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What is the Best Trim Adhesive?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

Choosing the best trim adhesive depends widely on the project at hand. It is important to keep in mind the materials requiring the adhesive, as well as how easy the area is to reach. There are spray-on adhesives, adhesives that resemble glue sticks, and traditional liquid adhesive. Each one is effective in certain circumstances.

Begin by finding trim adhesives at the local hardware or car specialty store. These shops should offer a wide variety of trim adhesives to choose from. The best trim adhesive will offer professional results that can be done at home, and it will be made especially for the materials that need repair. It may be a good idea to discuss the best option for a given project with store employees or specialists.

Trim adhesives may be tested on fabric swatches to find best result for projects.
Trim adhesives may be tested on fabric swatches to find best result for projects.

It is important to read all information on the panel of each trim adhesive packaging. Some adhesives can be bought in kits to help give a more professional appearance. These kits may be the best trim adhesive option for those who are new to repair work and who need step by step instructions on getting started.

Spray-on varieties are the best trim adhesive for projects that involve trim that is hard to reach. Spray-on adhesive can be used on vinyl, plastic, and leather; and it can reach into small crevices since it is sprayed and not spread. this type of adhesive is often used in repairing interior trim and dash boards.

Adhesives like 3M Fast Track® adhesive may be the best trim adhesive for surfaces that will become heated or undergo stress. This is a professional grade adhesive that is used for bonding vinyl tops, heavyweight headliners and hood silencer pads. Still, traditional liquid adhesive may do the job for interior trims that will not encounter harsh conditions.

One should try several adhesives to find the right one for any project. A test swatch of the fabric or plastic can be used to test the adhesive before it is used for the actual trim. This ensures that the right type and strength of adhesive is being used, and that the connection will hold.

In some instances, it may be better to have a professional body shop or car repair shop have a look. Someone trained in making repairs to trim will easily recognize the best trim adhesive for nearly any project. Professionals may also have access to heavy duty adhesives not found in retail stores.

Discussion Comments

pleonasm

If you are going to go to a professional, you should make sure you go to the right kind.

I did a bit of research online about this, because I know I would just make a mess of things if I try to fix up my car by myself. And there are quite a few online horror stories where any old adhesive is used, and later looks awful, or comes off within a few weeks.

Definitely do a search on any place you plan to take your car, and see if you can get some recommendations from friends before you decide.

indigomoth

If you are going to use a spray on trim adhesive, you need to make sure that you follow all the instructions properly.

It's all to easy to have an accident, and spray the glue in the wrong place.

In fact, I would recommend asking about something that will clean away the glue in case you need it. Otherwise you can end up with a big mess, if you aren't careful.

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    • Trim adhesives may be tested on fabric swatches to find best result for projects.
      By: oillio29
      Trim adhesives may be tested on fabric swatches to find best result for projects.