Best Body Repair & Restoration Adhesives of 2026

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 21, 2026

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Body repair and restoration adhesives are essential for any vehicle repair. They are used to bond and reinforce structural and non-structural components of a car or truck. These adhesives can be used on a variety of materials including steel, aluminum, plastic, and fiberglass. They provide a strong, long-lasting bond that is resistant to heat, water, and chemicals. Some of the most popular body repair and restoration adhesives include epoxy, acrylic, and urethane adhesives. These adhesives are easy to use and can be applied with a caulking gun or a dispenser. They are an affordable and effective solution for repairing and restoring any vehicle.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Permatex 81158 Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant Cover #TOP 1
Permatex 81158 Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant
ftb score rating icon 9.8
3M Headliner & Fabric Adhesive Cover #TOP 2
3M Headliner & Fabric Adhesive
ftb score rating icon 9.7
3M Black Super Weatherstrip and Gasket Adhesive Cover #TOP 3
3M Black Super Weatherstrip and Gasket Adhesive
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Body Repair & Restoration Adhesives

#TOP 1

Permatex 81158 Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant

81158
Black
Pack of 1
Permatex 81158 Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant Cover
Permatex 81158 Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant, 3 oz. Tube, Pack of 1

Permatex 81158 Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant is a professional, waterproof, and flexible sealant that can be used for sealing, bonding, repairing, and securing various materials. Its temperature range is -75°F to 450°F (-59°C to 232°C), allowing it to be used for electrical wiring protection and repair. This sealant is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, making it a convenient and multipurpose formula for door frames, electrical connections, seams and roofs, vinyl tops, and weather stripping.

What We Like
Strong waterproof seal
Versatile multi-surface adhesion
Heat and vibration resistant
Long-lasting and durable
Great value for money
What We Don't Like
Single-use nozzle design
Less suitable for shoe repair
#TOP 2

3M Headliner & Fabric Adhesive

3M
38808
Clear
18.1 oz
3M Headliner & Fabric Adhesive Cover
3M Headliner & Fabric Adhesive, 18.1 oz., Exceptional Strength Bonds Heavyweight Automotive Fabrics to Metal Surfaces, For Bonding Headlines, Carpet, Foam and Others, Quick & Easy Application (38808)

The 3M Headliner & Fabric Adhesive is a versatile formula that bonds heavyweight automotive headliners to metal and plastic. It comes in an aerosol can that dispenses a controlled, even layer on surfaces with an adjustable nozzle. The formula dries within 30 to 60 minutes, and the product dries clear, resisting the deteriorating effects of moisture, humidity, heat, cold, and other environmental conditions. It is recommended for automotive headliners in vehicles and sets fast enough to speed up the completion of automotive restoration projects.

What We Like
Strong bonding strength
Easy aerosol application
Quick drying time
Versatile for different materials
Professional-looking results
What We Don't Like
Initial strong odor
Nozzle may clog occasionally
#TOP 3

3M Black Super Weatherstrip and Gasket Adhesive

3M
08008
Black
5 fl. oz.
3M Black Super Weatherstrip and Gasket Adhesive Cover
3M Black Super Weatherstrip and Gasket Adhesive, 08008, 5 fl oz, 1 Per Pack

This 3M adhesive is designed for repairing weatherstripping, headliners, gaskets, and more. It forms a flexible, waterproof bond that resists vibration and is easy to brush and spread, making repairs quick and simple. This adhesive can withstand oils, solvents, detergents, temperature changes, and bonds to a variety of surfaces, including metal, vinyl, fabrics, and rubber.

What We Like
Strong, long-lasting bond
Easy application
Fast drying time
Versatile for multiple surfaces
Weather and temperature resistant
What We Don't Like
Slight odor during use
Can be messy if careless
#TOP 4

Permatex Rearview Mirror Adhesive Kit

81840
White
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Permatex Rearview Mirror Adhesive Kit Cover
Permatex 81840 Extreme Rearview Mirror Profressional Strength Adhesive Kit , White

The Permatex Rearview Mirror Adhesive Kit is a two-part adhesive and activator kit designed to mount rearview mirrors to windshields. The kit includes a medical grade towelette that helps to minimize messes and improve application accuracy. The professional strength OEM specified formula guarantees results. The kit includes a .01 oz. adhesive vial and .02 oz. activator towelette.

What We Like
Strong adhesive hold
Easy to use instructions
Works in extreme temperatures
Quick bonding time
Can fix mistakes with heat
What We Don't Like
Leaky or old packaging
Only one cleaning wipe included
#TOP 5

Permatex 81730 Flowable Silicone Windshield and Glass Sealer

81730
Multicolor
Permatex 81730 Flowable Silicone Windshield and Glass Sealer Cover
Permatex 81730 Flowable Silicone Windshield and Glass Sealer, 1.5 oz.

Permatex 81730 is a body repair and restoration adhesive that creates a tough, durable, waterproof seal on windshields and glass. It is designed to resist weather, extreme temperatures, vibration, shock, and most shop chemicals. The sealer flows into hidden and hard-to-reach areas to seal leaks and fills surface voids and irregularities.

What We Like
Effective leak sealing
Flows into small crevices
Easy to apply
Low odor
Cost-effective solution
What We Don't Like
Runny consistency for vertical surfaces
One-time use tube design
#TOP 6

3M Auto Glass Urethane Windshield Adhesive

3M
08693
Black
10.5 FL OZ
3M Auto Glass Urethane Windshield Adhesive Cover
3M Auto Glass Urethane Windshield Adhesive, 08693, Medium Viscosity, High-Strength, Fast-Curing, 310 mL/10.5 fl oz Cartridge , Black

3M Auto Glass Urethane Windshield Adhesive is a fast-curing adhesive that delivers rapid results. It is formulated as a medium viscosity and non-sag adhesive for easy and clean application. This adhesive is designed for windshield bonding and stationary glass attachment, producing high bond strength. It also meets many application demands and strength requirements.

