Top 10 Best Glue for Fabric to Plastic: FAQ & Buyer’s Guide

Halloween is coming up, and with it, droves of panicked, last-minute costume makers. If that sounds like you, then you will no doubt appreciate the benefits of finding for yourself the best glue for fabric to plastic.

But it's not just for Halloween costumes that such a glue can be considered useful. A glue-like this can prove to be a lifesaver in a wide variety of mending or sticking applications around the house.

Furthermore, adhesives designed exclusively for plastic usually have industrial-grade strength, and they tend to be waterproof as well.

So today, we have rounded up 10 of the top adhesives for fabric for your consideration, along with a comprehensive buying guide. Let’s get started!

2. Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive

While we're on the topic of highly rated adhesives, it would be a crime to skip over the Beacon Fabri-Tac. This permanent adhesive is well-loved by DIYers and crafters all over America, and it's quite easy to see why.

If you're someone who has a tendency to make last-minute changes to crafts and projects, you'll love this glue. It dries super-fast, so you won't have to wait around for it to form before you can be on your way.

Moreover, this glue is compatible with a number of different materials. Whether it's lace, glass, leather, fabric, wood, or trimmings that you're working with, you can depend upon this adhesive to keep it stuck for as long as the piece of clothing will exist.

What's more, this adhesive is washable, as it doesn't soak into fabric. So you won't have to worry about it washing away when you put your clothes in the laundry. And thanks to its transparent color, it won't leave behind any unsightly residue.

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3. E6000 237032 Craft Adhesive

If you've been doing DIY or fabric crafting for a while, then you will definitely have heard of the E6000 craft adhesive by now. This little guy is responsible for lots of last-minute saves as well as providing sticking solutions in lots of big projects as well.

Contained in a 2-ounce squeeze tube, this clear glue is said to be industrial strength. So you can imagine that it's perfect for situations where permanent adhesion is required. What's more, you can put fabrics with this glue in the washer or dryer with ease.

But what we love best about this glue is its versatility. Not only is it compatible with a variety of materials such as leather, fabric, wood, glass, and metal (among others), but it's also photo-safe; despite its industrial strength, make-up, it won't leak through the surface of the photo paper.

Your safety is also ensured with the use of this glue, as it becomes non-flammable after drying. And once it goes on, it'll stay on; this glue won't crack or turn brittle even when pressure is applied. There are very few ways you could go wrong with a glue-like this one!

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4. Gorilla Super Glue

We don't think there is any person alive on this planet who has not heard of Gorilla Glue. Its super-strength formula is well-loved and ubiquitous in homes across America. This super glue offering from them is one of their most popular products, and it's perfect for those who love to experiment with crafting.

Infused with unique rubber particles, this is a glue that can hold its own. With this glue, you can expect a long-term but temporary bonding of a number of different materials, including fabric, metal, ceramic, paper, stone, and rubber.

What truly sets this glue apart, though, is its application versatility: if precision is what you require, you can brush the glue on; alternatively, and if you need an easy and quick dispensation, you can use the nozzle instead.

One of the best things about this glue is how quickly it performs. After the application, it takes no more than 45 seconds to dry.

 And because the container comes with a metal pin inside the anti-clog cap, an airtight seal is created that keeps your glue usable for longer.

Although this is one of the strongest glues on the market, we would not recommend it as an alternative to sewing; but for temporary adhesion solutions, you'll definitely love this glue!

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5. 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Permanent Spray Adhesive Glue

Now that we've had a look at some of the best glue for fabric to plastic in liquid form let's turn to one of the most popular adhesive spray formulations from one of the most popular adhesive brands: 3M.

If you're a serious DIYer who works with lots of different types of materials other than fabric, you'll love this spray.

This is an adhesive that will provide you with industrial-strength bonding for a number of different lightweight materials: cardboard fabric, paper, fiberglass, felt, wood and leather.

But no matter what you're using it on, you can expect this adhesive to provide an aggressive, hard-wearing tack.

Don't worry; you won't have to forego the benefits of liquid adhesives with this spray formula.

Not only does this adhesive set within at least 15 seconds, but it is repositionable as well: once the bonding has been completed, the material can be removed and stuck elsewhere.

It's worth noting, however, that this spray does soak a little bit into the material to which it is applied, so you'll have to be careful with the application.

Also, some materials might take up to 30 minutes to bond properly. But other than that, there are virtually no drawbacks to this spray!

