The 10 Best Headliner Adhesives

It’s time to fix that sagging headliner! Use our detailed reviews and buying guide to find the best headliner adhesive for the job.

If the fabric that lines the interior ceiling of your car is torn, sagging, or falling off, you may be able to glue it back into place using a headliner adhesive and save a lot of money in the process.

We have analyzed a collection of the best headliner adhesives and put together an in-depth buying guide to help you find the right one for the repair. Here’s a quick overview of our top picks.

Best Headliner Adhesive Reviews

It’s hard to go wrong with any of the headliner adhesives on our list. If you want to know the criteria and key considerations we used to review and rank each product, head over to the buyer’s guide section of this article to learn more.

1. 3M 3880 Fabric and Headliner Adhesive

If you need a versatile, fast-acting adhesive that provides a strong, heat-resistant bond for materials such as fabric, vinyl, plastic, rubber, foam, and metals, give the 3M 3880 Fabric and Headliner Adhesive a very serious look. 

This special adhesive works very well on heavyweight automotive headliners without causing stains or discoloration and is resistant to heat, moisture, cold, and other environmental conditions. It’s also great for repairing other interior components such as loose upholstery, door panels, and mirrors.

As a spray adhesive, it’s fast and easy to apply. An adjustable nozzle allows it to be applied evenly, consistently, and with precision to reduce the risk of over-spraying.

The solution dries in as little as 5 minutes, turning clear once dried. However, you will need to wait 30 to 60 minutes for it to completely cure.

Needless to say, the 3M 3880 Headliner Adhesive is perfect for a wide variety of projects and climates.

Product Specs

• Type: Aerosol spray
• Quantity: 18.1 ounces

Bottom Line

The 3M 3880 Fabric and Headliner Adhesive is so strong, durable, and versatile that you will use it to repair other parts of your car’s interior. CHECK LATEST PRICE

2. Tear Mender Instant Fabric & Leather Adhesive 

Tear Mender’s adhesive was formulated way back in 1923 and hasn’t changed much since. And why would it? It’s a tried-and-tested formula that delivers amazing results in all manner of applications, modern or otherwise.

For starters, the adhesive is water-based and infused with natural latex, making it acid-free and non-toxic. And the bond it forms with fabrics, leather, and other materials is strong yet flexible, waterproof, UV-resistant, and long-lasting.

Drying takes less than three minutes and curing doesn’t require heating, ironing, or the use of solvents.

In addition to repairing sagging headliners, this Tear Mender adhesive is well-suited for projects around the home, in the workshop, on your RV or boat, etc.

It’s just too bad it’s a liquid adhesive rather than an aerosol spray, a design type that tends to be easier to use.

Product Specs

• Type: Liquid adhesive
• Quantity: 2 ounces (available in other quantities)

Bottom Line

Tear Mender’s Instant Fabric And Leather Adhesive is an old formula that has aged like fine wine, delivering better results than most modern headliner adhesive products. CHECK LATEST PRICE

3. Permatex Body Shop Headliner Adhesive

What you have here is a high-strength, heavy-duty adhesive designed especially for repairing loose or detached interior components. Not only does it deliver a strong bond, but it’s also water-resistant and can tolerate temperatures of up to 170°F (77°C).

This glue from Permatex, a highly-regarded adhesive brand, is compatible with many different types of materials, including fabric, rubber, plastics, and foam. In addition to headliners, it can be used on carpets, the insides of door panels, and trunk linings.

The aerosol bottle doesn’t have an adjustable nozzle like some of our other picks, but the solution dries clear and very quickly, taking around five minutes and leaving behind a clean appearance.

Permatex’s best headliner adhesive is also VOC-compliant, making it less harmful to you, your car, or the environment than products containing volatile organic compounds. 

The nozzle can sometimes become clogged, but using a syringe needle to remove the obstruction is an effective solution.

Product Specs

• Type: Aerosol spray
• Quantity: 16.75 ounces

Bottom Line

Permatex delivers a high-strength, highly-durable multi-purpose adhesive that delivers great results in a wide variety of applications. CHECK LATEST PRICE

4. Loctite General Performance Spray Adhesive

Loctite is a highly-reputable adhesive brand and this product is widely considered its best adhesive for headliners. Indeed, the Loctite General Performance Spray Adhesive is a top-grade headliner repair glue with incredible bonding power and high-temperature tolerance. 

