How to Fix A Sagging Car Headliner Without Removing It (8 Easy Options)

Unless the headliner is significantly damaged, the average person with the right tools is capable of repairing a sagging headliner without removing it.

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8 Ways To Fix A Sagging Car Headliner Without Removing It

Headliner Solution	Pros	Cons	Supplies & Cost
Insert sequin pins	Simple, fast, budget-friendly	Could look like a patch job if not done well Might fall out over time	Sequin pins Under $10
Use twisty pins	– Easy to use and inexpensive – Less noticeable because they have a clear head – Unlikely to fall out because they’ve been twisted in	Could be a bit awkward to twist in depending on the angle	Twisty pins Under $10
Headliner fabric adhesive spray	Will keep the headliner fabric secure, and looking original	Will only work if you can get under the headliner fabric from the edges	Headliner Fabric Adhesive Spray Under $20
Apply adhesive glue	Easy, cheap, fast	Only good for small areas around the edges	Adhesive Glue Under $10
Use thumbtacks	Easy, cheap, fast	Unattractive solution & easy to fall out	Thumbtacks
Use a steam cleaner	Will create a smooth, seamless headliner repair if done well	Will only work if there is some stickiness left in the glue More expensive if you don’t own a steam cleaner	Steam cleaner Under $50
Staples & Hairspray	Cost effective	Staples will leave holes if removed, not a common solution	Staple gun Under $20
Double-sided carpenter’s tape	Budget-friendly and good for minor repairs	Only suitable for small headliner repair jobs	Double-sided carpenter’s tape Under $20

If you decide that your car headliner is too damaged and beyond repair, replacing the headliner might be your best option.

1. Insert Sequin Pins

Sequin pins are a cost-effective way of repairing the headliner without removing it.

Before using any products on your headliner, look at the roof so you can get a good idea of how to place the sequin pins before you start.

If you aren’t concerned about the placement of the sequin pins, you can go ahead and put the pins wherever you want. The pins will fix the sagging roof lining, but it may not look exactly as you hoped.

However, if you want to try to ensure that it looks good when you’re done, it’s a good idea to think through where you will place each sequin pin. You could use a specific pattern such as a diamond or square. Mapping it out on a piece of paper, before you begin is a good idea.

You should also understand that, unlike other repair methods, you might need to reattach these pins to ensure that the headliner doesn’t sag again. 

2.Place Twisty Pins

Twisty pins are specially designed for use with upholstery. These clear-headed twisty pins will hold the headliner in-place because when you push them in, you’re twisting the pin which will hold the fabric better than a straight pin or tack. And they’re less visible than other pins.

3.Spray Headliner Fabric Adhesive

Attach the headliner to your roof using a spray-on fabric adhesive, a type of glue but in a spray.

This is an easy, cost-effective solution but keep in mind that you’ll need to remove lights from the roof of your car and likely the sun visors. so it’s easier to spray onto the back of the fabric. Although using a spray adhesive is one of the best methods to repair your sagging headliner, it can be tricky.

Pull down headliner material that is sagging, spray headliner adhesive glue in 2 – 3 uniform coats, and allow 5 minutes between applying coats. If you want a stronger bond, apply it to both surfaces.

Remember to use uniform pressure to eliminate air pockets. With most spray adhesive, curing will take about 24 hours but ensure you read the instructions before starting and remember to put the lights and sun visors back.

Read more about the various adhesives that will work well for a headliner repair job.

4.Apply Adhesive Glue

If you notice parts of the headliner lifting around the edges, use adhesive glue. This strategy will work well if you only have a few parts of the headliner that are sagging or pulling away.

Another option is to use a glue gun with glue sticks. The glue from a glue gun will be warm and there might be a better chance that it will do a better job of holding the headliner in place. Remember, this is only going to work, if you can reach the area that’s sagging, with the glue gun.

5.Use Thumbtacks

Thumbtacks are another, very budget-friendly option for repairing a sagging headliner. This is not the most attractive solution but it is easy on the wallet, simple, and fast. And really, is anyone going to be looking that closely at the lining of your car roof?

5.Steam Cleaner

One cause of a sagging headliner is that the original glue can start to break down and become less adhesive, causing the layers of the headliner to separate, and sag.

A steam cleaner is another option for repairing a sagging headliner and if you already one, then that makes this a very inexpensive option. But, if you don’t own one, you can buy one for around $40 which is still a lot less than having a professional repair your car roof lining.

Do a test to determine if the glue is still sticky enough to be re-adhered to the roof. Find a small section, and run the steamer along that area and see if the heat will melt the glue. Place the steam cleaner close enough to the headliner so the heat seeps through.

As you’re using the steam cleaner, follow with a paint roller to smooth out the headliner fabric and help minimize bubbling and wrinkles.

It’s quite possible that the headliner will sag again, given that the glue has already lost some of its effectiveness.

6.Staples & Hairspray

This seems like an unconventional solution and I’ve never tried it, but some car owners report that this is a great solution that works well when repairing a sagging headliner.

If you opt to use staples for the headliner, a staple gun will work better than a simple stapler. 

After putting in staples, apply hairspray to melt down the adhesive on the headliner. 

If you don’t mind the look of the staples on your headliner, you can leave them but it will likely look better if you remove them.

7.Use Double-Sided Carpenter’s Tape

Using double-sided carpenter’s tape is the easiest and quickest way of repairing a saggy headliner. 

It’s straightforward since all you have to do pull back the removable backing and put the sticky side on the areas of the headliner that are sagging, and then firmly press the fabric back to the car roof.

If the roof lining is sagging around the edges, carpenter’s tape is a great option for repairing those specific areas. However, if your car’s headliner is sagging more in the middle, this option won’t work because you’ll have no easy way of reaching the loose fabric.