There are many different reasons for which a headliner can begin to sag and fall down. Maybe your car is really old, and time has beaten it up a little too much, maybe you’ve taken a road trip around a hot country and humidity has taken its toll on it, or maybe you’ve been in a fast and furious style car chase and you’ve faced a few stray bullets or something.
Who knows?
The point is, your headliner is sagging and falling down, and you want to fix it.
A saggy headliner can be one of the most annoying things when driving a car, and the slumping fabric makes the car look uncared for and old. But there’s a really easy and fast solution for this problem: use a headliner adhesive.
People often joke that you can duct tape and superglue your life back together, but honestly...they’re not wrong. Headliner adhesive is easy and simple, you spray it on or apply it, and the headliner is glued back in place, nice and secure and looking like new!
There’s plenty of products to choose from so you can rest assured that you’ll be able to find the perfect one for you. No matter the headliner or fabric type, there’s an adhesive out there that will fix it up so it doesn’t break down again, (or at least until your next car chase adventure).
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list with our top favorite headliner adhesives, as well as including a little buyer’s guide!
In a hurry?
If you’re raging to jump in the car and get started or continue with your road trip, or you simply want to get your headliner fixed as soon as possible, then we recommend you jump straight to our number one choice adhesive for the job: the 3M Headliner and Fabric Adhesive.
With the most amount of positive reviews, this is a customer favorite with a satisfaction guarantee. Able to bond heavyweight headliners and usable on both plastic and metal, it will be a great choice for you no matter the type of headliner.
It also has a fast-drying effect, so you’re good to go within 30 to 60 minutes! Easy to apply with its adjustable nozzle, for a smooth and even layer.
Here are the main features that make it the best:
- Good with heavyweight headliners
- Versatile use: metal and plastic
- Fast-drying: 30 to 60 minutes
- Adjustable nozzle for easy application
OUR TOP PICK
The 3M Headliner and Fabric Adhesive is our favorite number one pick because it covers all the basics to an excellent standard of quality.
This headliner adhesive will never let you down, as it has enough strength to bond heavyweight headliners with no problem at all. Its formula also allows for a versatile use, as it can bond headliners to both metal and to plastic, so it will be perfect for you no matter the type of headliner you have.
This headliner sprays an even and smooth layer that dries in between 30 to 60 minutes, making it a fast drying product perfect for when you’re on the go. It also has an adjustable nozzle that makes the application even easier around smaller edges or corners.
It really is an all-rounder that won’t disappoint its users!
Pros:
- Can bond heavyweight
- Versatile use: metal and plastic
- Even layer of spray
- Fast-drying
- Adjustable Nozzle
Cons:
- Might need a few layers of spray
EDITORS CHOICE
Gorilla is a well renowned brand with a reputation for being one of the best in the market when it comes to gluing things back together.
Many customers will swear by this brand, as it offers many different products, all of them with great results. The headliner adhesive it provides is a heavy duty spray that works amazingly for any type of headliner, including those that are heavyweight.
It’s very easy to use, with a wide pad nozzle that helps control the spray, and once applied it dries permanently for an even stronger hold. Gorilla, being as versatile as it is, can bond wood, metal, fabric, foam, glass, leather and plastic.
So, basically, you’re covered for pretty much any type of material! To make things even better, this product has a non-yellowing formula so you can rest assured that your headliner won’t be stained or damaged in the DIY process!
Pros:
- Good for heavyweight
- Easy application: wide pad nozzle
- Extremely versatile
- Non-yellowing formula
- Permanent dry
Cons:
- Finish isn’t as professional-looking
BEST VALUE
Loctite is another reputable brand for adhering things back together in an easy and effective way.
The Spray Adhesive it offers is one of the best for overall satisfaction and performance, as the finished result always looks neat and professional.
The formula it uses provides a translucent spray that leaves a clear finish, as if you hadn’t used any adhesive spray at all! It can be used with a cap or a nozzle, adapting to your needs and making it easier to apply. It’s also really versatile, as it can be used on a range of different materials, and most certainly works on car headliners!
Although it dries in under 10 min, the adhesive isn’t fully fixed until a longer time has passed, as it can still be moved and adjusted and therefore isn’t quite stable so fast.
Pros:
- Clear and professional finish
- Versatile usability
- Easy application
Cons:
- Not as strong as other headliner adhesives
RUNNER UP
The Permatex is one of our top choices not only for being one of the best low-prices value products, but for being one that values practicality above all else.
While other adhesives might stain, this adhesive has opted for a black coloured spray that blends with the colour of your car headliner, so you don’t even have to worry about cleaning up when you’re done!