As a multi-purpose glue, it can be used on virtually any material found in vehicle interiors, including fabric, leather, plastics, wood, foam, paper, glass, and metal. Not only can it be used for automotive repairs, but it’s also ideal for household and workshop projects. 

The aerosol bottle features a nozzle that makes application easy, and the adhesive dries clear and quickly, leaving no stains or marks. 

As for downsides, the Loctite spray adhesive might dry yellow if applied in conditions where the temperature exceeds 95°F ( 35°C). And, interestingly, it’s not recommended for use on vinyl surfaces.

Product Specs

• Type: Aerosol spray
• Quantity: 13.5 ounces

Bottom Line

No matter the project or material, the Loctite General Performance Spray Adhesive won’t fail to deliver a strong, long-lasting bond. CHECK LATEST PRICE

5. Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive

This spray adhesive from Gorilla Glue is an interesting addition to our list because despite being successfully used to repair sagging headliners for as long as it’s been around, the manufacturer doesn’t recommend it for use on automotive headliners. 

The multi-purpose adhesive bonds strongly to fabric, leather, plastic, foam, wood, glass, and metal (just about every surface in your interior); is water and UV-resistant; and meets the new VOC standards.

A wide pad spray nozzle allows for controlled fine mists and even applications, and you only have to wait several minutes before putting the headliner back up. After the headliner is up, you have an extra 10 minutes to reposition it for better alignment. 

Gorilla’s Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive is well-suited for both interior and exterior use. However, it’s not particularly effective on vinyl and rubber materials 

Despite its impressive versatility, this strong glue is not suitable for vinyl and rubber surfaces and has a low flashpoint. 

Product Specs

• Type: Aerosol spray
• Quantity: 11 ounces

Bottom Line

This is a heavy-duty, multiple-purpose spray adhesive that can be used effectively for various projects, including headliner repairs. CHECK LATEST PRICE

6. Permatex Black Super Weatherstrip Adhesive

Though a multi-purpose adhesive, the Permatex Black Super is primarily developed for automotive use. 

More specifically, it is a super strong glue that can be used effectively on vehicle headliners, upholstery, cut gaskets, carpeting, door and trunk moldings, and fabric-backed vinyl.

Not only does the Black Super deliver a strong bond, but it can also withstand extreme cold and heat and resist the deteriorating effects of moisture, water, gasoline, antifreeze, and most solvents. Make no mistake, this is an all-weather glue.

Drying takes around 10 minutes regardless of the material, though curing will take longer. It is recommended that you apply an additional thin layer to weather-strip the material.

We don’t consider the Black Super to be Permatex’s best headliner adhesive (see our number three pick) because it’s a liquid adhesive and not an aerosol spray, which is generally much easier to apply. It can also corrode your car’s paintwork if you’re not careful.

Product Specs

• Type: Liquid adhesive
• Quantity: 5 ounces

Bottom Line

The Permatex Black Super is a heavy-duty adhesive specifically designed for automotive applications. CHECK LATEST PRICE

7. Loctite Spray Adhesive

The second Loctite product on our list is a high-strength, temperature-tolerant spray adhesive specially formulated to bond strongly with fabrics, foam, rubber, plastic, and just about any material in your car’s interior.

It is water-resistant, weather-resistance, UV-resistant, and VOC-compliant, using SIS Copolymers to retain its strong bond at temperatures of up to 170°F (77°C).

Even oil, antifreeze, alcohol, and other automotive fluids have no effect on its efficacy once dried.

As spray adhesive, it’s easy to use. However, it has a fairly thick viscosity that can make application a little difficult even when using a straw.

Also, some users have complained about its odor, which they consider too strong.

Product Specs

• Type: Aerosol spray
• Quantity: 16.72 ounces

Bottom Line

With its incredible bonding power and high temperature-tolerance, the Loctite Spray Adhesive offers a great, long-lasting solution for your torn or saggy headliner. CHECK LATEST PRICE

8. Design Engineering High-Temperature Spray Adhesive

The Design Engineering Hi-Temperature Spray Adhesive does as its name suggests. It provides high-strength, high temperature-tolerant adhesion, bonding strongly to a wide variety of materials, including fabrics, foams, and more.

