10 Best Headliner Adhesive of 2023

As your car ages it’s a common problem to have the headliner sag a bit or even fall off completely. But while it can cost a small fortune to get a professional to replace it for you, there’s nothing stopping you from doing it yourself.

But one of the most important steps in reattaching your vehicle’s headliner is to get the right adhesive. Because while the right adhesive will work like a charm, the wrong one can discolor your vehicle’s interior or leave you right back where you started with a sagging headliner!

We understand the importance of the decision, and it’s why we took the time to highlight ten of the best headliner adhesives on the market for you right here.

10 Best Headliner Adhesives

We know you’re busy and want to jump right into the reviews. That’s why we put them right here in the beginning for you. But if you have any questions about headliner adhesives and what you need jump down to the buyer’s guide before checking out the reviews here!

1. 3M Spray Trim Adhesive – Best Headliner Adhesive Overall

If you’re in the market for the best headliner adhesive, you don’t need to look any further than this 3M Spray Trim Adhesive. While it’s slightly more expensive the larger size it comes in helps offset that a bit, although that really doesn’t matter much if you’re only trying to reattach one headliner.

But what really puts this spray adhesive at the top of our list is everything that it offers. First, it dries completely clear so you don’t have to worry about accidental overspray running the look of your vehicle’s interior.

Next, it’s an extremely effective adhesive that delivers professional-quality results. Not only that, but it’s easy to use so you can get professional quality results for your vehicle’s headliner. Finally, while we’re recommending it for your vehicle’s headliner here, the truth is that it works in a wide array of applications.

So sure you’re spending a little more for it, but you’re also getting a great product you can use for different projects.

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2. Permatex 27828 – Best Budget

The Permatex 27828 spray adhesive is an adhesive option that offers an outstanding mix of price and quality, and like all the other top options it’s easy to use and dries completely clear.

And while it’s not specifically for automotive applications it can easily withstand higher temperatures. And for car interiors that can reach scorching hot temperatures during the summer months that’s a big deal!

Still, while it’s an excellent spray adhesive that will do an outstanding job of reattaching the headliner in your vehicle, it did miss our top spot for a reason. The primary reason for this is that it’s not the strongest adhesive option out there.

While it’s more than strong enough for a headliner, if you’re thinking about using the extra for different projects in the future it’s something you’ll need to consider. Not only that, but it’s only for indoor applications.

The problem is that it can’t handle the moisture that comes with outdoor use. Once again, this isn’t a huge deal for headliners, but if you plan on using it for other things in the future this limits the possibilities.

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3. 3M Super Trim Adhesive – Premium Choice

If you don’t care about how much you’re spending and you just want the best of the best, this 3M Super Trim Adhesive is the way to go. No other adhesive on our list will match its sticking power, although that can present its own problems if you make a mistake!

But if you take your time and reattach the headliner correctly this spray adhesive delivers professional quality results you can count on for years. It dries on clear, and it’s specifically for automotive purposes so you know it’ll stand up to everything you throw at it for years to come.

The only real issue with 3M Super Trim Adhesive is the price, as it’s easily the most expensive adhesive option on our list. Still, with the strength of the bond, how much of the adhesive you get, and how versatile it is, you’ll want to consider splurging a bit to get it.

Plus, it’s an expensive adhesive. You’re still not going to need to take out a second mortgage for it, you’re just going to spend more than you would if you went with another option from our list.

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4. Scotch Super 77 Multipurpose Adhesive Spray

The Scotch Super 77 Multipurpose Adhesive Spray lands smack in the middle of our list, which matches where it’s at as a product. When you’re looking for an adhesive to reattach a headliner you can do worse than Scotch Super 77, but you can also do a bit better.

Still, it’s a more affordable option than some of the other adhesives, and it’s still a very effective product. It’s also easy to use, and while it works great on headliners it’s versatile enough to work in a wide array of different applications too.

But with that in mind the smaller size it comes in means you won’t have a ton left over to use on different jobs. And since it’s not headliner or automotive specific it’s not always the most effective in these applications.

Finally, while it meets all modern VOC standards, it’s still on the higher end of things. This isn’t a huge deal, but you’ll want to wear some sort of face mask while using it – especially since you’re spraying overhead for a headliner.

