Restoring Car Headliners with eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (180, 320, 600, 1500 Grits)

A sagging or stained car headliner can make your interior look old and neglected. While replacing it entirely can be costly, careful sanding and refinishing can restore its appearance. With eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9 x 11 inches), you can clean, prep, and smooth surfaces before applying adhesives or fabric treatments.

Why Sanding Matters for Headliner Repair

Old adhesive, dust, and uneven foam backing can prevent new fabric from sticking properly. Sanding smooths these surfaces, ensuring strong adhesion and a clean, professional look.

Essential Tools

• eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9x11 in)
• Sanding block or handheld sander
• Vacuum or microfiber cloth
• Spray adhesive
• Replacement fabric (if needed)
• Protective gloves and mask

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 180 Grit (25-pack) — For removing old adhesive and leveling foam backing.
• 320 Grit (50-pack) — For refining the surface before applying adhesive.
• 600 Grit (25-pack) — For smoothing treated surfaces and ensuring even fabric application.
• 1500 Grit (50-pack) — For final polishing if painting trim or plastic parts around the headliner.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Remove the headliner board. Take it out carefully to avoid bending or breaking it.
2. Sand with 180 grit. Remove old glue and foam until the surface feels even.
3. Refine with 320 grit. Smooth the surface for better adhesive grip.
4. Fine sand with 600 grit. Prepare edges and corners for a seamless finish.
5. Optional polish with 1500 grit. If repainting trim pieces, use ultra-fine sanding for a glossy finish.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum or wipe to remove all sanding dust.
7. Apply adhesive and fabric. Attach new headliner fabric, pressing evenly for a wrinkle-free look.

Special Cases

If only spot repairs are needed, focus sanding on localized adhesive buildup instead of the entire board.

Pro Tips

• Work in a well-ventilated area when using adhesives.
• Sand lightly—removing too much foam can weaken the headliner board.
• For trim refinishing, always wet sand with 1500 grit for best results.
• Use overlapping sanding strokes for consistency.

Aftercare

• Keep windows slightly open in hot weather to reduce stress on adhesives.
• Vacuum the headliner gently—avoid scrubbing.
• Check for loose edges and reapply adhesive if necessary.

FAQs

• Can I reuse the old headliner fabric? Not recommended—old fabric usually stretches and won’t reattach smoothly.
• Do I need to remove the headliner to sand? Yes, sanding in place risks damaging the interior.
• What grit is best before applying new adhesive? 320 grit gives the right balance of smoothness and grip.

Video Guide

For durable, professional car interior repairs, use eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9x11 inches). Explore more grit options in our Fine Sanding Collection.