It’s also water and heat-resistant up to 160°F (71°C).

The nozzle on the aerosol spray bottle features a three-way adjustable valve that allows you to choose between several different spray patterns. 

To use the adhesive, clean the surfaces that will be bonded and apply a moderate to liberal amount. Drying time will vary depending on the materials involved.

This glue is possibly the best headliner adhesive from Design Engineering, but like the other products on this list, it’s not perfect. For one thing, it can cause staining and does not dry clear as advertised. 

You may also have to apply more than expected.

Product Specs

• Type: Aerosol spray
• Quantity: 10 ounces

Bottom Line

Not only does the Design Engineering High-Temperature Spray Adhesive create a strong, weather-resistant bond, but it’s also very easy to use thanks to its three-way adjustable spray nozzle design. CHECK LATEST PRICE

9. Polymat Hi-Temp Spray Glue Adhesive

Polymat is a lesser-known adhesive brand that specializes in producing high-quality fabrics, adhesives, and lubricants. 

This particular product is an industrial-grade glue designed to deliver high-temperature, heavy-duty bonding on many different types of materials, including your vehicle’s headliner, carpets, plastic and wood trim, foam elements, metals, and more. 

The formula incorporates a special blend of acetone to withstand temperatures as high as 160°F (71°C). And depending on the material being worked on, drying times can vary from a very short five minutes to one hour. 

As one of the best water-resistant adhesives on the market, it’s a top choice for making repairs on boats, ships, and other marine crafts.

A problem with the Polymat’s adhesive is that it doesn’t dry clear but instead turns into an amber color that can show through cloth and other fabric upholstery.

Product Specs

• Type: Aerosol spray
• Quantity: 13 ounces

Bottom Line

This heavy-duty adhesive works great on materials that require high-strength and heat-resistance bonding. CHECK LATEST PRICE

10. Scotch Super 77 Multipurpose Adhesive Spray

The Scotch Super 7 Multi-Purpose Adhesive is a very versatile, fast-drying spray adhesive that works on a wide range of lightweight materials, including vehicle headliners.

It can be used effectively on fabrics, plastics, cardboard, wood, metals, you name it. 

The glue is acid-free and delivers a fast-drying, aggressive tack, and low soak-in action that makes it particularly good for quick projects. 

It’s also repositionable, meaning the material can be moved around and repositioned for a duration of time after the glue has been applied. Expect it to dry clear and quickly with no-bleed through or wrinkling.

While a good multi-purpose spray adhesive, the Scotch Super 77 is not well suited for heavy materials. Also, it has a fairly low temperature-tolerance, making it less than ideal for very hot climates. 

Product Specs

• Type: Aerosol spray
• Quantity: 10.7 ounces

Bottom Line

Versatility is an important selling point of this fast-actin, quick-tack multi-purpose adhesive. It works with virtually every material and can be used for a distinct variety of projects. CHECK LATEST PRICE

Headliner Adhesive Buying Guide

With so many adhesive products currently available, many intended for different uses, it can be difficult to know if you’ve selected the right one for fixing your headliner. Your search doesn’t have to be dreadful — we’ve got you covered.

This buying guide provides you all the information you need to find the best headliner adhesive.

What Is A Headliner In A Car?

A headliner is a fabric that covers the interior ceiling wall of a vehicle. Headliners serve several functions, including enhancing the look and feel of the vehicle’s interior, providing insulation against outside temperature, and reducing noise and vibration.

They also provide some cushioning for passengers in the event of a collision. 

Most headliners have a two-piece setup consisting of a knit fabric attached to a board via melted polyurethane foam. This fabric-foam composite is fastened to the vehicle’s interior fiberglass roof.

What Causes A Headliner To Sag?

Heat, humidity, and aging are what cause headliners to separate and sag. These variables degrade the polyurethane foam that the headliner fabric is attached to, causing it to oxidize and weakening its bond with the fabric.

This failure is more common with old vehicles, especially those manufactured in the 1970s.

