A headliner, also known as a car roof lining, or headlining, is a fabric material used under the ceiling of a car for the aesthetic augmentation of the vehicle. It is typically okay to encounter loads of changes during the lifecycle of a motor vehicle, but it can be frustrating as an owner.
After years of usage, this fabric can get damaged or come out of the ceiling. As a car owner, you can solve this problem in various ways by using different methods, such as:
- Clear-headed Twist Pins
- Glue
- Steam Cleaner
- Paint Roller
- Sequin Pins
- Double-sided tape
- Adhesive spray
By reading this article, you will understand how to fix the headliner with adhesive sprays in the most effective, easy-to-use, cost-effective, and time-saving way.
Follow this article step by step.
Table of Contents
Why do You Need Headliner Repairing?
Assuming you have a rare vehicle with the headliner not doing so great, presumably because the foam has solidified and is splitting endlessly. Therefore, the glue has lost its adhesive properties.
Over the long run, vehicles left in the sun experience this issue, yet the solution is fundamental. It would be a help if you had a couple of hours.
The car lining getting loosened and detached from its backing board over time is called sagging. When the roof lining of a car fails, it either hangs or falls from the board in severe cases.
The sagging or falling may be due to:
- Extreme heat
- Extreme humidity
- Poor maintenance
- Old age
Sunroof tops are dangerous for your car because they can leak moisture inside the vehicle’s ceiling slowly and accelerate the sagging of the lining despite the car’s age. Adhesive sprays produce outstanding results in this regard.
How to Repair Car Headliner?
Most motor vehicle owners emphasize the maintenance of their vehicle’s exterior look. They think more about the tire, headlight, engine. But, to be honest, a headliner can cost you a lot.
The majority of the people are unaware of the deteriorated condition of the interior part of their motor vehicle; even if they are, they care about the comfortable chairs and relaxing air conditioner.
It can be painful for you if you take a long time to point out that your vehicle’s interior roofing needs attention. Plus, it can be costly too.
So, it is suggested that you had better examine the roof lining condition from time to time. If you find any sagging, it will be wiser to fix the problem as soon as possible.
There are Two Methods of Fixing a Drooping Headliner
- Replacement: You can either replace it with a new one that can be economically draining as you will end up spending as much as the car’s original cost. If your vehicle is old, the situation can be worse.
- Fixing: It is suitable for your vehicle if you can do it smartly without removing anything. It is less costly and effective if you can solve it as early as possible.
Fixing the sagging headliner can be expensive if you hire a professional. Instead, use an automotive headliner adhesive and apply the following methods. You can do the job effectively without anyone’s help in incredibly less time.
Let’s dive in.
How Much does Headliner Repair Actually Cost?
Well, the cost can vary between $150 and $500 to repair a headliner, depending on the manufacturing year, and model of the car. In addition, the age of the vehicle, material size, and labor charges also play a factor in the total cost. However, if you do it yourself, you are through.
How to Fix Headliner With Adhesive Spray?
If you’re prudent enough like every driver should be, you should go for the fast fixes to ensure you are always secured and your eyesight is unhampered. You know, the rear vision camera is also attached to the headliner.
If the headliner is only peeled off at a particular part of your vehicle, headliner adhesive can do the job perfectly. Here are the steps you must follow and things you must manage before starting to work.
What You Need Are:
- Headliner adhesive spray
- A microfiber towel
- Bristle brushes
- White vinegar
- Steam machine
- Spray machine
- Invalid Credit Card (It can be any card)
How to Remove Headliner glue?
Well, cleaning and brushing the patchy areas with a microfiber towel, brush, white vinegar, and the steam machine will be enough to go.
Clean the Sagging Area:
Cleaning the sagging area is the first and the most important thing. Expose the bad patches and clean the old glue off them. Old adhesive will bar the fabric from being fixed firmly, and of course, you don’t want any old things to obstruct the process.
When you clean headliners, you have to keep in mind that there is no need to go aggressively with the fabric. What may happen is the headliner fibers where you cleansed will look different from the rest of the headliner.
Yes, it may look fresh, but it will also look contrasting and draw unwanted attention. So it’s better not to remove the stain all the way but keep the fibers looking all the same.
Go slow but steady. You may not want to damage anything.
Scrub the Area with a Brush
Your second job is to use a bristle brush to scrub off the space you need to glue back to position. Just try to get rid of the hardened glue particles. Use the towel to remove everything and dry the area softly.
Once it is done, you are ready to apply the spray.
Apply the Spray
Apply the headliner spray glue evenly to ensure the fabric and the foam material are strongly bonded back in place.
You can go with 3M headliner adhesive, it was genuinely formulated for the named purpose.
How to Use Headliner Spray Adhesive?
If you are confused, it is always good to read the instruction on the back of the spray can. With 30 minutes to an hour-long dry time, you have fair chances to work.
In the first place, cover the entire old foam/cardboard headliner with the 3M adhesive spray. I mean, conceal it entirely from left to right and then up and down with the can. The foam is white when it emerges from the can, so it is not difficult to see that you took care of the entire region.
Let It Dry
In just 30-60 minutes, the adhesive should be dry, and it could last years. It would be handy for you to refrain from using contact cement, silicone, or even wood glue as these products would leave an ugly stain on the headliner.
How Do I Restick My Headliner?
If there is a trapped air bubble, use a nylon roller or any old debit or credit card to wring out the air. These apparatuses also ensure that the vinyl headliner is back in great shape without wrinkles and sagging.
How Many Cans of Adhesive for the Headliner?
Well, it depends on the size of the work. But it will be wise not to do a headliner without enough adhesive. You can start with 2 to 3 cans and a good roller to properly do this for better safety.
Final Thoughts
Fixing a headliner will not only make you feel good but also prolong the beauty of your vehicle. It is better late than never.
We hope you will be able to fix your car’s problems without any professional help. If this article came to your benefit, it would be a pleasure for us.