Spray adhesives - a sticky subject
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 10:24 pmOk Folks – I get a lot of questions about spray adhesives – which one is best, better, and so on. Nothing is worse for a person to plunk down some change for fabric (after finding just the right pattern), and then use an inferior or wrong type of adhesive to secure it place – you know what I mean – sagging drooping headliners, carpet that will not stay in place, flooring tile that never quite got stuck down?
Watch what type of glue you buy - is it the contact cement variety or headliner spray? it makes a difference because of the weight of the fabrics. Foam Backed headliner is a lightweight material, while hull liner and others are a bit heavier. I have replaced many a headliner for a customer who did a DIY with the wrong type of glue. A good way to check if your adhesive is the right type: Check to make sure your fabric will bond well with the substate. You should not be able to pull the fabric up easily. If you can use an adhesive, preferably the type used for vinyl tops - 3M Rubber And Vinyl Adhesive 80, which is a contact cement, vs 3M super 77. Would hate for you to use the wrong kind of glue and have it sag after about of month of varying weather conditions.
Yes, 3M Super Trim Adhesive 08090 will work just fine. We use it for thick headlines and carpeting installs. Be careful to get a good light web covering buildup (on both sides) to prevent over saturating the material and bleed through. If it does bleed through, Ronsol lighter fluid is a good clean up (use sparingly – it will dissolve the glue under the fabric as well) Fold fabrics in half – do not crease! Do one half, covering both the wood and the fabric and starting from the middle work your way out – gently smoothing out the fabric – works even better if you have an extra set of hands – repeat for the other side. Try to get it right because it is a contact adhesive and not much time before it cures, you may not get a second chance. FYI - 3M General Trim Adhesive Clear – 08088 
is good for the foam backed healiners and medium weight fabrics - it is very forgiving that the 08090 stuff.
What worked for you?
Watch what type of glue you buy - is it the contact cement variety or headliner spray? it makes a difference because of the weight of the fabrics. Foam Backed headliner is a lightweight material, while hull liner and others are a bit heavier. I have replaced many a headliner for a customer who did a DIY with the wrong type of glue. A good way to check if your adhesive is the right type: Check to make sure your fabric will bond well with the substate. You should not be able to pull the fabric up easily. If you can use an adhesive, preferably the type used for vinyl tops - 3M Rubber And Vinyl Adhesive 80, which is a contact cement, vs 3M super 77. Would hate for you to use the wrong kind of glue and have it sag after about of month of varying weather conditions.
Yes, 3M Super Trim Adhesive 08090 will work just fine. We use it for thick headlines and carpeting installs. Be careful to get a good light web covering buildup (on both sides) to prevent over saturating the material and bleed through. If it does bleed through, Ronsol lighter fluid is a good clean up (use sparingly – it will dissolve the glue under the fabric as well) Fold fabrics in half – do not crease! Do one half, covering both the wood and the fabric and starting from the middle work your way out – gently smoothing out the fabric – works even better if you have an extra set of hands – repeat for the other side. Try to get it right because it is a contact adhesive and not much time before it cures, you may not get a second chance. FYI - 3M General Trim Adhesive Clear – 08088 is good for the foam backed healiners and medium weight fabrics - it is very forgiving that the 08090 stuff.
What worked for you?
