Best glue for fabrics and styrene?

[Mike C.]

I'm using some fabric as carpet in a van model. What would be a good glue for this? Keep in mind some surfaces will be upside down so gravity would not be a friend here.

[Ace-Garageguy]

My first thought would be contact cement.

It works well for headliners in real cars, so it should handle model work just fine.

EDIT: After reading posts below, I remembered contact cement could cause wrinkling of thin-section styrene (a reported problem way back in my model RR days).

The cement in question then was Goodyear Pliobond, and the styrene was sheet in the .010" to .030" range, but it's probably wise not to risk it...particularly considering the soft composition of many of today's kit plastics.

Edited March 13, 2022 by Ace-Garageguy

[espo]

Depending on the type of fabric and the finish you are trying to accomplish I would start with good old Elmer's white glue. I would experiment on some scraps before committing to the finished model. As for "carpet" in a model there are so many other options to consider other than a fabric material. 

[Mike C.]

6 hours ago, espo said:

Depending on the type of fabric and the finish you are trying to accomplish I would start with good old Elmer's white glue. I would experiment on some scraps before committing to the finished model. As for "carpet" in a model there are so many other options to consider other than a fabric material. 

My first thought was the good ol' Elmers I still have a new bottle that hasn't had a chance to dry up yet. I already did it with expensive flocking but I just didn't like the color or the thickness so I soaked the panels in purple power and they look like they are ready for the next step. For the headliner, I'm just going to glue right over the whats left of the flocking using some cheapo brushes.

[espo]

Just now, Mike C. said:

My first thought was the good ol' Elmers I still have a new bottle that hasn't had a chance to dry up yet. I already did it with expensive flocking but I just didn't like the color or the thickness so I soaked the panels in purple power and they look like they are ready for the next step. For the headliner, I'm just going to glue right over the whats left of the flocking using some cheapo brushes.

When you do your flocking are you running it thru a small colander or just laying it on and knock off what doesn't stick ? I just did the carpet on the build I'm working one today. I use a real small colander and used it like a sifter and the flocking breaks down to a real fine texture. 

[Mike C.]

I used the colander and it just seemed to slow down the entire operation with what seemed like little benefit. For the headlining, it seemed like alot less stayed up there than I thought would. 

Edited March 12, 2022 by Mike C.

[peteski]

I would be leery of using solvent-based (stinky) contact cement.   The solvent in it can warp plastic (especially if it is a thin piece).  Sometimes the warping will not show up right away, but after weeks or even months.  There is a water-based contact cement (I think it is Borden brand). That should be safe to use.

[Bugatti Fan]

Dr Luxe Materials Super Phatic Glue might be good for this purpose. Otherwise, PVA adhesive as suggested already may be one of the safest to use. Many contact adhesives have warnings about being used on polystyrene plastics and Pete has described what would happen.

[Mike C.]

So the Elmers idea is off the table?

[Ace-Garageguy]

11 minutes ago, Mike C. said:

So the Elmers idea is off the table?

Elmer's is PVA, won't hurt plastic.

Downside is that it has no wet strength, can peel off in high-humidity, and if applied too heavily tends to soak through fabrics.