If the sagging is minor, you may be able to repair the headliner fabric without having to remove it entirely. But oftentimes, the damage to the foam is so severe that there is no other option than to peel off the entire fabric and replace the foam with an adhesive.

What is Headliner Adhesive?

An effective and popular way to repair a sagging headliner is to glue it back into place. But you can’t just use any ordinary glue — you need one that is specially designed for the application.

That’s where headliner adhesives come in. These products are a special type of high-strength glue used to repair loose or detached interior components.

Unlike ordinary glues such as crazy glue and many standard craft adhesives, they can tolerate high or low temperatures and form a strong, long-lasting bond by soaking deeply into the pores of the surface.

Many great headliner adhesives work on a wide variety of materials such as fabric, rubber, plastic, and foam, making them ideal for repairing sagging or falling headliners.

Headliner Adhesive Benefits

Headliner adhesives are a worthwhile investment that can work wonders for your sagging or falling headliner. Let’s look at the key benefits of using one.

Very Affordable. Why spend hundreds of dollars replacing a sagging or damaged headliner if you could repair it for less than $20? Headliner adhesives are a very affordable means of achieving great results. 

Long-Lasting Results. Whereas some methods of repairing sagging headliners only offer a temporary fix (using thumbtacks, double-sided tape, etc.), high-quality headliner adhesives provide long-lasting results that can last for years without needing to be reapplied.

Multi-Purpose Use. Even though headliner adhesives are primarily designed to fix sagging and falling headliners, they can also be used on other parts of a car’s interior. You can use them to repair other loose or detached upholstery components.

Easy to use. Not only are headliner adhesives affordable, versatile, and effective, but they are also easy to use. They are so easy to apply that you won’t need the help of a professional to get the job done.

Types of Headliner Adhesive

There are two main types of headliner adhesives, and they differ mostly in the way they are applied.

Liquid Adhesives

Liquid headliner adhesives provide a concentrated distribution and are, therefore, best suited for jobs requiring precision. They are also incredibly durable, providing a very strong bond.

This type of adhesive can be used as packaged or with a spray gun or roller for easier application and distribution, though having to buy those accessories will increase the cost of your repairs.

Aerosol Spray Adhesives

Spray-based headliner adhesives are easier to use than liquid adhesives. The adhesive is typically contained in a 12-18 ounce aerosol can with a spray nozzle that allows it to be applied easily, smoothly, and evenly on large surfaces, thus negating the need for a spray gun or roller.

While generally less durable than liquid adhesives, they are strong enough for headliner repairs. Most models are capable of withstanding temperatures as high as 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius).

Top Headliner Adhesive Brands

There are many adhesive manufacturers and brands; however, not all of them offer glues with the properties necessary for fixing damaged vehicle headliners.

Of the companies and brands that sell headliner adhesives, 3M, Permatex, Loctite, and Gorilla are the most popular and respected.

3M 

At over 110 years old, 3M is a global conglomerate corporation that operates a wide variety of industries, including consumer goods. It offers an extensive lineup of high-quality adhesives that are held in high regard by both professionals and DIYers alike.

The 3M 38808 Headliner & Fabric Adhesive is widely considered one of the best adhesives for headliners.

Permatex

Permatex has been manufacturing, distributing, and marketing advanced chemical products for automotive maintenance and repair and the home and hardware markets, including adhesives. Many of its products are sold under other well-known brand names such as the Right Stuff, Fast Orange, and Spray Nine.

You can’t go wrong with the Permatex Body Shop Heavy Duty Headliner and Carpet Adhesive.

Loctite

Germany’s Loctite is a leading brand for adhesives, sealants, and surface treatments on the world stage, using cutting-edge technology to provide efficient, durable, strong, and long-lasting adhesives.

The Loctite General Performance Spray Adhesive is possibly its most popular headliner adhesive.

Gorilla

Unlike big-name brands like 3M, Permatex, and Loctite, Gorilla is a company that specializes mostly in adhesives. It sells adhesive tapes, super glue, heavy-duty construction adhesives, and other related products.

Although the company doesn’t recommend it for use on vehicle headliners, the Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive is commonly used to fix sagging headliners to great effect.

