How To Glue A Carpet Edge [A Complete Guide]

If you have carpet flooring, you may find yourself having to glue a carpet edge at some point. Whether you're installing new carpet in a room or fixing a frayed edge, it helps to know the best way to glue the edges together. And to help you out, we've searched the web for the best way to do this. And in this post, we'll go over it with you.   Here are the steps to glue a carpet edge:

  1. Inspect the carpet edges
  2. Apply the glue to the carpet edge
  3. Press down and take a roller to the seam
  4. Trim and brush the seam

There are several reasons why you may find yourself gluing the edge of a carpet. However, it's best to use caution when doing this to avoid damaging your carpet or accidentally gluing it to the floor. Later on, we will cover the best adhesives to use when gluing carpet edges and how to prevent carpet fraying. Without further ado, let's get into it!

Gluing carpeting down on concrete floor, How To Glue A Carpet Edge [A Complete Guide]

Steps to Glue a Carpet Edge

Before you get started, here are a few things you'll need:

  • Carpet adhesive
  • Shears
  • Carpet roller

1. Inspect the carpet edges

Before applying the glue to the carpet, take a look at the edge of it. If the carpet is frayed or uneven, you'll need to use your shears to trim it before adhering the edges together. If not, you may find that the area where you glued the carpet is visible, which can be very unsightly.

Also, if the carpet edges do not line up correctly, consider adding a piece of patched carpet to wedge between the two before applying the glue. Remember, you want the carpet edges to be as close together as possible without actually overlapping one another.

Check out these shears on Amazon.

2. Apply the glue to the carpet edge

Next, apply the glue to one of the carpet edges. Be sure to only squeeze a small bead onto the edge along the entire seam. Always place the glue at the bottom of the carpet near the stitching. You'll also want to ensure that you don't get any glue on the flooring or the nap (the top of the carpet).

3. Press down and take a roller to the seam

After applying the glue, gently press down the seam with your hand. Next, take a seam roller and roll the device from one end of the seam to the other. This will help remove any bubbles from the glue and ensure a firm seal on the carpet edges. Next, wait for the glue to dry. You can find the recommended drying time on the back of the applicator.

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Check out this seam roller on Amazon. 

4. Trim and brush the seam

Once the adhesive has dried, take a broom or brush and go over the seam. Be sure to also brush the areas around the seam to make the entire area look consistent. The goal is to make the seam invisible. Afterward, wait at least 24 hours before allowing traffic on the carpet.

Read more details about this brush on Amazon.

What Type Of Glue Is Best For Carpet Edges?

 

carpet glue and putty knife on the floor. How Long Does Carpet Glue Take To Dry

When it comes to gluing carpet edges together, you have a few options to consider. You can use typical carpet glue, binding tape, or all-purpose adhesives such as gorilla glue or superglue. Let's take a look at each.

Do-it-Yourself Carpet and Area Rug Binding 

This binding tape is fairly similar to instabind. It's inexpensive and can quickly bind your carpet edges with a solid seal. The binding is pressure-sensitive and comes with an adhesive backing that'll stay secure without lifting or peeling.

The great thing about this tape is that it also comes in several different colors for different carpet patterns and textures. All you need is a hot glue gun and a pair of scissors to cut any frayed edges, and you're good to go.

Click here to see this binding on Amazon.

Roberts 8015-A Solvent Free Universal Carpet Seam Sealer

This carpet sealer product is excellent for adhering carpet edges to one another. It can also help prevent delamination and carpet fraying. It comes in an easy-to-use applicator bottle and can be utilized for residential and professional carpet binding applications. This sealant dries clear, and you don't have to worry about it peeling once it is applied to the carpet edges.

Click here to see this sealer on Amazon.

Gorilla Clear Glue

This clear Gorilla Glue formula can bond to virtually any surface. You can use it to seal together carpet seams in a matter of minutes. Not only can it be used for a host of applications, but it is a non-foaming adhesive formula that dries clear and quickly. The formula is also water-resistant and able to provide a superb hold for even the thickest carpet textures. If you're looking for glue that is easy to use and will bond well on your carpet, here is one to consider. 

Click here to see this glue on Amazon.

ROBERTS 6700-0 Carpet Adhesive

Here is a glue that can be used on carpets and outdoor structures such as sunrooms and decks. This glue works wonderfully on carpet applications where patching is required. If you need to glue carpet to flooring, here is a good choice to consider.

However, it's not recommended to glue edges together, as it does not dry clear and is rather thick. It's more of a paste and will show between carpet edges at the seam.

However, if you're installing a new carpet in a room for a remodeling project and plan to glue it to the floor, here is a good glue to use. It dries and about 30 to 60 minutes and can be installed using a trowel. You'll also be happy to know that this solution is rather versatile and can be used for bonding asphalt, concrete, and plywood, and fiberglass.

Check out this glue on Amazon. 

Loctite Professional Liquid Super Glue

If you have frayed edges that need repair, consider this fast-setting formula. This super glue provides a strong hold and dries clear without foaming or cracking. It's a moisture-resistant formula that holds up well in cold temperatures and provides a solid invisible hold for both thin and thick carpet piles. If you need a professional strength super glue that works fast and can be used on heavy-duty projects, here's a good choice.

Click here to see this super glue on Amazon.

How Do You Secure Carpet Edges?

Floor fitter when applying adhesive on the floor, Can You Paint Over Carpet Glue?

There are a few different ways that you can secure carpet edges. The quickest way is to line the carpet edges up together and apply a carpet glue, binder, or super glue to the bottom of the carpet's fiber to bind them. Before doing so, be sure that you cut away any frayed edges that may get in the way of the seam. You'll also want to ensure that the edges will touch at the seam. They shouldn't overlap or have any opening gaps between them. If there is a gap, it's best to fill it with a carpet patch beforehand.

How Do You Fix Frayed Carpet Edges?

Fixing frayed carpet edges is simply a matter of trimming the frayed carpet fibers using a pair of scissors. You can also apply a carpet binding tape or glue down the edges after removing any uneven fibers. To prevent frayed carpet edges, be sure to use gliders when moving heavy furniture across the floor.

Also, consider installing transition strips in areas prone to high traffic — another common cause of carpet fraying. You can install a transition strip yourself in about 20 minutes.

Can You Use Gorilla Glue On Carpet?

Yes. Gorilla Glue can provide a great way to bind frayed carpet fibers or adjoin carpet edges. Not only does it give a solid and secure hold, but it dries fast and clear, which is perfect for carpet gluing applications. It's important to note that Gorilla Glue is fairly difficult to remove, though not impossible. So, be sure that you have prepared the carpet ahead of time before applying it.

Does WD40 Remove Carpet Glue?

Yes. The petroleum and silicone in WD-40 make it very useful when it comes to removing carpet glue. However, it can leave you with a significantly noticeable carpet stain afterward. So, if you do plan to use the solution to remove any glue on the carpet, be prepared to apply a carpet stain remover immediately after-and one that is effective at removing grease stains. 

Click here to see WD-40 on Amazon.

Wrapping Things Up

Gluing carpeting down on concrete floor, How To Glue A Carpet Edge [A Complete Guide]

More often than not, you'll be able to glue carpet edges within a matter of minutes. However, you'll want to ensure that you line up the carpet edges perfectly so that the seam will be invisible afterward. Also, be sure that you use the appropriate glue for the project, meaning one that's thin, clear, and can provide a strong bond.

Before you go, be sure to check out these other guides that might be of interest:

Does Carpet Installation Include Moving Furniture?

How Long Does A Bissell Carpet Cleaner Last?

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