5 Best Fabrics for Headliner

5 Best Fabrics for Headliner

Looking for the best fabrics for a headliner? While there are specific OEM fabrics that can be used for headliners which are generally specially made foam backed fabrics, but many regular fabrics can also work for a headliner. Upholstery fabrics can be used, faux leather, faux suede, and even faux-fur can all be used. Just be sure that the fabric being used is compatible with the glue chosen for the project. (An industrial strength spray glue or automotive glue is often used.)

Best Fabric for Headliner

Here are our fabric for headliner reviews.

1. Automotive Headliner Fabric

This fabric is specifically designed for automotive use and would be great for many different projects. Replace the headliner of a regular cars, trucks, vans, SUV’s, commercial vehicles, boats, recreational vehicles, and more. The fabric is easier to use than some other fabrics for a headliner because it is foam backed. This line of headliner fabric is also very affordable.

This fabric is specially made for vehicles- it is lightweight, 3/16” thick, and is made from 100% polyester

Spot clean with a damp white cloth

This line of fabric comes in six different colors to choose from

2. Royal Velvet

This line of fabric is a medium weight velvet that is still considered upholstery weight. Velvet and velour fabrics have been popular in the past as a headliner, and are still used for a flat or even a tufted look. This fabric is low sheen and will not stretch out.

This line of fabric comes in thirty-five different solid colors to choose from

Fabric is medium weight and is 100% polyester

Fabric can be hand washed with cold water and mild soap or can be dry cleaned

3. Galaxy Vinyl

Faux leathers made from vinyl can be a creative choice for a headliner fabric. This line of fabric comes with a felted flannel backing, which makes it a great choice for a ton of different projects like crafting, upholstery, accessories, and many others. This line of vinyl fabric comes in over fifteen different colors to choose from, and is very budget friendly.

Vinyl is generally quite durable and easy to clean- wipe down with a damp cloth

Though this fabric is very heavyweight, it is also soft- it is made from 100% PVC with a synthetic backing

5. Marine Vinyl Fabric

This vinyl fabric is sold by the roll and is very budget friendly. This particular roll comes with five yards of fabric. This fabric can be used for many different upholstery jobs. It is great for commercial, automotive, or marine, as well as some household projects.

The fabric is water, UV, and stain resistant

Fabric is very heavyweight with a 100% PVC face and a 100% polyester back

To clean, wipe with a damp cloth

Fabric for Headliner Buying Guide

The amount of fabric needed to make a headliner is going to depend on the size of the vehicle. Most cars, SUV’s, and vans will require anywhere between one to two yards of fabric. If you can do the work yourself (there are many tutorial videos online that can help with removing, covering, redoing, and installing a headliner), you can save on many of the costs. Fabric can also be purchased on a budget, for the most part, so that replacing a headliner yourself can be quite cost effective.

Gluing a Headliner

Many people might question how to actually put a headliner together, or get the material to stick. The best way to learn is probably to watch a few tutorial videos where you can see it done, step by step. The most common way to get a headliner to stick is to glue it in place. There are many different fabric, industrial, and automotive glues that can be used. A glue that is industrial strength and works well as a fabric adhesive is likely going to be the best bet. Most glues come with their own set of instructions as to how to apply and use.

Other Things to Consider

A headliner generally is a installed with the special fabric that has a foam backing, and often has other layers beneath that. This is for sound deadening and also has other properties. There is also usually a layer of foam after that. When replacing a headliner, you will have to take those elements into consideration for both removing an old headliner and reinstalling a new one.

What is the Best Automotive Headliner Fabric?

There is more to building a vehicle than the car’s internal mechanics. The interior of the vehicle is also incredibly important, both in terms of aesthetics and comfort. Furthermore, there are practical aspects to ensuring that a vehicle’s interior is in good shape. It’s difficult to use a car if it isn’t easy to relax within. Drivers take pride in the vehicles they operate, and with good reason. With that in mind, we’re diving into automotive headliner fabric, and why it’s important to consider the fabric utilized.

What is A Car’s Headliner?

A vehicle’s headliner is easy to take for granted. It’s not something a consumer inspects on a regular basis and is a somewhat complex piece of material. To create a headliner, you apply an outer layer of fabric over an inner substrate layer. The substrate attaches to a foam backing, which connects to a car’s roof.

While there is an obvious aesthetic component to a headliner, a manufacturer doesn’t merely put it in place for the sake of appearance. The practical component of a headliner is that it insulates the car. While automotive headliner fabric typically lasts for a significant amount of time, creating it properly is key to its quality and longevity. 

Selecting the ideal material is critical to how you plan to use it.