Fabric Glue

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LindaLou

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Question on fabric glue. I have gone through the older threads on the type of glue to use. I have not glued fabric yet and get to do my first one. Problem is I have no idea what glue to use. I don't believe I should order any of Frank's because of the weather. It is too stinking COLD!! Is Modpodge a doable option? I do have a bottle of PVA glue, also. I have been to the Frank's Fabrics website and read all of the instructions; I would love to use that. But I am concerned with getting it to Illinois.
Thanks for your help.
Linda
 
The formula for fabric glue is just a little different from other PVA glues used for other purposes.
The advantage of the ones specifically designed for fabric is their ability to be reactivated with heat.
I don't know about Modpodge, but acrylic gloss gel medium works very much like fabric glue, and it is my go-to when attaching sheer fabrics.
 
wpfay said:
The formula for fabric glue is just a little different from other PVA glues used for other purposes.
The advantage of the ones specifically designed for fabric is their ability to be reactivated with heat.
I don't know about Modpodge, but acrylic gloss gel medium works very much like fabric glue, and it is my go-to when attaching sheer fabrics.
Click to expand...
Thanks Wally. Is there a certain brand I should look into? I did get online, more confused than ever :shrug:.
 
wpfay said:
The formula for fabric glue is just a little different from other PVA glues used for other purposes.
The advantage of the ones specifically designed for fabric is their ability to be reactivated with heat.
I don't know about Modpodge, but acrylic gloss gel medium works very much like fabric glue, and it is my go-to when attaching sheer fabrics.
Click to expand...
Exactly what I was going to say... you beat me to it.
I guess I'll just add that the acrylic gel medium is also a good substitute for silicone when one might be tempted to use that for mounting certain objects*.
:cool: Rick

*Consider reversible mechanical attachment methods when archival concerns are present.
 
Rick Granick said:
Exactly what I was going to say... you beat me to it.
I guess I'll just add that the acrylic gel medium is also a good substitute for silicone when one might be tempted to use that for mounting certain objects*.
:cool: Rick

*Consider reversible mechanical attachment methods when archival concerns are present.
Click to expand...
Fortunately, there are minimal to no archival concerns. I read up on the Yes Paste, and I would not want it to turn brown over the years.
 
I use Golden, but that is what the local art supply store has. Any will do, just make sure it is the "Gloss" variety as it seems to have better adhesive properties.

Do experiment with the fabric and substrate you plan on using. This works best on somewhat tightly woven fabrics. With looser weave and fuzzy textures the adhesive should not be completely dried out. There is a learning curve.
 
Any brand of acrylic gel medium will do the job, but it's best to use the formula that has the highest content of solids. That's the most expensive one, and it's worth the extra money.

You didn't say, but apparently, you're talking about covering a mat, right? If so, roll it onto the mat, let it become almost dry, then activate its bond using a dry mounting press or iron. Or, if you're talking about covering a liner or moulding, use a "hot mouse" (a sock filled with rice and heated in the microwave) to activate the bond on all curves and crevices of the surfaces.
 
Jim Miller said:
Any brand of acrylic gel medium will do the job, but it's best to use the formula that has the highest content of solids. That's the most expensive one, and it's worth the extra money.

You didn't say, but apparently, you're talking about covering a mat, right? If so, roll it onto the mat, let it become almost dry, then activate its bond using a dry mounting press or iron. Or, if you're talking about covering a liner or moulding, use a "hot mouse" (a sock filled with rice and heated in the microwave) to activate the bond on all curves and crevices of the surfaces.
Click to expand...
Jim, thank you for the information on covering a mat. When you put the fabric on do you smooth it with a plastic spatula as you are laying the fabric onto the glue? Or do I tighten the fabric to the table and then lay the mat onto the fabric?
 
LindaLou said:
Jim, thank you for the information on covering a mat. When you put the fabric on do you smooth it with a plastic spatula as you are laying the fabric onto the glue? Or do I tighten the fabric to the table and then lay the mat onto the fabric?
Click to expand...
You can apply the fabric any way you like, so long as it is smooth and wrinkle-free before you apply heat to activate the bond. Note that acrylic gel makes a weak bond and, if necessary, you probably will be able to lift the fabric off the board even after the fabric mounting is finished. This feature of acrylic gel mounting is especially handy when you're mounting a fabric that has a precise pattern or lines that need to be straight or parallel. Lift and stick, lift and stick, lift and stick until you get it right, then apply the heat. 🥴
 
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