Headliner Adhesive Pricing

Headliner adhesives are as a whole very inexpensive products. However, they can be grouped into three price ranges that typically correspond to their quality and quantity.

Budget

Most headliner adhesives in this price range cost under $10 U.S. and are typically offered as small, 10- to 18-ounce aerosol sprays intended for one-time repairs. 

Their low price doesn’t always mean low quality, however, since mid-range and premium adhesives are sometimes offered in smaller, less expensive packages to make them more accessible to cash-strapped buyers.

Mid-Range

Most of the headliner adhesives you’ll find on store shelves are mid-range models, usually costing $10 to $30 U.S. This includes products from 3M, Permatex, Loctite, and other popular brands.

Compared to the budget models, the extra money mostly gets you more quantity and not necessarily better quality. These adhesives are usually offered in packs of two, giving you enough for multiple repairs.

Premium 

With these $40 and above headliner adhesives, the term ‘premium’ mostly means ‘strong’ and ‘more’. That’s because they offer very strong bonding and usually provide large quantities to work with.

But as far as overall performance is concerned, you’ll probably find that premium and mid-range adhesives don’t differ that much.

Features Of The Best Headliner Adhesive

Fixing your car’s headliner properly requires using an appropriate headliner adhesive. Unfortunately, with so many options available, you could easily end up with a dud that only makes your headliner look worse.

Don’t be a hapless shopper. Here are the key features you should consider when shopping for a headliner adhesive.

Temperature Resistance

The first key consideration is the headliner adhesive’s ability to withstand both low and high temperatures. Rubber-based adhesives, for instance, have a low heat tolerance and should be avoided.

Most top-grade spray adhesives are designed to withstand temperatures ranging from 0 to 200°F (-18 to 93°C), but always check the product description to make sure it meets your needs.

Durability

You don’t want to waste your time and energy fixing your headliner only to have it sag or fall off again a few weeks or months later. 

Spare yourself the trouble of constantly having to make repairs by opting for an adhesive that has strong holding power. Look for one that meets the durability requirements needed for headliner repairs.

Compatibility

Not all glues work the same way or stick to everything as many people believe. For example, many types of glue can’t form a strong bond to plastics or rubbers with a high plasticizer or oil content.

Make sure the adhesive you get is compatible with the fabric of your headliner and its surrounding areas.

Toxicity 

When looking for an adhesive, you want one that won’t harm the material of your headliner or pose a health risk to you or your passengers. Toxic chemicals used by some products can cause corrosion, staining, or other damage.

Also consider doing your part to help the environment by opting for an eco-friendly adhesive product with little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), one approved by your country’s respective environmental protection government agency (e.g. the EPA).

Many of the best headliner adhesives use natural, non-toxic ingredients that won’t harm you or your vehicle’s interior roof upholstery.

Ease Of Use

Headliner adhesives come as a spray or a liquid. Spray adhesives are typically easier to apply and distribute, especially if the job requires covering an extensive area.

Liquid adhesives offer more precision, making them suitable for repairing small tears.

Novices will likely find spray adhesives easier to use, while those who have some experience working with glue will have no issue applying liquid adhesives.

How To Repair A Headliner

A sagging or damaged headliner is not only ugly but it’s also potentially dangerous. After all, you wouldn’t want a piece of your car’s roof falling on you as you drive, breaking your concentration and putting you at a higher risk of an accident.

Fortunately, repairing a faulty headliner can often be done fairly easily and, if done right, will keep you safer behind the wheel and improve the appearance of your interior. Our guide will show you how to go about it using an adhesive. 

Note: If your headliner only has a small tear or is sagging a little at the edges, fixing it may only involve detaching a small section of the fabric. Removal of the headliner may even not be necessary in some cases.

Step 1. The first step involves removing the headliner. Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the roof handles, ceiling lights, or anything that’s securing the headliner to the roof of your car.

Step 2. With the securing attachments removed, gently peel off the headliner fabric from the ceiling board. You only need to detach the part that needs fixing and not the entire fabric.

Step 3. Prepare the headliner and ceiling board for a new layer of adhesive by wiping them down with a sponge or microfiber towel, making sure to remove any loose debris, particles, or other substances that will make the glue less effective.