What We Like
Strong, durable bond
Fast curing time
Weatherproof and waterproof
Easy to apply
Blends seamlessly with glass
What We Don't Like
Very thick consistency
Difficult to remove from hands
#TOP 7

J-B Weld AutoWeld Adhesive

50138
Black
25ml
J-B Weld AutoWeld Adhesive Cover
J-B Weld AutoWeld, 25ml, BLACK

J-B Weld AutoWeld is a powerful automotive adhesive that sets quickly and provides strong, lasting repairs. With a simple 1:1 mix ratio, you can easily dispense the adhesive and begin your project without hassle. It sets in just 15 minutes, allowing you to sand and paint within 30 minutes, which is perfect for those urgent repairs. This adhesive is ideal for fixing bumpers, dashboards, and body panels, ensuring that your automotive parts stay intact. Plus, it won't shrink over time, enhancing the durability of your repair for the long haul.

What We Like
Extremely strong bond
Works on multiple materials
Easy mixing attachment
Quick drying time
Withstands high temperatures
What We Don't Like
Mixing tube may malfunction
Longer cure time than stated
#TOP 8

3M Plastic and Emblem Adhesive, 08061

3M
08061
5 oz.
5 oz.
3M Plastic and Emblem Adhesive, 08061 Cover
3M Plastic and Emblem Adhesive, 08061, 5 oz Tube

The 3M Plastic and Emblem Adhesive, 08061, is a strong, quick-acting adhesive that creates a permanent bond between fully cured automotive paints and plastic for interior and exterior applications. It is resistant to environmental exposure such as water and heat, and dries clear for bonding transparent or translucent plastics.

What We Like
Strong, long-lasting adhesion
Easy to use
Dries clear and neat
Works on curved surfaces
No messy residue
What We Don't Like
Higher price
May not suit delicate fabrics
#TOP 9

Rust-Oleum 251572 Adhesion Promoter Spray

251572
Clear
Rust-Oleum 251572 Adhesion Promoter Spray Cover
Rust-Oleum 251572 Automotive Adhesion Promoter Spray, 11 oz, Clear

The Rust-Oleum Adhesion Promoter is designed to help you bond paint and coatings securely to tricky surfaces like vinyl, plastic, and fiberglass. This means your topcoat will stick better, giving you a longer-lasting finish. It works well on various automotive parts, such as bumpers, trim, and interior panels, making it a versatile choice for car repairs or upgrades. Plus, it dries quickly—touch dry in just 10 minutes—so you won’t have to wait long before continuing your project. Each 11-ounce can covers about 10 to 12 square feet, making it efficient for both inside and outside use.

What We Like
Excellent adhesion improvement
Easy application process
Works well on plastics
Cost-effective option
Good coverage
What We Don't Like
Requires thorough surface cleaning
#TOP 10

Permatex Heavy Duty Headliner Adhesive Spray

27828
Clear
Permatex Heavy Duty Headliner Adhesive Spray Cover
Permatex 27828 Body Shop Heavy Duty Headliner Adhesive, High-Strength Spray Adhesive, Repair Detached Or Loose Interior Parts, Dries Clear, Aerosol Can, 16.75 Oz

Permatex Heavy Duty Headliner Adhesive Spray is a high-strength and high-temperature spray adhesive that is perfect for repairing automotive headliners, carpets, trunk linings, and other interior parts that have become detached or loosened. Its water-resistant formula makes it resistant to extreme weather conditions like rain, sleet, and snow. This professional-grade adhesive is easy to apply and dries clear for a neat appearance. It maintains high strength at temperatures up to 170°F (77°C) for an industrial strength hold. Permatex Heavy Duty Headliner Adhesive Spray is suggested for headliners, carpets, trunk linings, inside door panels, and other interior applications where material has become detached or loose.

What We Like
Strong adhesive strength
Easy application
Heat resistance
Reliable long-term hold
Works well if instructions followed
What We Don't Like
Requires multiple cans for full job
Spot repairs may cause staining
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our body repair & restoration adhesive research, we found 24 body repair & restoration adhesive products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 211,711 customer reviews through our big data system to write the body repair & restoration adhesives list. We found that most customers choose body repair & restoration adhesives with an average price of $11.11.

The body repair & restoration adhesives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of body repair & restoration adhesives, including Permatex, 3M, J-B Weld, Rust-Oleum. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Robert Reyes Avatar

Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.

Body Repair & Restoration Adhesives Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Permatex 3M 3M Permatex Permatex 3M J-B Weld 3M Rust-Oleum Permatex
Material Silicone Plastic, Metal, Fabric, Foam Adhesive Cyanoacrylate Silicone Urethane Resin Plastic - adhesive
Special Feature sensor-safe Dries Clear, Strong Permanent 2-part adhesive and activator towelette - Strong Fast Drying, Strong Strong Fast-Drying Dries Clear
Specific Uses For Product Seals, bonds, repairs, mends and secures glass, metal, plastics, fabric, vinyl, weather stripping and vinyl tops, Protects and repairs electrical wiring Fabric, Automotive, Repair Fleet and plant maintenance. Repair - Windshield Adhesive DIY Auto Repair and Craft - Interior/Exterior Automotive Interior
Item Form Tube Spray Liquid 2 part kit - Cartridge Paste, Putty Liquid - Spray
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
Where to Buy