior parts that have become loosened or detached. The best headliner adhesive bonds foam, rubber, plastic, fabric, and other automotive material. It allows you to repair your falling headliner.

You should not just use any type of glue. It needs to be one designed for applications on interior automotive parts. This way, the adhesive is compatible with the vinyl and fabric material of the car. You can save money by just sticking or spraying this type of adhesive to ensure it properly adheres to the roof.

What is a Headliner in a Car?

The headliner in a car is the part that uses fabric material. It covers the interior of a vehicle’s ceiling area. This part is one of the most crucial aspects of a vehicle’s interior. A headliner has multi-layered composite materials which provide protection, insulation, visual enhancement.

Automotive headliners add extra LED lighting film. This part may have problems like sagging which can be an inconvenience to you. If it starts sagging, consider doing car roof lining repair early enough.

Does Headliner Adhesive Work?

Yes, the best headliners adhesive are fast and high-performing. They play a crucial role in assembling materials, providing a durable, lasting bond. In addition, adhesives used in stiffener applications help in maintaining the shape of your car.

How Do You Fix a Falling Headliner?

A sagging headliner can be expensive to repair especially if you do not act fast. Sagging occurs due to the deterioration of the glue that holds it into place. If the headlining becomes wet, the process is accelerated. This situation can be fixed quickly and cheaply by the use of an adhesive for the sagging headliner.

If the car ceiling fabric has only sagged partially, for instance around the edges, consider using a spray can headliner adhesive. It ensures the glue is distributed evenly. If you want to do the entire process correctly, I recommend you take the headlining panel out completely.

You can then get rid of the glue. Using specialist headliner adhesive, you can glue the headlining back into place. It is best to get it fixed permanently to prevent the problem from getting worse with time.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Headliner Adhesive

There is multiple top headliner adhesive spray you can select from, but not all of them will be compatible with your car’s headliner. This is due to the different components and materials they have. The one you select should be designed for your headliner use.

The right type of product will restore the headliner not only for a few months but for a long while. This helps you save money in the long run. There are factors you need to consider when purchasing a headliner adhesive. Below are some of the main features that will guide you to acquire the Best Headliner Adhesive.

Temperature

The adhesive you select should be resistant to low and high temperatures. The interior of your vehicle can either be cold or hot depending on the weather patterns. Ensure the adhesive is temperature resistant. Do not opt for rubber-based adhesives as they tend to melt as soon as they are exposed to heat. This may cause the headliner to either sag or fall off.

Surfaces

The car headliner glue ought to be usable on both vinyl and fabric. Most of the products indicate that they are compatible with a lot of materials. If you do not see fabric and vinyl on the list, skip the product. As headliners are mostly made of fabric and vinyl, the adhesive will not be of help if it does not support the two materials.

Type

There are two types of headliner adhesives to select from. They can either be liquid or aerosol. Both of them can be used for vehicle headliners. The choice solely lies in your preference. Aerosol adhesives are in spray cans and are modified for easy use.

You only have to remove the cap and use the spray. Aerosol adhesives can withstand high temperatures and will not melt even when temperatures reach 200°. The can design, enables you to evenly coat the entire headliner. It is very easy to apply.

Liquid headliners may be used with a paint gun. It provides a stronghold. However, if you do not have a paint gun, choose an aerosol headliner.

Versatility

The car headliner repair glue should not only work on the headliner, but also on other parts of the vehicle. Considering that your vehicle will require repair and maintenance, you may need to apply the adhesive on the exterior. It would cost you a lot of money to use different products on such applications. Select a headliner that can work on different materials.

Cost

You have to consider the amount of money you are willing to spend on the best vinyl headliner adhesive. If a larger part of a headliner needs to be coated, you may require two to three cans. Buying an adhesive is cheaper than taking your vehicle to a mechanic. You can afford to buy the cans, especially during emergencies.