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5. Loctite MR 5426

Loctite is a huge name in the adhesive industry, and their MR 5426 is the product you’ll want to use when you’re trying to attach a headliner. It’s a strong spray adhesive product that does a great job with headliners and all other sorts of applications.

It delivers professional quality results and is easy to use, although you do need to apply multiple coats of the stuff to get the premium-level results you want. But despite coming from one of the best brands in the industry and delivering outstanding results it did fall into the second half of our list.

Not only does it require three different coats for the best possible results, but it’s not an automotive-specific product. This isn’t a huge deal, but it does mean it might struggle a bit more with the extremely high temperatures the inside of your vehicle can reach.

Finally, while it comes from a premium brand, it also comes with a premium price. You’re going to spend a bit more for this adhesive, and since you’re not getting an automotive-specific product this is a bigger deal.

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6. Polymat Hi-Temp 797

Polymat isn’t a huge name in the automotive care industry, but their Hi-Temp 797 headliner adhesive is a product you’ll want to consider. As the name implies it can withstand extremely high temperatures, and this is a big deal since a vehicle’s interior can reach almost 200 degrees!

Overall, it’s an excellent option for headliners, but it’s not a headliner or even an automotive-specific product. It’s versatile and easy to use, and because it comes in a larger can size you’ll have plenty left over after attaching the headliner for different projects.

Polymat makes this adhesive in the United States too, but there are a few reasons it fell so far on our list. First, it’s slightly more expensive. It’s far from the most expensive headliner adhesive on our list, but it’s not the most affordable either.

Finally, it dries extremely fast. This might seem like a perk at first, but it doesn’t give you much time to make adjustments if you need them. Instead, Polymat Hi-Temp 797 is a better choice if you’re trying to reattach a sagging headliner instead of installing a brand-new headliner in your vehicle.

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7. 3M Headliner & Fabric Adhesive

This is the last 3M product to make our list, we promise! But the reason 3M has so many different products on our list is because they do a great job of creating different products you can use to attach headliners in your vehicle.

This 3M Headliner & Fabric Adhesive is an excellent mix of price and quality, and it’s specifically for automotive applications. This means it can handle the extreme temperature swings the inside of a vehicle will experience, and it’s not quite as messy compared to some other spray adhesives.

Overall, it’s easy to use and it comes in a larger can size. If you’re using it for a single headliner it’s more than enough and it’ll leave you with more than enough product for future projects.

However, it is worth noting that 3M Headliner & Fabric Adhesive has a longer drying time. You shouldn’t need to hold it in place the whole time, but it takes 30 to 60 minutes for it to dry thoroughly.

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8. Krylon All-Purpose Spray Adhesive

One glance at Krylon All-Purpose Spray Adhesive and you’re more likely to think it’s a spray paint than a spray adhesive. But while Krylon is better known for its spray paint products, they make a pretty effective spray adhesive. But not only is it effective, but it’s also one of the more affordable spray adhesives on the market today.

It’s still easy to use and it dries on clear which makes it an excellent choice for automotive applications. But while it works great for headliners it’s not an automotive-specific product. It’s also not the strongest adhesive product out there.

It’s more than strong enough to hold up a headliner, but it’s not going to hold up for bigger jobs. Finally, while it’s an affordable product, it comes in a smaller can size. You’re not spending a ton on it, but you’re also not getting a ton of product.

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9. Nashua 357 Premium Spray Adhesive

The Nashua 357 Premium Spray Adhesive is the last option on our list, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth checking out. While it’s not the best headliner adhesive on the market, it still gets the job done. And since it’s one of the more affordable options it more than earns a spot on our list, even if it’s at the bottom.

Not only does this spray adhesive effectively reattach headliners, but it’s a versatile product that works for plenty of other applications too. Whether you’re looking to attach headliners or want a spray adhesive for your crafts, Nashua 357 Premium Spray Adhesive is a great choice.

Still, while it works, it’s far from the most effective product. The problem with Nashua 357 Premium Spray Adhesive is how long it lasts. It’ll hold up for a few years, but if you’re keeping your vehicle for an extended period you’ll need to reapply it at some point.

This is in large part because it’s not an automotive-specific product, and because of this it can’t hold up to the extreme temperature swings through the years.