Step 4. Apply the your chosen headliner adhesive directly to the ceiling board (don’t glue the headliner fabric). Use even strokes until you have achieved a nice even layer.

Step 5. Let the adhesive set for the duration prescribed by the product’s manufacturer before putting the headliner back. Not all adhesives dry at the same rate.

Step 6. After allowing the adhesive to dry as per the manufacturer’s recommendation, gently position the headliner fabric back onto the headliner board, stretching it over the surface and applying pleasure to remove wrinkles and smooth everything out.  

Step 7. Reinstall all the items that were holding the headliner fabric in place (clips, roof handles, ceiling lights, etc.).

Additional Headliner Adhesive Tips

Here is a collection of helpful tips for using headliner adhesive safely and effectively to repair your torn or saggy headliner. 

• Some adhesives contain toxic ingredients that can be harmful to your health, so play it safe by always wearing protective gear (gloves, goggles, a mask, etc.) before using one.
• Roll down the car’s windows to improve airflow and air out the smell of the adhesive.
• If your headliner fabric is sagging near the edges, you may be able to apply the adhesive without having to remove the roof handles, clips, lights, and other items holding it in place.
• Don’t apply the adhesive on a wet surface as water can sometimes impede the bonding.
• Warm temperature causes adhesives to dry quicker than cooler weather, while extreme temperatures can cause them to perform poorly. Carry out the headliner repair in an area (e.g. your garage) that has a moderate temperature.
• The adhesive can sometimes get onto the sun visors and other parts of your upholstery, leaving a sticky mess. You can prevent this from happening by covering those surrounding areas with pieces of paper. 
• Take care not to spray an excessive amount of the adhesive on the headliner board and it could damage the fabric. It should be applied moderately and evenly across the surface.

Headliner Adhesive FAQs

To finish off our headliner adhesive guide, we’re going to answer some of the questions people often ask in hopes of making you an even more informed shopper. 

Can I Fix My Headliner With Regular Glue?

No. Regular glue, super glue, and many standard craft adhesives don’t offer the temperature tolerance, durability, and bonding power required to repair a headliner.

These glues tend to be rubber-based, so they melt and become pliable when exposed to heat, such as on a hot day. This pliability will cause the headliner to separate and sag.

You need an adhesive product specifically-designed for such an application, one that works on your headliner fabric. If you’re in search of a high-quality headliner adhesive, read our review section and buying guide.

What Should I Look For In A Good Headliner Adhesive?

When shopping for a headliner adhesive, look for one that is compatible with your headliner material, can withstand high and low temperatures, and provides a durable, long-lasting bond. It should also be easy-to-use and harmless to both you and your car’s upholstery. 

Some adhesives are repositionable, allowing you to move the glued headliner around for better alignment while the glue is drying.

Can I Fix A Headliner Without Removing It?

Yes. If the headliner fabric is sagging just a little at a corner or around the edges, you may be able to repair it without detaching the entire fabric from the headliner board. 

Gently peel back the sagging section without removing the items holding it in place if possible, apply an even layer of quality adhesive to the headliner board, and reattach the fabric neatly.

Can I Paint Over Headliner Adhesive?

Since headliner adhesive is designed to stick the headliner fabric to the headliner board and, therefore, isn’t exposed to the outside, you shouldn’t have to paint over it. 

However, in the few instances that you might need to paint, such as wanting to conceal a small hole in the fabric, painting over the spot shouldn’t pose a problem. Just don’t apply the paint until the adhesive has dried.   

Final Thoughts

Don’t drive around with a torn, sagging, or otherwise damaged headliner. Not only is it a bad look for your car’s interior, but it’s also dangerous to have pieces of it fall off on you when on the road.

With so many options to choose from, finding a high-quality headliner adhesive can be difficult. We hope that our reviews and in-depth buying provided you with all the information you need to shop with confidence.

For us, the 3M 3880 Fabric and Headliner Adhesive is the best headliner adhesive as it is simple to use, compatible with a wide variety of materials, quick-drying, and exceptionally durable. Another good, more general-purpose option is the Tear Mender Instant Fabric & Leather Adhesive.