Top 10 Headliner Adhesive Reviews

All said and done, here’s the top pick of the Best Headliner and Fabric Adhesive in the market currently. One of these Adhesives will prove to be a lifesaver when you’ve broken down on the side of the road. Let’s deep down into it:

1. 3M Headliner and Fabric Adhesive – 38808

The 3M 38808 is the best headliner adhesive by the 3M brand as it securely bonds heavyweight vehicle fabrics to metal surfaces. This product creates a sure hold for holding headlines, foam, carpet, and other materials.

This product is aerosol in physical form, and it is clear with a sweet fruity odor. It is an extremely flammable vapor. It has a flashpoint of -40°F and a density of 0.781g/ml. It dries in 30 to 60 minutes depending on the environmental conditions. Its flammability classification is Class 1A.

It effectively bonds fabric to non-porous materials like plastic and metal. The attachment resists deteriorating effects of heat, moisture, cold humidity, and other environmental conditions. The aerosol can dispense a consistent, even coat to reduce over-saturation.

When applying this product, it should not come into contact with the skin or eyes as it can cause mild irritation. Also, intentional inhalation can be fatal or harmful. The pack of 4 is a little bit expensive, and it takes a considerable amount of time to dry.

2. Permatex 27828 Heavy Duty Headliner and Carpet Adhesive

Permatex 27828 headliner adhesive is a high-strength spray that is designed for repairing detached or loosened interior parts. The compelling performance of this product is surprising due to its affordability.

Permatex 27828 is liquid in form, it is colorless and has a solvent odor. It has a flashpoint of -20 degrees Celsius and a vapor density of less than 1. Not to mention that it is highly flammable; so, it should not be used near a flame or heat.

It bonds foam to foam, plastic, rubber, fabrics, and other automotive material. Other recommended applications include carpets, headliners, inside door panels, and trunk linings. It has a strong formulation that will fend off deteriorating agents.

Permatex headliner adhesive is a high temperature and high bonding strength adhesive, it is best for repairing automotive headliners, it is water and temperature resistant. It will not dissolve or deteriorate when placed under the sun’s heat.

The adhesive is affordable, has a weather-proof formulation, sprays evenly and cleanly, has decent resistance against extreme temperatures, and protects headliners from abrasion.

As it can cause skin and eye irritation, wear protective glass and goggles for protection. This adhesive may clog or spray large clumps. You need to use multiple coats so as to create strong adhesion.

3. Polymat Hi-Temp 797 Spray Glue Adhesive

Polymath Hi-temp 797 is a fast-drying high-tack glue. This high temp headliner adhesive is designed for bonding heavy-weight headliners, vinyl tops, and hood silencer pads where heat resistance and high strength are required.

It weighs 13 oz. and comes in four cans. It is amber in appearance, has a solvent odor, and takes 5 minutes to 1 hour bonding time. The adhesive’s solvent system includes acetone and hexane blends. It has a flammability level of 2 and tolerates high temperatures of up to 160°F

Polymat hi-temp is water-resistant and is the best marine headliner adhesive. It is a heavy-duty glue, which is great for gluing a wide range of products. It is great for gluing various materials such as paper, cardboard, carpeting material, cloth, and foams to wood, metal, and hardboard.

The Polymat Spray Glue Adhesive is considered dangerous. According to the manufacturer, this product is fatal or harmful if swallowed. It is also flammable and may cause eye irritation.

4. Loctite Maximum Strength Headliner Adhesive

The Loctite Maximum Strength Headliner Adhesive is a high temperature and high strength adhesive. It is designed for bonding fabrics, foam, carpet, rubber, plastic, and other material. This is due to the high temperature and high strength resistance.

It is an aerosol spray and has a solvent odor. The chemical type is an SIS Copolymer. It maintains its high strength at temperatures as high as 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Loctite headliner adhesive is water-resistant. It is also resistant to extreme temperatures and sprays and dries clear. It is quite expensive as compared to other adhesives and may leave stains after application.

