When it comes to gluing fabric to metal, you might get stuck when looking for your adhesive. We’ll not only suggest the best product for the job but also show you how to attach fabric to metal.
Before you start gluing fabric to metal, you want to be sure you’ve chosen the right product. It can be tricky with so many different glues to choose from. Additionally, fabric and metal are an uncommon material combination, so it’s not always obvious which glue to go for.
Luckily, you’ve got a range of options. These glues are generally very effective for gluing fabric to metal:
- All-purpose glues
- Spray adhesives
- Fabric adhesives
- Epoxy glues
Just make sure you check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure your product is compatible with your materials. Then you’re ready to get gluing!
In this guide, we’ll show you how to glue fabric to metal with all-purpose glue and spray adhesive. They’re both extremely easy to use, and well suited for most DIY and repair projects.
All-purpose glues like Loctite Extreme Glue are perfect for projects that involve gluing fabric to metal. You can use this glue for crafts or for repairing toys or metal car parts, for example. Loctite Extreme Glue has a special non-foaming formula that allows for no mess application. Furthermore, it creates strong bonds and dries invisible.
If you’re working with a large surface area, we recommend using spray adhesive instead, as it will speed up the application process. Loctite Spray Adhesive Multi Purpose is a high-strength, easy-to-use product that works for gluing fabric to metal and a wide range of other materials. One advantage of this spray adhesive is that it can create temporary bonds, which allows you to reposition pieces, if necessary.
Epoxies are excellent if high strength is your priority but take a little longer to apply and, in some cases, dry.
Here’s how to glue fabric to metal with all purpose glue. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and wear any protective equipment recommended by the product instructions.
- Prepare the surfaces. Make sure both the fabric and metal are completely clean and dry. Pre-fit the parts.
- Apply the glue. Apply the adhesive to one of the surfaces. Use small drops. Immediately press the surfaces together and hold in position for the amount of time stated in the product information.
- Wait for the glue to dry. For best results, leave the glue to dry for the length of time mentioned in the product’s instructions.
- Clean up. Remove any excess wet adhesive on the project with a damp tissue. You can carefully remove cured adhesive with a blade or acetone. Once you’ve finished using the glue, clean the tip with a tissue, put the cap back on, and store it in a cool, dry place. Wash your hands after use.
Loctite glues can be used for all kinds of projects and materials (including wood, ceramic, and some plastics). So after gluing fabric to metal, you can use the same adhesive for another project!
Next, we’ll show you how to attach fabric to metal with spray adhesive. As always, make sure the space is well-ventilated. We also recommend wearing safety glasses.
- Prepare the space and materials. Lay out some scrap paper on your work surface. Check that the metal and fabric surfaces are clean and dry, and then pre-fit them.
- Apply the spray adhesive. Shake the can vigorously about 10 times. Hold it vertically and spray from a distance of around 10 inches. Apply a medium coat to both surfaces. For even application, move the can continuously.
- Wait several minutes before joining the surfaces. Once the adhesive has dried to tack (after up to 10 minutes) press the surfaces together. Allowing some time to pass between application and bonding will create a stronger bond.
- Let the adhesive dry. After joining the surfaces, wait another 5-10 minutes to ensure that the adhesive is fully dried.
- Clean up. Clean up your spray adhesive as recommended in the product instructions and store it in a cool, dry place so it’s ready for next time!