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10. Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive

If you’re on a tighter budget but still want an outstanding adhesive you can use for your vehicle this Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive might be a good choice for you! It’s an extremely affordable spray adhesive from one of the top brands in the industry, and it does a great job of reattaching headliners.

Not only does it come from a great brand, but it’s also one of the most effective adhesives out there. It dries completely clear so you don’t have to worry about the final appearance, and it’s also straightforward and easy to use.

However, while it’s an effective and affordable adhesive, there’s a reason it’s not our top choice. It all starts with the fact that while you can use this for headliners, it’s not a headliner-specific spray adhesive. This means that it’ll work, but it might be a bit messier or a bit more challenging to work with. Therefore we do actually recommend using something else for headliners, even if it’s a great adhesive for other applications.

Finally, while it meets the new VOC standards, it’s still a bit higher than most of the other spray adhesives on our list. It’s not a huge deal, but we recommend wearing a face mask of some sort while using it!

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Headliner Adhesive Buyer’s Guide

With so many outstanding headliner adhesive options out there it can be a challenge trying to narrow it down to just one. But if you know what you’re looking at and how to use them it can help you make an informed decision.

That’s why we came up with this buyer’s guide to walk you through everything you need to know and help you get the right headliner adhesive the first time. 

What to Look for in a Headliner Adhesive

When you’re shopping for a headliner adhesive there are quite a few things you need to look for. The last thing you want is to take all the time to reattach a headliner only to have it fall down because you used the wrong product or for it to have a look you don’t like!

Below we’ve highlighted three different things you should look for when you’re shopping for a headliner adhesive, and all the options on our list have each one.

Temperature Resistance

The inside of your vehicle can reach incredibly high temperatures throughout the year, and the problem with glue is that at high temperatures it starts to break down! This means if you want an effective headliner adhesive you need it to have the ability to withstand higher temperatures.

All of the options on our list pass this test, but if you’re shopping for a different product ensure it can withstand temperatures of at least 200 degrees Fahrenheit so you don’t have to worry about the headliner falling down during the next heatwave!

Clear Drying

While you might not think that getting a clear drying adhesive spray is a huge deal since it’s going to be behind the headliner, that’s not the case. Even if you take your time and do your absolute best there’s going to be some overspray and potential seepage.

If the headliner adhesive you have dries clear this isn’t a huge deal, but if it dries yellow or another color it’s going to ruin the final appearance. Getting a headliner adhesive that dries clear doesn’t cost any more, and it’s going to ensure you get a flawless finish.

Easy to Use

Reattaching or attaching a headliner is a difficult enough job on its own without having to struggle with an adhesive product that isn’t easy to use. This is one of the primary differences between a top-notch spray adhesive product, a low-quality one, and an option like hot glue is how easy it is to use.

Getting a spray adhesive that lets you easily control where and how much you spray will make the application process that much easier, and when you’re in the middle of the job that’s exactly what you want.

Tips for Attaching Your Vehicle’s Headliner

Even if you get the perfect headliner adhesive you’re not going to get the results you want if you don’t know how to use it properly or if you don’t follow some basic tips and tricks. We want you to end up with a perfectly attached headliner in your vehicle, which is why we decided to highlight a few tips you need to follow to get the headliner back up in your vehicle.

Learn more: How to Fix A Sagging Headliner (5 Quick Methods)

Take Your Time

If you’re trying to rush through the job there’s a good chance you’re not going to like the results. One of the most important things you can do when reattaching a headliner to your vehicle is to allow enough time for the job, stay patient, and take your time throughout the entire process.

A little extra patience will go a long way in ensuring you line everything up correctly and that the headliner is getting a secure fitment when you’re putting it up. It might take you an extra hour or two, but you’re going to enjoy the results for years to come so don’t rush the process!

Spray the Roof – Not the Headliner

When you’re applying the spray adhesive you want to spray it on the roof where you plan on attaching the headliner, not on the headliner itself. There are a few reasons why this works better.

First, when you spray it on the roof you don’t have to worry about the headliner folding in and connecting to itself. Next, by spraying the roof you get to decide exactly where the headliner sticks. If you spray the headliner it’ll connect to anything it touches, even if that’s not where you’re trying to put it!