This product has been designed to be durable and resistant. It has a waterproof formula, can withstand extreme temperatures, and can resist most solvents as well as gasoline and kerosene.
Not that any of these things should be inside your car, or beating at your headliner, but it’s always good to be extra prepared and once permatex is on you can rest assured that nothing is going to make it come off.
Pros:
- Versatile use
- Extremely durable and resistant
- Water-proof formula
- Black colored spray
Cons:
- Needs more time to dry
- Not as easy to apply
RUNNER UP
The Scotch Super 77 Multipurpose Adhesive has made our top 5 thanks to the satisfactory reviews from happy customers, and its versatility in use.
Great for being applied on different materials, such as cushion foam, plastic and metal.
It creates a strong and durable bond that will ensure your headliner stays put, and it dries relatively fast compared to other products, making it a great and satisfactory choice.
The only downside we found is that it’s designed with a focus on more lightweight items, so it works perfectly fine on average headliners, but it might struggle on more heavyweight types.
Pros:
- Strong and durable
- Versatile use
- Fast-drying
Cons:
- Not good for heavyweight headliners
Best Headliner Adhesives Buying Guide
Using headliner adhesive is an effective, fast and simple way to fix a sagging headliner.
Usually applied through an aerosol can, the adhesive is sprayed onto the headliner and held in place until it dries. However, not all headliner adhesives will be compatible with your headliner, as it depends on what type of material and weight your headliner has.
Some products are more versatile than others when it comes to material compatibility, so you always have to check it’s the right one for you. As there are many different types of headliner adhesives in the market nowadays, it can be a bit challenging to pick the one that’s best for you.
So we’ve compiled this little buyer’s guide to help you keep an eye out for the main features and defining traits.
Material Compatibility
Without a doubt, the most important thing to look out for when choosing the right headliner adhesive for you, is the compatibility it has with different materials.
While some products are extremely versatile, others only really become effective on limited types of material, so it’s really important that the product you choose is capable of working on the type of headliner you have.
It’s also good to take into account the material of the rest of your car interior, as it’s always a plus when your adhesive can double up into a multipurpose product that also works to fix other bits and pieces that may come loose. Look out for highly versatile adhesives, or at least those that can work on both plastic and metal!
Drying Time
Usually, when someone buys a headliner adhesive it’s because they want a fast fix to get rid of the annoying sag of the headliner. It could happen when you’re on the go or in the middle of a road trip. But even if you need to get it fixed while at home and with plenty of time, it’s always extra satisfying when you can get the job done fast. Some headliner adhesives have a faster drying time than others, so it’s something that you should also look out for.
Be weary of the adhesives that take up more time to dry, as you will have to be careful not to move anything or it won’t stay put properly. But also be careful with those adhesives that dry extra fast, as some of them might not be as strong!
Strength
Strength is a key feature that can never be overlooked when choosing the right headliner adhesive for you. The last thing you want after fixing up your headliner is for it to fall off again or for it to start sagging after a little while. You want your fix to be for good, right?
It’s good to check the product description, as well as other customer reviews, to see how strong the bonding is. Is your headliner light or heavyweight? This is important to know as some products will be able to fix both light and heavyweight headliners, which make them far more effective if you’re not quite sure which one will do the trick.
Durability and Resistance
Lastly, an important feature to look out for when choosing your adhesive, is whether or not it’s durable and whether it can resist certain conditions. You should aim for your adhesive to last as long as possible, as that will save you the hassle of having to re fix the headliner again and again.
Some adhesive sprays are water-proof and resistant to extreme temperatures. This means they are likely to hold the headliner up right for a far longer time than normal adhesives, and you won’t have to be careful around your car or worry about protecting it from heat when you drive to hotter places.
There are also some products with extra durability features and with resistance to different solvents, so as to avoid being accidentally removed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do headliner adhesives smell?
This can depend on the type of adhesive and the brand. Most adhesives have a light chemical smell, but they should dissipate as it dries and leave no trace.
However, it is highly recommended to use a mask when applying the adhesive, to avoid breathing it in, and in case the odor becomes too uncomfortable.
How do you remove headliner adhesive?
If you want to remove the headliner adhesive, you will have to check whether or not it is resistant to solvents, and if so, which type. Some adhesives have special formulas that make them resistant to many substances, therefore making them extremely hard to remove once they’ve been applied.
However, for average adhesives, you should be able to remove them by using hot water and soap.
How long does headliner adhesive take to dry?
Once again, this depends and varies on the type of adhesive you are using. Some products are fast-drying and can be ready within the hour.
But for most headliner adhesives, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before submitting it to high temperatures or brisk movements.