Spray adhesives are a go-to for many DIYers and professionals alike when it comes to attaching fabrics, felt, and other materials to different surfaces. They’re quick, easy to use, and create a strong, long-lasting bond. Whether you’re working on a home décor project, upholstering a car seat, or adding felt to your DIY crafts, knowing how to use spray adhesive effectively can make all the difference.
In this post, we’ll take a closer
look at how to use spray adhesive for felt and fabric applications, the best
surfaces to apply it to, and we’ll explore some popular spray adhesive products
so you can pick the right adhesive for your project.
Why Use Spray Adhesive?
Spray adhesive is super convenient
and versatile for a variety of projects. Here's why:
- Easy to Apply:
Simply shake the can, spray the adhesive, and press your fabric into
place. It’s as easy as that!
- No Mess:
Unlike liquid glues, spray adhesives create a light, even coating without
drips or spills.
- Quick Drying:
Many spray adhesives dry fast, which means you don’t have to wait around
for hours for your project to set.
- Strong Bond:
Whether you're attaching felt to foam or fabric to wood, spray adhesives
form a lasting bond that holds up over time.
What
Surfaces Can You Apply Felt and Fabric To?
One of the best things about spray
adhesives is their versatility. You can use them on all kinds of surfaces, and
they’ll hold up great. Here are just a few of the surfaces that work well for
spray adhesive applications:
- Wood:
Perfect for craft projects, furniture upholstery, and home décor.
- Metal:
Great for automotive repairs, HVAC systems, and industrial projects.
- Plastic:
Ideal for crafts, signage, or DIY repairs.
- Masonry:
Excellent for both indoor and outdoor applications on surfaces like brick
or concrete.
- Drywall:
Use spray adhesive for temporary applications or design elements on walls.
- Foam:
Fabric bonds well to foam, whether it’s for cushions, seats, or craft
projects.
- Vinyl:
A good option for automotive upholstery, furniture, and more.
- Automobile Interiors:
Commonly used for reupholstering seats, dashboards, or trim.
- Painted Surfaces:
Spray adhesives work great for creating wall art or temporary
installations on painted surfaces.
How
to Use Spray Adhesive for Felt and Fabric Applications
The process of using spray adhesive
is pretty simple, but there are a few key steps to ensure a smooth and lasting
bond. Here’s a quick guide:
- Preparation:
Start by cleaning the surface you’re working with. Dust, dirt, and
moisture can interfere with the adhesive’s bond. Also, make sure the
fabric or felt is clean and free from debris.
- Spray Application:
Shake the can of adhesive well. Hold it about 6–12 inches away from the
surface, and apply a thin, even coat to both the fabric and the surface
you're bonding to. A light coat is often all you need. (certain spray adhesives
such as Polymat 777x glue can also make temporary bonds by spraying only
one surface).
- Allow the Adhesive to Tacky Up: Wait for about 1-3 minutes (or follow the specific
drying instructions on your adhesive can) to allow the adhesive to become
tacky.
- Press the Fabric:
Once the adhesive is tacky, press the fabric or felt into place. Be sure
to smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles for a perfect finish.
- Give It Time to Dry:
Most spray adhesives dry quickly, but it's always a good idea to give it
time to fully set before handling the project.
Pro Tip: For larger projects, work in sections to avoid
over-spraying. And don’t forget to mask off any areas you don’t want adhesive
on—keeping edges neat can make a big difference!
Types
of Spray Adhesives to Use
When it comes to spray adhesives,
there are a few types to consider depending on your project needs. Below are a
few options to keep in mind:
1.
Multipurpose Adhesive – Polymat 770x
Polymat 770x is a great all-around adhesive for a variety of materials
utilizing a mist spray. It works
well for fabrics, foam, plastic, and even wood, making it ideal for multiple
projects—whether you're tackling an upholstery job or gluing felt to a craft
surface.
Key Features:
- Versatile: Bonds a range of materials including
fabrics, foam, metal, and plastic.
- Reliable: Strong, long-lasting bond that holds up well
over time.
- Quick Drying: Dries fast, so you don’t have to wait
long to complete your project.
- Even Spray: Ensures smooth, even coverage for
consistent results.
If you're working on a project where you need an adhesive that can handle multiple materials and deliver a reliable bond, Polymat 770x is an excellent choice.
2.
Upholstery-Specific Adhesive – Polymat 777x
When you need a strong adhesive for
fabric, especially for upholstery, Polymat 777x is a fantastic option.
This spray adhesive is designed specifically for bonding fabric to surfaces
like foam, vinyl, and more.
Key Features:
- Web Spray Pattern:
Perfect for applying adhesive evenly without oversaturating the fabric.
- Durable Bond:
Provides a strong, long-lasting hold, ideal for upholstery projects that
see a lot of use.
- Water-Resistant:
Great for projects that may encounter moisture or humidity.
- Quick Drying:
Dries fast, so you can move on to the next steps in your project.
- Heat Resistance:
With a max temperature of 150°F (65°C), it’s great for projects
exposed to moderate heat (like car interiors or furniture).
This adhesive is a top choice for
anyone looking to reupholster or apply fabric to any high-wear surface,
especially in the automotive and home décor industries.
3.
High-Temperature Adhesive – Polymat 797x
If you're working on a project that
will be exposed to high temperatures, like automotive headliners, RV interiors,
or any other surfaces that experience heat, Polymat 797x is the go-to
adhesive.
Key Features:
- High-Temperature Resistance: Can withstand a maximum surface temperature of 220°F
(104°C), making it perfect for automotive headliners, RVs, and other
heat-prone areas.
- Extremely Strong Bond:
This adhesive is designed for high-strength applications, ensuring your
fabric stays in place even under tough conditions.
- Fast Acting:
The adhesive sets quickly, allowing you to get on with your project
faster.
- Reliable:
Long-lasting adhesion that holds up even in high-heat environments.
Whether you're repairing or
reupholstering automotive interiors or working on any surface exposed to high
temperatures, Polymat 797x offers unmatched performance.
Choosing the Right Adhesive for Your Project
With so many types of spray
adhesives out there, how do you know which one to choose? Here’s a quick guide:
- For everyday crafts and light projects: Go with a general-purpose adhesive like Polymat
770x.
- For fabric-heavy projects, especially upholstery: The Polymat 777x is your best bet, as it
provides excellent adhesion to fabric and soft surfaces.
- For high-heat applications: Use Polymat 797x, which can withstand up to
220°F, making it perfect for headliners, RVs, and other high-heat
environments.
Make sure to also consider drying
time and working time when selecting your adhesive, especially if you're
tackling larger or more complex projects.
Final
Tips & Safety
- Ventilation:
Always apply spray adhesives in a well-ventilated area, or ideally,
outdoors. Inhaling fumes can be harmful.
- Surface Protection:
Use newspapers or a drop cloth to protect surrounding areas from
overspray.
- Test First:
Always test your adhesive on a small patch of material to ensure
compatibility and to avoid ruining your project.
All-in-All
Using spray adhesive to apply felt
and fabric to different surfaces is a simple and effective solution for a wide
range of DIY projects. Whether you're upholstering furniture, crafting, or
working on your car’s interior, choosing the right adhesive makes all the
difference. Polymat 770x, Polymat 777x, and Polymat 797x
are all excellent options depending on your needs—whether you're bonding
fabric, working in high-heat environments, or need a versatile adhesive for
multiple surfaces.
Ready to try it out? Grab your favorite spray adhesive and start your next project today!