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How to glue fabric to plastic with special adhesive

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Gluing fabric to plastic is easy if you have the right glue, a little bit of patience, and a few tips. Read on to find out which specially formulated adhesive is the best glue for fabric and plastic and how to use it in four different applications!

The best glue for fabric to plastic

Generally speaking, specially formulated adhesives for fabric to plastic perform better than all-purpose glues. After all, your adhesive must not only bond with the fabric and plastic you are working with but also stay flexible, so it does not crack when these materials move.

Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic is a fantastic adhesive for bonding fabric to plastic because it fulfils these criteria and more. Not only is it flexible and versatile, meaning you can mend fabrics and plastics like vinyl, but it also dries clear so you can carry out invisible detail work. This waterproof, resilient glue sets in only 10 minutes and cures in 24 hours, so your project will be ready for the elements in just one day!

How to attach fabric to plastic: General information and preparation

Gluing fabric to plastic is really easy, as you’ll see in the sections below. They outline four different applications you are sure to encounter during craft and repair projects.

If you are working indoors, work in a well-ventilated area. Wear gloves and wash your hands after using the product.

Before you get started, gather these materials:

  • adhesive for fabric to plastic (e.g. Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic)  
  • masking tape
  • sandpaper
  • gloves
  • cloth/fiberglass patch (for larger repairs)
  • cloth
  • acetone/nail polish remover
  • sharp blade


First you need to prepare your surfaces. Make sure they are clean and dry. Roughen smooth surfaces to improve adhesion. If you are repairing a tear, apply masking tape around the area to ensure a clean seam.

Gluing fabric to plastic: Wet bonding

Apply glue evenly to both surfaces and press them together. Hold them in place until the glue sets. Consult your product’s instructions for information concerning setting time and whether you can reposition parts.

Gluing fabric to plastic: Contact bonding

Apply adhesive evenly to both surfaces, and let it dry as recommended in the product’s instructions. Assemble parts within the amount of time stated in the instructions.

Gluing fabric to plastic: Small rips

Apply glue to the edges of the damaged material. Press the edges together and secure them in place with masking tape for the amount of time stated in the product’s instructions.

Gluing fabric to plastic: Large tears

To reinforce the material and make your repair extra strong, place a piece of cloth or a fiberglass patch under the damaged area. Then apply the adhesive to the edges of the damaged material. Press the edges together and secure them in place with masking tape for the length of time specified in the product’s instructions.

How to glue fabric to plastic: Curing and clean-up

Your glue’s instructions explain how long it needs to cure. You can remove uncured adhesive using acetone or nail polish remover. Consult both the adhesives   and the solvent’s product instructions before application. Carefully cut away cured adhesive with a sharp blade.

Products used

  • loctite vinyl plastic adhesive 1oz card
    Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic Repair

    Mending rips and tears in all flexible materials like seats, cushions, tarps and clothing.

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