This spray headliner adhesive retains effective properties that are in contact with automotive fluids like motor oil, antifreeze solutions, and alcohol. It is not recommended for parts that are in contact with gasoline. It is also not recommended for application in oxygen-rich systems.

5. 3M Super Yellow Trim Adhesive – 08090

This is highly recommended when it comes to headliner adhesive products. It is designed for gluing heavy headliners and tops made from vinyl. It can also be used to bond hood silencer pads. These are parts that require a strong and heat-resistant adhesive.

This adhesive is liquid in physical form, it is dark green in color, has a flashpoint of 390°F and a boiling point of 208°C. The liquid has a density of 1.04-1.05g/ml and a viscosity of 1,000-2,300 centipoise. It can take temperatures ranging from -20F to 200F.

It takes fifteen minutes or less for curing time and only takes five minutes or so to dry. It is easy for application as a spray-on-adhesive. It has a neoprene rubber and easily attaches itself to fabrics and vinyl. As the name suggests, the product turns yellow when it dries.

It is a fast-acting product that is ideal for emergencies. It is best for adhering to closed or open-cell foams. It is compatible with various vehicle materials and sprays uniformly. I recommend this adhesive for heavy-duty bonding applications.

It should not come into contact with skin or eyes as it causes severe irritation. It may also cause allergy or asthma symptoms when inhaled. This adhesive cannot be used on certain materials like polyethylene and polypropylene.

It may leave stains on the car interior, especially on fabrics that are light-colored and thin.

6. Gorilla 6314407 Spray Adhesive

The Gorilla 6314407 adhesive is a heavy-duty, multi-purpose adhesive that is easy to use. It forms a permanent clear bond that is photo safe.

The adhesive is liquid in form, clear in color with a slight chemical smell, and has a flashpoint of 85° Celsius. It has a specific gravity of 1.099 and a viscosity of 6,000-10,000 Cp. It is flammable and reacts violently with strong oxidizers.

Its convenience properties include a wide pad nozzle and controlled mist that provides even application on working surfaces. The adhesive meets the new VOC standards. It is heavy duty and dries permanently and is useful for a wide range of applications.

Exposure to the glue may aggravate existing skin, eye, or respiratory conditions. It may expose you to methanol that is known to cause birth defects in the state of California.

7. 3M Spray Trim Adhesive – 08074

The 3M spray trim adhesive is best for positioning any applications where mechanical fasteners may be added later. It makes automotive and household applications easy. It strongly attaches lightweight trim materials like headliners and upholstery cloth to surfaces.

It is aerosol in form, and it is clear in color with a sweet fruity odor, is extremely flammable with a flammability classification of class 1A. The aerosol has a flashpoint of -42 degrees Fahrenheit and a density of 0.726g/ml.

This adhesive creates a secure and safe bond on metal and other surfaces. It provides a low soak in the absorbent material. It is perfect for fixing loose trim or for installing new material in a vehicle restoration project. It is also the only product that is recommended for bonding styrene.

It provides you with multiple convenience properties. For starters, its low mist formulation ensures less overspray onto the surrounding surfaces. It provides a fast strength build-up, which sets quickly, preventing the need for holding the material in place for long.

The product should not come into contact with the eyes and skin as it causes irritation. Do not eat anything before washing your hands after using the product as it can cause gastrointestinal disturbances.

8. Heads-Up Quick Fix Headliner Adhesive

If you are looking to put to fix your sagging car ceiling, the Heads-up quick fix headliner adhesive is the product for you. It is specifically designed for headliner repair. It does not damage existing headliner forms.

It provides strong bonds to interiors and headliners without you dealing with any mess. The formulation used in manufacturing is perfect. This adhesive is designed for high-heat applications.

It has a high heat resistance and is impervious to a number of elements. Another feature that makes this product stand out is its protective capability. It guarantees that no damage will be done to the existing headliner forms of your vehicle.

The container has a unique multi-valve design. The multi-valve canister ensures effective and faster spraying. It is ideal as it ensures a uniform and quick application. It enables you to work effectively without any downtime.

