Vinyl adhesive is the perfect solution to rips and tears. It’s most commonly used as a floor tile adhesive, but you might be surprised by the versatility of this glue. Our guide will show you how to use vinyl adhesive for a range of DIY projects.
Before you get to work make sure you’re using the right product. Some products are labelled as vinyl adhesives, while others are multi-purpose glues that can also be used on vinyl and plastic surfaces. If in doubt, stick to a specific vinyl adhesive; that way, you can be sure that it will bond well with the surfaces in question.
Also consider how flexible the adhesive needs to be. Is the material going to bend or stretch? If so, make sure your vinyl adhesive is equally flexible.
It’s important not to overlook the substrate. If you’re working with vinyl tiles, you’ll need a vinyl floor adhesive. But what’s beneath the tiles? Whether it’s wood or concrete, check that your vinyl adhesive is suitable for bonding vinyl to other materials.
Once you’ve chosen the best adhesive for vinyl, it’s time to get gluing. Read on to learn about the different stages of using vinyl adhesive.
Before you start, make sure your surfaces are clean and dry. If the surfaces are very smooth, try sanding them for improved adhesion. You can also use masking tape for neater results; simply apply the tape around the area you’re repairing and then remove it when you’ve finished.
Apply the adhesive evenly to both of the surfaces you need to bond. Press the surfaces together and wait for the vinyl adhesive to set. If necessary, reposition the parts while the glue is still wet. You should also clean up any excess glue before it dries; wipe away the glue with a cloth soaked in acetone.
With vinyl fabric glue, you can fix rips and tears in a matter of minutes.
- Small rips. Apply the adhesive to the edges of the rip, then press the edges together. Use masking tape to keep it in place until the adhesive has set.
- Large rips. Reinforce the material by putting a piece of cloth beneath the rip. Then apply the adhesive to the edges and secure the repair with masking tape.
If you need to remove some excess uncured adhesive, simply apply some acetone (commonly found in nail polish remover). Cured adhesive can be removed with a knife.
Vinyl adhesive is usually waterproof, but only once the adhesive is completely cured. Wait before exposing the area to water.