Which Adhesive and Backing Should I Use for My Tufted Piece?

febrero 19, 2026

Tufted work is finished differently depending on how it will be used, how it's displayed, and how long you want it to last. Below are our recommendations for primary adhesives, backing cloths, and contact adhesives, sorted by project type. Tuft the World has tested all of them. Some of these products may not be sold in every country. If you're outside the U.S., see Tufting outside the U.S. at the bottom of this page.

Rugs, Mats, and Other Floor Pieces You Want to Last

• Primary adhesive: Synthetic latex compounds, like the one we sell, are strong and long-lasting. Synthetic latex is thick, so you can spread it onto the back of your rug with a putty knife or gloved hands. You can also water our adhesive down so it's easier to brush or roll on.
• Backing cloth: We highly recommend backing any piece meant for the floor. Final Bac, felt, and Action Bac are all great options, and they're described below. You can also upcycle a durable fabric you already have.
• Contact adhesive: Gorilla Spray Adhesive and Roberts 8200 both work well for attaching Final Backing Cloth, Felt Backing Cloth, or another substantial fabric to your rug.

Open-weave fabrics: Don't use spray adhesive with Action Bac or any other fabric that has an open weave. Attach these with the primary adhesive only.

Why Back Your Rug?

Once the adhesive is dry, you attach a backing cloth to the underside of your rug. A backing:

• protects the adhesive
• gives the rug a clean, finished look
• adds grip and cushioning
• helps the rug lie flat

Backing Cloth Options

Final Bac (Final Backing Cloth)

Final Bac is a popular non-woven backing cloth made specifically for handmade rugs. It's easy to cut and attach, it lies flat, and it gives your finished piece a very clean, professional look. It's a great all-purpose choice for floor rugs.

Felt Backing Cloth

Felt is a softer option that adds extra cushioning underfoot. It also tends to grip hardwood and tile floors better than harder backings. Choose felt if you want a rug that feels extra plush from both sides.

Action Bac

Action Bac is a woven backing used in commercial carpet production. It's stiffer and more structured than Final Bac or felt. It's usually used on larger, higher-traffic pieces where the rug needs to hold its shape and size.

Note: We no longer stock Action Bac on our website. We can only get it in full rolls rather than precut pieces, and we still use it in our own production. If you need some, or would like to try a test cutoff, email support@tufttheworld.com and tell us how much you need. We'll let you know what we can do.

How to Attach Backing

1. Let your primary adhesive dry completely. This usually takes 24 hours.
2. Cut your backing cloth to the size of your finished rug.
3. Attach the backing to the adhesive side of your rug and press it down firmly. You have two ways to bond it:
   • Add a thin second coat of primary adhesive.
   • Use a contact adhesive, but only with solid fabrics like Final Bac or felt. Never use spray adhesive with open-weave fabrics like Action Bac.
4. Trim the edges cleanly, then fold or bind them as you like.

Wall Pieces, Pillows, and Other Home Objects Not Used on the Floor

These recommendations are for pieces that don't need maximum flexibility.

• Primary adhesive: Any polyvinyl acetate glue, such as Elmer's or wood glue, brushes easily onto the back of your piece.
• Backing cloth: Wall hangings usually don't need backing. If you'd like to back yours, we recommend Action Bac or Final Backing Cloth. For other home pieces, it depends on how the piece is used and whether its back will show. For example, a tufted chair seat doesn't need backing, but a trivet for your table should have it.
• Contact adhesive: Use a contact adhesive like Gorilla Spray Adhesive or Roberts 8200 only if you're applying Final Backing Cloth or another substantial backing fabric. Attach Action Bac and other open-weave fabrics with the primary adhesive only.

Garments, Accessories, and Other Wearable Tufts

These pieces need to stay highly flexible.

• Primary adhesive: Brushable latex and iron-on interfacing are both very flexible. Either one will keep yarn ends contained and in place.
• Backing: If your piece is a tufted garment or accessory, we recommend lining it, just as you would any coarse fabric. Sew the lining in.
• Attaching a tufted piece to a garment: We recommend sewing it on. You can also use Gorilla Spray Adhesive or Roberts 8200, either alongside the stitching or on its own.

Tufting Outside the U.S.

Every country has its own versions of these adhesives. If a product listed above isn't sold where you live, try testing an adhesive with similar ingredients. Tufters in our Online Community Forum have recommended these adhesives, which are available outside the U.S.:

• Pattex PVC and Carpet Glue & Design
• Lugato PVC Coating adhesive
• Thomsit T440
• UZIN KE 2560
• Dunlop Carpet and Cork Glue
• Roberts 679 Carpet Latex
• ABC Multibond
• Leinos Naturlatexkleber 720

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