To glue fabric to plastic, you can use one of the following adhesives:
- Spray Adhesives
- Vinyl, Fabric, and Plastic Glue
- Super Glue
The type of fabric, the type of plastic, and the type of glue will influence the drying and curing time of the adhesive.
Some types of adhesives can also dissolve some plastics. If the glue is very thin, this can be more easily soaked up by the fabric. And we don’t want this to happen as this can lead to discoloration of the fabric.
So knowing which type of glue is best to glue fabric to plastic is important if you want your project to look good and your bond to be strong.
Keep reading to learn more about the three types of adhesives that work best for gluing fabric to plastic and how to glue them together so the bond will be lasting and effective.
Which Glue Is Best To Glue Fabric To Plastic
Generally, to know which glue is best suited for your project, you need to take into consideration the following aspects:
- Size of your project
- Are you looking for a flexible bond or a rigid result?
- The aesthetic of your project (some adhesives tend to get soaked into the fabric and cause discoloration)
As mentioned earlier, the fabric and type of plastic determine which glue is best for the project, but generally, the following glues are the best suited to glue fabric to plastic.
Spray Adhesives
If you want to glue fabric to a larger area of plastic, then a spray adhesive is the type of glue that is effective but also makes the process very easy from start to finish.
Spray adhesives offer a flexible bond and are best suited for non-structural applications.
3M Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive is a great option for gluing fabric to plastic.
This spray adhesive has the following features:
- It dries clear
- Bonds quickly
- Offers immediate holding strength
- Mist spray application
- Photo-safe
The glue delivers a secure bond in 15 seconds to 30 minutes after application, depending on how much you have used (thickness), the type of fabric, and the type of plastic you are working with.
Vinyl, Fabric, and Plastic Glue
Loctite’s Vinyl, Fabric, and Platic glue provide a flexible bond.
This waterproof adhesive is highly resistant to torsion and bending, providing long-lasting results even for tears and rips in the fabric.
Loctite’s Vinyl, Fabric, and Platic glue have the following features:
- Dries clear
- Transparent
- Does not go brittle with time
- Doesn’t yellow under direct sunlight
- Great for long-lasting invisible repairs
- Sets in 10 minutes
- Fully cures in 24 hours
- Waterproof
With this glue’s waterproof and resilient bond, you can easily repair raincoats, beach balls, and much more.
Super Glue
You can choose more than one brand of super glue, but let’s look at this one here.
B-7000 is a super glue that is great for fabric and plastic materials. It is non-toxic and fast-drying.
This super glue comes with a precision tip for an easy and controlled application and an anti-clog cap so you can easily re-use it without the glue clogging up the cap after use.
Here is what else you need to know about B-7000 Super Glue:
- High elasticity – it can stretch by 900%, and it won’t break
- Dries in about 6 to 10 minutes
- Cures in 24 hours
- Metal applicator tip for precise, controlled, and easy application
- Slow drying – allows for high elasticity, strong stickiness, and adjustments
- Dries crystal clear with a gloss finish
- Waterproof
- Won’t yellow
As you can see, all three types of adhesive offer a great and reliable bond to glue fabric to plastic.
How To Glue Fabric To Plastic: The Preparation
Before you can glue fabric to plastic, you must prepare both surfaces properly. Otherwise, the bond may not be as strong, effective, and long-lasting.
If there are any stains or dirt on the surface of the materials, these will prevent the glue from adhering and bonding properly.
So the first step is to prepare the fabric and the plastic for gluing.
If your fabric isn’t as clean as it should be, wash it in the washing machine (if this is safe to do based on the fabric you will be using). Then allow it to air dry.
If there are wrinkles, iron the fabric so the finished product will look great.
Now the plastic. Again, if there are any stains, dirt, debris, or dust on the plastic, you need to clean it. Use warm soapy water to wash it clean. Then rinse it with clean water and allow it to air dry.
If there are more stubborn stains on the plastic, use acetone, rubbing alcohol, or a commercial cleaning solution for tough stains to clean it well. Then, wipe it down with a clean damp cloth and allow it to dry.
If you work with very smooth and shiny plastic, use sandpaper to roughen the surface to help the glue have much better adhesion.
How To Glue Fabric To Plastic: The Application
Now that both surfaces are clean and dry, you are ready to move on to the application stage.
If you want to glue fabric to plastic with a spray adhesive, follow these steps:
- Spray the surface of the plastic with the spray glue (cover the working area with newspaper in case some of the spray adhesives falls around the plastic)
- Align the fabric
- Gently press it into the glue – wear gloves
- If necessary, use clamps, tape, or other tools to keep the fabric secured in place until the glue cures
- Allow the glue to fully cure for 24 hours
If you want to glue fabric to plastic with super glue or Loctite’s Vinyl, Fabric, and Platic glue, follow these steps:
- Apply the glue to both surfaces – if needed, use a soft-bristled brush or a sponge brush to spread the glue evenly across the surface
- The glue may soak through the fabric, so wear gloves to prevent the glue from getting on your skin
- Carefully align the fabric to the plastic and press them together
- Apply pressure to help the glue bond
- If necessary, use clamps or tape to keep the fabric secured to the plastic
- Allow the glue to cure for 24 hours
Conclusion
Gluing fabric into plastic is an easy process. You can get great results with the right glue.
The best types of adhesives to glue fabric to plastic are:
- Spray adhesive
- Vinyl, Fabric, and Plastic Glue
- Super Glue
Remember that some fabrics can soak up the glue more easily. As you glue the fabric to the plastic, the glue may soak through the other side.
If you are not wearing gloves, your hands will get glue.
Spray adhesive is the least likely to soak through the fabric.
