Medical Tape For Headliners?

[Bruce Poage]

So I am detailing a sedan delivery and looking at new ideas for a headliner. It seems as though somewhere, sometime I read about using some kind of medical or first aid tape as a good headliner material. It was supposedly easy to work with, could be painted and--best of all, the price was right. I'd appreciate any ideas from someone who might have used this material.

Trying to stay warm in NE Kansas!!

[envious8420]

hey bruce,

i've had good results with surgical tape for headliners, ive got a roll that is 3in wide made of cotton. just not the plastic type.

[Chuck Most]

I've seen it done, and with very nice and convincing results, but have yet to try it myself. Let us know how it comes out.

[dave riggs]

Hey Bruce, I just finished an 1/8 scale model and used the cloth medical tape to replicate canvas. I just burnished it down real good, cut it, and painted it. This is the best picture I could find.

http://www.largescalemodeler.com/gallery/showfull.php?photo=12476

It should be just fine for a 1/25 headliner.

Dave

[87 Grand]

I would agree that medical tape works great on these kinds of applications. I've used it a couple of times. Just apply and paint any color of paint and you'll have great results. You can also use this tape on the under side of your hoods for a pretty convincing heat insulation. I'm sure there's more uses for the medical tape, but can't think of any at this time. Again this product works very well.

[Jon Cole]

I plan on using med tape next time I do a headliner. I did use masking tape before,

That is before I painted it. I think I could do better, but I wasn't convinced I (or anyone else) was going to check out my headliner. Maybe I should have trimmed it better?

[crazyjim]

I have the med tape but haven't used it yet.

Somebody posted using a white paper towel and soaking it down with diluted Elmer's glue. After drying pull it out, trim to fit, install and paint. It looked pretty good.

[weasel]

works for seatbelts also!!

just sharpie the color of choice...

[mr moto]

Thanks for the good idea, guys! I've been wondering about a way to get a good textured surface for a raised convertible top. It has a texture molded in but I'm going have to sand it off as I modify the top to fit a different kit. Medical tape might be just what I need.

[charlie8575]

Great idea, thanks for the tip. I may give this a shot sometime.

Charlie Larkin

[Terror]

I use it all the time.I used it to hold the roof on a build so i could glue the chop.Then glued over the tape,man,it was like I made my own plastic.I've also used it for rear window decking.Bench seat material,and carpet in 2 seaters.oh I use it to hold down parts for painting too.

[Longbow]

Does the medical tape come from the drug store & is It the same stuff that one would wrap a sprained ankle with?Will it state on the package that it is cloth tape or other type? Thanks In advance Gary Thomason.

[Chillyb1]

Does the medical tape come from the drug store & is It the same stuff that one would wrap a sprained ankle with?Will it state on the package that it is cloth tape or other type? Thanks In advance Gary Thomason.

You can get it at drug stores and many general stores. I use Johnson & Johnson though there are probably other brands. Don't get the stuff you'd wrap an ankle with; that is much wider and has a different weave that is out of scale. Look for tape that is about an inch wide. You'll probably recognize what you want when you see it.

I also use it for seat belt material. I lay a strip on an old compact disc, color it with a Sharpie, then cut it to the appropriate width using a very sharp blade and a metal rule as a guide. Be sure to lay it down straight and to cut off the edges.

When using it for headliner you have to be careful when trimming and fitting. It is very easy to pull or stretch it out of shape and it is very difficult to trim once the tape is in place (at least for me it is).

[Jantrix]

It's good for header wrap also.

[kyledr330]

Some really good ideas on this thread with the use of medical tape. Does anyone have some pics of the head liner after they have used the tape and painted it?