And that leads to perhaps the most important reason you should spray the roof instead of the headliner. If you control where you spray you’ll be able to line up the headliner directly to the roof where you want to attach it, making it much easier to get the exact placement you want.

You can still slide the headliner around a bit right after you push it up too, which makes it much easier to get it in just the right place. And of course, if you do overspray a bit you’ve picked a spray adhesive that dries clear, so you don’t need to worry about it giving off an unsightly appearance!

Use Multiple Coats

When you take the time to read most spray adhesive cans they’ll tell you to apply a few different coats before trying to attach anything to it. This might seem like overkill, but we promise you it’s the best way to get the adhesive to stick.

Spray the first coat and then let it sit for five to ten minutes without trying to attach the headliner. From there apply a second coat and attach the headliner. Having two coats of the spray adhesive on the roof while you’re trying to attach the headliner makes for a far more secure fitment in the long run.

Wear Gloves & Mask

When working with a spray adhesive you want to take the time to wear the proper personal protective equipment. And for spray adhesives that means gloves and a mask. While neither of these are absolutely necessary, we highly recommend it.

You’ll want gloves because no matter what you do you’re going to find that the adhesive gets on your hands. By itself this really isn’t a huge deal, but while you’re working it’s going to dry to your hands and it can be extremely difficult to remove.

Even worse, it can irritate your skin, leading to temporary discomfort. Disposable gloves completely eliminate this concern, making cleanup much easier for you!

Meanwhile, you’ll want to wear a mask because of the VOCs in the spray adhesives. While some spray adhesives have lower VOC amounts than others, they all have them. You don’t want to breathe any of this in, but since you’re working overhead there’s no avoiding it while attaching a headliner.

But if you wear a high-quality respirator or facemask when using the spray adhesive you can severely limit the amount of these chemicals you breathe in. And any amount you keep from getting into your airways is a good thing.

Let it Dry

After you attach the headliner it’s s,o tempting to reach up and see how it’s going. Whatever you do, resist the temptation. In fact, we recommend waiting at least 24 hours before attempting to touch the headliner.

This gives it plenty of time to dry completely before you can accidentally move things around and shift it out of place. Because once you pull it down you start the whole process over again to get a secure attachment of the headliner.

We know you want to inspect your work and see how well it’s holding up, but a little extra patience will go a long way here! Otherwise you’re just signing up for more work and frustration, and nobody wants that!

While a headliner adhesive might seem simple enough at first blush, it doesn’t take much research to open up even more questions. It’s a dilemma we’re all too familiar with and it’s why we decided to answer some of the most frequently asked questions for you here!

How Long Does Headliner Adhesive Last?

It depends on the product you choose but most headliner adhesives will last 10 to 15 years. However, some low-end headliner adhesives will only last a few years, while some top-tier options will outlast the headliner!

How Long Does It Take Headliner Glue to Dry?

This depends on the product you choose and the temperature you’re working in, but most headliner adhesives will completely dry in 30 to 60 minutes. However, some products will dry faster while others will take a bit longer to dry.

How Much Spray Adhesive Do You Need to Reattach a Headliner?

While you shouldn’t need a ton of spray adhesive to reattach a headliner, you should apply a few different coats for the best possible results. But even with this in mind a single 16-ounce can of spray adhesive should be more than enough to attach several headliners.

What Type of Glue is Best to Reattach a Headliner?

When you’re looking to reattach a headliner spray adhesive is the best choice. While some DIYers will use hot glue, this won’t give you professional-quality results the way a top-notch spray adhesive will.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Vehicle Headliner?

If you’re looking at taking your vehicle to a professional repair shop to have them replace the headliner you can expect to spend between $500 and $1,000 on the job. With a cost that high it’s no wonder so many people choose to repair or replace the headliner themselves!

While there are quite a few headliner adhesives on our list, the truth is that you really can’t go wrong with any of them. The 3M Spray Trim Adhesive is the top option on our list, but if you want to go with another 3M spray adhesive from our list they’ll work great too.

Meanwhile, if you want to save a few bucks by going with the Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive you’re still getting an option that can effectively reattach a headliner. Just don’t wait too long to order one because the longer you wait the more it’s going to sag and the more challenging it’s going to be to get everything back up and looking great!

Categories: Cleaning & Detailing, Reviews