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6. Rhino Glue Gel

For those of you looking for a heavy-duty permanent adhesive that can be used in numerous applications, this gel glue from Rhino is going to suit your needs just perfectly.

The manufacturers claim that this adhesive "bonds everything," which is impressive enough on its own. Let's find out what else it can do.

This industrial-strength glue is one that has the capability to bond any number of materials and surfaces, be it wood, canvas, plastic, vinyl, glass, metal, and more.

So if you DIY frequently and use lots of different materials, and need to do more than just glue fabric to plastic, this is a great fit for you.

What makes this glue so strong is undoubtedly its unique stress-resistant triple-distilled formula, which easily absorbs shock and impacts.

Not just that, but this glue holds its own against moisture and heat as well. So whatever the project, it seems Rhino is the way to go!

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7. Beacon Adhesives Gem Tac Permanent Adhesive

Fabric DIYers and craft-lovers, this next pick from Beacon is just for you. This permanent glue from Beacon is specially crafted for gluing gems, sequins, crystals, and other similar attachments to a number of different materials. Let’s see what it has to offer.

Working on a new piece for your design collection? The Gem-Tac is there for you. Prettying up a photo frame or embellishing your kid's treehouse? Gem-Tac can help you out there as well, and it will stick reliably to vinyl and plastic as well.

Although the glue is white out of the tube, it dries to produce a clear texture that you can even paint over if you wish.

As you can probably tell, this glue is not meant for heavy-duty applications, so we would not recommend using this with any tough materials or for big projects.

However, if you're working with fabrics, you really can't go wrong with this little guy.

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8. Aleene’s Always Ready Turbo “Tacky” Glue

Gluing fabric to plastic should not be a difficult task by any means, and this super-thick and super-tacky glue from Aleene’s is here to prove that with its super convenient formula and versatile application.

Whether it’s DIY, crafts, or even household repairs, this is a glue that will make you think, “Where has this been all my life?”

From the looks of it, you would never be able to tell how much of a strong permanent bond this glue creates.

It’s perfect for bonding a variety of items to paper and fabric, and it dries in half the time as lots of other popular glues on the market.

And undoubtedly, its low price will appeal to those of you who are always doing DIY projects on a budget.

We love the formula of this glue, with its non-toxic composition and extra tacky formula that not only dries easily but leaves no yellow residue.

Instead, upon drying, it assumes a transparent color, so you can even paint over it if you wish. Furthermore, the formula is non-toxic and does not leave an unpleasant smell in its wake.

Making blunders is part and parcel of any DIY project, and the manufacturers of this glue have taken that into account. 

Should you change your mind and opt to remove the glue before it dries, that can be easily done using soap and water.

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9. Loctite Vinyl, Fabric, and Plastic Repair Adhesive

Clothes are unpredictable, even the best-made ones; rips and tears can happen at any time, especially when it comes to clothes that have been DIYed. For those situations, the Loctite Repair Adhesive is a lifesaver.

The little 1-ounce tube the glue is contained in fully belies the strength of this product. Its super-strength formula is ideal for making instant repairs on plastic, fabric, and vinyl, and you can attach leather, metal, rubber, and wood as well.

One of the best things about this adhesive is that it's waterproof, making it that much more resilient.

Furthermore, you won't have to worry about anybody being able to see your repairs, as this adhesive dries clear and does not yellow with age.

Although this works well as an adhesive for fabric projects, do note that it's mainly meant for use in repairing situations involving toys, tools, shoes, or weather stripping. Accordingly, you shouldn't expect it to provide temporary adhesion.

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10. Supplies Clear Glue Craft Fabric Floral Adhesive

For our final pick today, we have reserved an all-purpose glue that has justly earned its place in the lives of thousands of users. If you like to DIY every now and then or are simply looking for a reliable multipurpose glue that can be kept close at hand for numerous types of repairs, then you’ll love this one.

With a clear, thick consistency, this glue is the perfect choice whether you're doing arts and crafts or working with fabric and jewelry.

You can even use this glue to make repairs on metal, wood, MDF, leather, rubber, vinyl and ceramics, and some plastics.

We also love the tube that this glue comes in; it's super easy to grab and fits comfortably in hand, and its applicator is perfect for a clean and precise application.

Due to the nozzle's narrowness, as well, you won't run the risk of accidentally depositing too much glue.

One drawback of this glue that it takes a while to dry, and depending on the material, it might not dry flat.

