Attaching velcro to canvas epoxy okay?

[Mariner777]

I want to attach some velcro strips to the top of my dodger and am wondering if I glue them on to the canvas with two part epoxy if thats okay or if it will harden and crack the canvas and trash the dodger? The dodger was pricy so dont want to shred it but if I can get away with gluing down the 1" thick velcro strips that would be a lot better then me trying to sew them on - quite a thick backing material on the strips and I have no skills... Anyone try epoxy on canvas?

[johnnyandjebus]

Marine

I do not have any personal experience with what you are suggesting but have used epoxy enough for other applications to suggest that it is not the best way to go for this type of application.
It is my understanding(nothing more) that epoxy works best when it is able to chemically bond to a surface, this will not happen with your canvas. As well it is a permanent solution that, if it goes bad, will not be easy to clean up.
I would suggest you buy a sewing awl and practice using it for an evening. What I mean to say is get some velcro and some scrape canvas and sew away. They are quite easy to use once you get the hang of it. Plenty of youtube video's out there to guide you along.

Sewing the velcro on would be the proper way to go and having spent the $'s on the dodger why not do things the same way a sail-maker would. Sure they would use a machine and charge you big $'s but as I say, with a little bit of practice you will finish with positive results.


See below for a example of a sewing awl.
Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl Kit - Online Video Instructions for the Sewing Awl


If you do go the epoxy route, again I would suggest you "practice" Get some velcro and a scrape of canvas, epoxy away. Come back a day later and stress load the results(yank like hell) I suspect you won't be happy with the results.


Just my 2 cents, I have been proven wrong before and probably will again in the future.
John

[rikhall]

Me. I would sew it. To bad you don't live near me, I'd sew it for you.

Rik

[Liquorice]

No!

[arf145]

Not OK. That's a sewing job--really.

[Siamese]

Just take it to any decent canvas shop and have them sew it on for you.

[jimrafford]

Deffinatly a sewing job. For about $40 you can pick up a hand sewing awl. I have repaired thru Issenglass w/ one. Very easy.
Jim

[treilley]

I also agree that sewing is the best method but short of that, Sailrite sells a glue stick that works great for this. Check out the video.

Glue Sticks Hot Melt Acrylic 7 1/2" Long

[Rozz]

sew it! i tried the epoxy and tape on cavas and velcro just for grins on my desert truck top. didnt last to long and ruined it. would be worse on the boat

[captbillc]

i used contact cement to attach velcro to the canvas around my mast . ( covers the rubber water proofing for looks and to protect it from the sun ) i worked fine and has been on several years now.