What Glue Do I Use for Upholstery Fabric?

Spray Adhesive

• Spray adhesive is useful for holding large pieces of fabric in place as you reupholster a piece of furniture. Use spray adhesive when applying new foam or batting to the back of a couch or chair seat. Spray adhesive comes in different strengths, including a specific upholstery adhesive.

Hot Glue

• Some types of hot glue are helpful when working with upholstery fabric. However, when purchasing hot glue sticks, buy the highest quality you can find, which usually are the most expensive. Hot glue is only helpful when it comes to placing piping along the edges of the furniture. The hot glue holds the piping in place long enough for you to permanently secure it using staples. If you only use hot glue, plan to use it repeatedly as it does not stand up to the use a piece of furniture receives. Before using hot glue, put a dab on an inconspicuous part of the fabric. Some upholstery fabrics may melt when using hot glue.

Foam Adhesive

• Many times when reupholstering a piece of fabric, the foam in the cushions needs replacing. When wrapping quilt batting around the foam, use a specialized glue that sticks to foam. Many other types of spray adhesive do not work to hold batting to foam. Use the proper foam adhesive to keep quilt batting from slipping around between the foam and the upholstered cushion cover.

Fabric Glue

• Use a liquid fabric glue to make small repairs to upholstery. Fabric glue can help seal up seams that might be coming apart, or to re-attach fabric to the underside of the furniture. Make sure to use an extra-strength fabric glue when repairing upholstery.