Take the guesswork out of gluing fabric to plastic. Find out the best glues and techniques for attaching fabric to plastic in various applications.
When gluing fabric to plastic, your best bet is to use an adhesive made for that purpose rather than an all-purpose glue. Fabric adhesives grab the material’s fibers and bond to them without staining or soaking through. For many applications, the glue must also stay flexible to move with the fabric without cracking. Compatibility with the type of plastic in question is also essential.
The best way to repair longer rips and tears is to use a piece of cloth, plastic, or fiberglass as a patch on the back of the torn material. A good adhesive for fabric to plastic will bind it all together for excellent results.
Below are the four most common applications for gluing fabric to plastic. We’ll cover wet bonding, contact bonding, and small and large tears.
Always work safely! Wear gloves and safety glasses. If working indoors, ensure good ventilation.
Before you begin, gather your tools and materials. Here is a handy checklist:
Make sure the surfaces and materials are clean and dry. If the plastic is smooth and/or shiny, roughen it with sandpaper.
For a wet bond, apply a small amount of glue to the plastic surface and press them together until the glue starts to set. Use masking tape or another means to prevent movement until the adhesive is completely dry.
If using a contact adhesive, apply the glue to both surfaces and allow it to dry before joining the materials. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions concerning drying time. Position the materials carefully because the contact adhesive will bond quickly once the parts touch.
For small tears, apply glue to the edges of the tear. Carefully press the torn material back together and fasten it in place with tape or a weighty object. Leave the item undisturbed for the specified drying time.
Large tears often require reinforcements. Cut a piece of cloth, fiberglass, or plastic that is several inches wider than the length of the tear. Align the cloth properly and use masking tape to hold it in place. Apply adhesive to the back side of the damaged cloth and press the patching material into the glue. Allow to fully dry.
The best glue for fabric to plastic will depend on the item you are repairing or the materials you are working with. Here are a few suggestions.
Fabric glue is a good bet but check the label to ensure it is compatible with plastic. Here are two of our favourite products for quick and easy solutions.
If you have a larger area to cover or are fastening a delicate fabric, you will appreciate LePage Multi-Purpose Spray Adhesive. It dries clear and won’t bleed through the fabric. The adhesive will bond firmly to a wide variety of materials without damage since it is acid-free. It’s even safe for mounting photos.
For small jobs, nothing beats the convenience of LePage Flexible Plastic Adhesive. It’s great for crafting, weather stripping, and all types of repairs. This glue is super versatile and will stick to plastic, leather, wood, fabric, and more. It dries clear and remains flexible. Plus, you’ll love the easy-to-use squeeze tube.