Accordingly, we would not recommend this glue for big projects or other heavy-duty applications, but it's a good glue to have close at hand for making small repairs here and there.

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Top 10 Glue for Fabric to Plastic Comparison Table

Glue for Fabric to Plastic Buying Guide

Finding the right glue for yourself can be confusing given the sheer number of options you have, and finding one of good quality can be even harder. We hope the following buying guide will allow you to make a more informed decision.

Glue Type

As you know, most glues tend to be in a liquid form that comes in a tube. These are ideal for applications that require a precise application, as they allow for greater control by the user.

You can also opt to go for spray glue instead. These come in pressurized containers and manifest as a mist.

These are well suited to projects involving decorations, crafts, repairs, or fabric/leather, where you might need to spread the adhesive over a large surface area.

If you're going for a spray type, make sure it's the kind that dries clear and isn't liable to bleeding through. And do note that adhesive sprays tend to be flammable, so they have to be handled with care. Furthermore, it’s important to use fabric glues only in well-ventilated rooms.

Permanent vs. Temporary

While some adhesives are meant to hold their bond forever, others will only provide a temporary bond. The kind you need to use depends entirely upon the intended application of your glue.

For example, let's say you're doing some basting prior to making a long stitch. In such a case, you will require the use of temporary glue. On the other hand, if you want to attach jewels to a piece of cloth, a permanent adhesive will suit your needs better.

Water Resistance

No matter how much you know about how glue works, we're sure you can imagine that it loses its adhesive property when it comes into contact with water. Obviously, that can prove to be a major issue if you're using the glue for a permanent fixture. In such a case, you'll need a glue that is adequately water-resistant.

On the other hand, if it's only a temporary adhesion that you want, then it might actually be counterproductive to buy a glue that is water-resistant, as it will be more difficult to remove. So you must decide on the level of water resistance depending on the needs of your project.

Consistency

The consistency of the glue you choose determines the number of important factors. And the best glue for fabric to plastic is one that does not grow rigid after drying, causing the user to experience uncomfortable chafing. You want a glue that will stay soft even after it dries.

Toxicity Level

Most of all of the glues we have discussed here is made up of a bunch of potentially toxic chemicals. You'll be hard-pressed to find a glue that is completely safe. That being said, it's important to note that cheaper glues are typically only cheap because less care has been exerted in producing them.

In any case, regardless of how expensive your glue is, it's always good to check the safety warnings on the back of the container or packaging. Furthermore, it's best to wear gloves while working with glues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Exactly is a Glue for Fabric to Plastic?

It's an adhesive product that you can use as an alternative to sewing or for any other DIY crafts. You can make either permanent or temporary bonds using such a glue, depending on its uses.

Why do I Need a Separate Kind of Glue for Attaching Plastic to Fabric?

It is because most multipurpose adhesives tend to leave a stain or a residue that is difficult to get out.

Can I Use Multipurpose Glue for Attaching Fabric to Plastic?

You can, but we can't speak for the quality of the results you'll get. This is because the bonding of such glues is liable to quick corrosion, which makes the adhesion unpredictable. Furthermore, you might have to deal with some annoying stains.

Why Are Some Glue Kits Made Up of Separate Components?

Typically, these adhesives have to be prepared before application by mixing the different components together. You will find instructions for the proportions and mixing procedure.

What is the Difference Between Cool-Set Glue and Heat-set Glue?

Cool-set glue dries automatically once it has been applied, so it's ideal for applications where speed and ease are required. Heat-set glues are the opposite: after application, it has to be heat-pressed or ironed in order to activate its adhesive.

How Can I Fully Remove Glue From My Clothes?

Soak a piece of cloth in vodka, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol. Let the cloth rest on top of the glue for 2-3 minutes, then scrape it off using a scraping tool.

In Conclusion...

Ultimately, only you can decide what the best glue for fabric to plastic is for your needs, given that each one is suited to a different purpose. That being said, we do have some top picks!

The Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive is perfect if you’re going to be working only with fabrics, as it’s compatible with a number of different materials.

For more low-key projects where you will be working mainly with gems, sequins, lace, and trimmings, the Beacon Adhesives Gem-Tac Permanent Adhesive is the ideal choice.

Engaging in more heavy-duty and large-scale projects?

Then we would definitely recommend the 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Permanent Spray Adhesive Glue or the Rhino Glue Gel.

Good luck, and we hope we have helped you realize the project of your dreams!

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