9. 3M Foam and Fabric 24 Spray Adhesive

This product aims to overcome the obstacles faced when using existing glues in the market. It is an economical, fast-drying adhesive spray, which bonds foam and fabric to a variety of substrates. This permanent bond offers fast results and is suitable for emergencies.

This non-yellowing formula dispenses in a lace-spray pattern. It is liquid in form, orange in color with a mild solvent odor, a flashpoint of -137F, and an evaporation rate of 1.9. It has a density of 0.73-0.77g/ml and solid content of 17.3%.

It has an aggressive tack, which offers a high grab with foam tearing strength, yet allows enough open time to position materials properly. The high solid content in the adhesive supports its low soak property, which gives you enough time to position parts well.

The lace-spray pattern of the adhesive’s non-yellowing, combined with a clean appearance and strong bond makes it ideal for a variety of projects including furniture and upholstery, decorative picture framing, installing acoustic panels, ideal for home and office use, and so on.

It has a bond time of 15 to 20 minutes and offers an aggressive tack for quick assembly of high-stress bonds. It also provides industrial and professional strength for demanding applications at significant prices.

It causes eye, respiratory and gastrointestinal irritation. It contains chemicals that may cause reproductive harm. Be careful when using this adhesive as it is sticky on the hands. The curing time is fast; hence you need to work fast and patch up things.

10. Dap Weldwood Contact Adhesive

The DAP Weldwood contact adhesive is for professional use due to federal law. The Landau adhesive has excellent application properties. It has high heat resistant bonds that resist water, high strength, counters the effects of aging and other applications.

The adhesive is liquid in physical state, is tan in color with a strong solvent smell. It has a density of 0.80g/ml, a boiling point range of 54.4-60° Celsius and a minimum flash point of -45.5° Celsius. It does not support combustion.

It is an ideal contact cement for vehicle interior applications. This adhesive is high heat resistance and is suitable for adhering to fabric, headliners, and other materials during refurbishment. It is easy to apply with the cold or hold spray equipment.

The product can be used to bond laminates, cloth, leather, carpeting, upholstery, and headliners to rigid polyurethane foam, metal, and fiberboard in vehicle restoration and be customizing. It resists water and other household chemicals, and it has a maximum of two hours of open time.

It can be reactivated by applying a second thin coat of adhesive. The adhesive should be used in a well-ventilated area, it may damage some plastics and should not be used on copper, vinyl, or polystyrene foam. It causes skin and eye irritation and damage to targeted organs.

Car Headliner Glue Comparison

Permatex Headliner Adhesive vs. 3M

Both adhesives are used to repair headliners and the interior of automobiles. They are all clear in color. However, Permatex 27828 has a solvent odor while 3M 38808 has a sweet fruity odor. Permatex is liquid in form. Hence you require a paint gun while 3M 38808 is an aerosol and can be used directly.

3M Foam and Fabric vs. Gorilla Spray Adhesive

Both adhesives are applied in headliner repair. They are liquid in form. Gorilla spray adhesive is clear in color while 3M foam and fabric are orange in color. The former has a slight chemical smell while the latter has a mild solvent smell.

3M Spray Trim Adhesive vs. Permatex Body Shop Heavy Duty Adhesive

3M Spray Trim Adhesive is mostly used to attach lightweight substances while Permatex Body Shop Heavy Duty is used to repair detached or loosened interior automotive parts. Both of the adhesives are clear in color.

Trim Adhesive vs. Headliner Adhesive

Both of the adhesives offer permanent bonds that are not only good for emergencies but will last for a longer time without being affected by temperature changes. They both take a shorter time to create bonds, not more than thirty minutes.

Both trim and headliner adhesives have adverse effects and may cause eye, skin, and gastrointestinal irritation conferring to the safety data sheet. It is important to wear protective gloves and goggles to prevent serious health issues.

Trim adhesives are meant for heavy headliners that require strong and heat resistant products and are compatible with many vehicle materials. Headliner adhesives mostly bond foam and fabric and can be used for many other applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Humidity Affect 3M Headliner Adhesive Application?

No, 3M headliner adhesive has very strong bonds, and its attachment not only resists cold humidity but also heat, moisture, and other environmental conditions.

How Can I Fix a Headliner Without Removing It?

Replacing a headliner with a new one can be expensive, especially if your car is old. Fixing the headliner without removing it can be budget-friendly. Below are some of the tricks on car interior roof repair to keep your headliner in place as you look for a permanent solution.

• Use glue

Gluing the headliner back to place will take very little time and resources. Glue application works well especially when the headliner starts to become loose from the edges. If you are fixing a sagging headliner, ordinary glue may not be of much help.

You may also use two-sided tape to stick the headliner back to the car roof. Just like glue, it works best when the material is detached at the edges.

• Use pins

This is another quick fix that does not require much money. I have used sequin pins once, and it worked great. Use whichever pins you have to stick the material onto your car’s roof. You can get creative and arrange the pins in an appealing manner.

• Use hairspray and staples

This is a unique combination that actually works and has impressive results. First, staple the headliner back into place and then use hairspray around the edges. Make sure the spray dries out and then remove the staples. It might be hard but worth the effort.

The above are only temporary measures you should take as you think of a permanent solution. Failing to act on a sagging headliner may cause you untold misery. It can obstruct your view while driving making it likely to cause an accident. It is important you look for an adhesive for a sagging headliner.

What Kind of Glue Should I Use For Headliner?

The best headliner glue should install headliners without a problem. There are many types available either in liquid or aerosol form. Many of the aerosol adhesives are designed to hold up headliners and withstand high-temperature conditions.

For the liquid adhesives, I recommend you use gorilla which has convenience properties such as a wide pad nozzle that ensures even application. For the aerosol adhesives, use the 3M 38808 headliner and fabric adhesive that works superbly as it has very high heat resistance. It will also hold the headliner permanently into place.

Which Is a Non-toxic Adhesive to make a headliner For My Car?

When looking to buy an adhesive, it is imperative you get the best headliner adhesive that will not harm the existing plastic foam. It should also not be very toxic such that it causes excessive bodily harm.

I would recommend you use the Heads-up quick fix headliner adhesive. It does not have an effect on the foam headliner and is capable of withstanding cold temperature and high heat conditions.

What Adhesive Can Be Used to Attach Headliner C10?

The various adhesives in the market differ in their applications and how effective they are. According to my personal findings, for aerosol type, I would recommend you use the 3M 38808 headliner and fabric adhesive as it has exceptional strong bonds and high heat resistance.

For the liquid adhesives, I recommend you use the Permatex headliner and carpet adhesive. It is not only economical but has high bonding strength and high-temperature resistance.

What is a Headliner Foam?

This is an automotive headlining fabric that mostly is 1/8-1/4 inch thick for comfort and safety. In addition, it provides a uniform appearance stiffness, feels and sound reduction needed in automobiles.

Can I Paint Over Headliner Adhesive?

The entire headliner adhesive can be sprayed and wrapped in fabric. Spraying makes it look decent and beautiful. An epoxy primer will help with adhesion. If the ceiling is fiberglass, ensure you use paint that sticks well to fiberglass. Ensure the paint dries well to prevent any irritating odor.

The Final Word

Finding a Car Repair Glue that really works is extremely important. Not only will you avoid potentially harming your body, but you’ll also ensure that your components are safe. These models are only my top choices, please Keep in mind that, and there should be other products out there which suit your needs better.

Guaranteed, you’ll find exactly what you need by looking at any of these bad boys the next time you go to a store or online retailer. But, no matter what your level of knowledge in this field is, you can always benefit from exploring a trail you’ve never seen before. You just have to stay on the lookout and plan your next adventure in one of these top 10 Headliner and Fabric Adhesive in the U.S.A.

Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API