SPECIAL NOTE: This FAQ includes quilters' experiences with many different brands of spray adhesive. Most quilters prefer either the Sullivans^TM in the pink can, or the June Tailor^TM brands.

If you have tried any spray adhesive and would like to share your experiences, please send us an e-mail of your experiences so we can incorporate them into this FAQ and keep it current. Thanks!

 Does the adhesive wash out?
Yes, it washes out so long as you spray it *LIGHTLY*.Please note that some of the less expensive brands not designed for this do not washout completely in my experience.

 Does it discolor or harm the fabric?
No, it doesn't discolor or harm the fabric (though I have always washed my quilts as soon as they were done to get the glues out).

 Does it make the quilt stiff?
No, it doesn't make the quilt too stiff (but I use only cotton battings, and spray lightly).

 Can you use it on a baby quilt?
Yes, I would use Sullivans on a baby quilt and then wash the quilt before giving it. Orvus^TMand Tide^TM have both been wonderful in removing every bit of the adhesive.

 Can you use it on all battings?
The results others have had with poly batts have been mixed. I only use cotton batting quilts, and occasionally fleece for craft things. I have had good luck using the glue with fleece, cotton batts, (cotton) table felt, and acrylic craft felt.

 Does it gum up your (hand or machine) needle or your sewing machine?
No, unless you spray it too thick, it doesn't gum up hand or machine needles.

 Do I have to wash the quilt afterward?
I would, but I do not know if it is necessary. I am not aware of negative long term effects of adhesive on fabric, but I always wash out the adhesive as soon as the quilt is done.

 How many quilts can I baste from one can?
Once you're used to the process, you should get an average of five queen size quilts spray basted per can. (You really do spray lightly).

 How long does the adhesive hold?
I have heard of cases of two years between spray basting and completing or even starting the quilting. It depends on how the quilt is stored, humidity,temperature, how much handling it gets, and other factors. I usually don't spray baste until I am ready to quilt, just as a personal preference. I did have one quilt that it took six months to finish, and had no problems with the adhesive coming undone, nor with it washing out when I was finished.

The Sullivans pink can says it can be refused with an iron if it does come unstuck, and the quilters that have done this haven't reported any problems to me.

 Should I worry about over spray?
There is some over spray when you use this method. I protect surfaces using plastic or paper. To remove any residue on furniture, floors, etc., I use citrus based products like DeSolvItor GooGone. Linda C. confirms that GooGone worked great for her. (Thanks Linda!)

9-28-02:
Carol shared this brilliant tip for dealing with over spray: Since the spray washes out so well, the easiest way to protect the area when spraying would be to pull spare sheets out of the closet and lay them all over the area where the spraying is to be done. An over abundance would be somewhat reasonable. This protects the area, reduces the awkwardness of trying to plastic cover everything and gives a great chance to freshen up sheets that may have been in the closet for a long while. Once the spray basting is done, then everything can be washed clean (which would be much simpler than trying to clean up the sprayed plastic surfaces so that can be reused). Thanks, Carol! Why didn't I think of that?!? =)

 Where can I find the product?
Most local quilt shops are carrying it now. I have also found it at Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby, and Hancocks of Paducah carry it. The fabric chain stores like JoAnn's, (aka New York Fabrics)and Hancock Fabrics (aka Minnesota Fabrics?) carry it. Note: When Joann's has quilt notions half off, the basting spray is included in the sale. The price per can falls in the range of $7-12 U.S. in my experience, depending on the area and where you purchase it.

 What about other brands of spray glue?
I have NOT had good experiences with the SprayWay brand adhesive. (The odor is very strong, and the contents gave me an asthma attack, despite good ventilation, both times I tried it.

Less expensive brands I tried didn't wash out, discolored or made the dye in my fabric run, or gummed up my needle.

 How do I spray baste?
Detailed instructions can be found on the Sullivans USA page, or on the can itself. My best advice is to again urge you to spray lightly, and allow the sprayed glue to become tacky before pressing the fabric to the batting.

Fellow quilter Jean (who uses the pink can of Sullivan's Basting Spray)also suggests steaming the quilt sandwich. Here's her note: "Being the lazy quilter that I am, I like to use Warm & Natural batting. Also being the lazy quilter that I am, I've taken to using the Sullivan's Basting Spray (pink can) with the W & ;N batting and have discovered a trick that might be useful. Iron the sandwich with steam. The can says that you can use steam to restick the glue if it loosens up, but I go one further and steam iron the whole blasted packet from both sides." [Note: Jean doesn't recommend this with poly batts]. (Thanks Jean!)

 A Cautionary Note (from a fellow quilter):
Please caution people to use it WITH CARE & LOTS of ventilation. In my job at work, I take care of both environmental and health and safety concerns.The sprays that I have seen contain Methylene Chloride and Trichloroethane. MC is known to the state of CA to cause cancer. If used VERY sparingly and not often it shouldn't create too much of a problem. BUT everyone should recognize that they are using potentially dangerous chemicals and follow the directions exactly - especially about good ventilation as that will carry away the harmful vapors. (Thanks Daphne!).

 DISCLAIMER: No affiliations with the companies or the products mentioned other than as a consumer. These are my personal experiences with spray basting, with Sullivans Art & Craft Adhesive and Sullivans Quilt Basting Spray, as well as many other spray adhesives. Your mileage may vary, and you use spray basting products at your own risk. The information expressed is based on the personal experiences of myself and other quilters, and is in no way meant to create a liability should you try any spray glue product.

We hope this information is helpful to you and other quilters. If you know of additional information to add to this FAQ please let us know.

©  Copyright 1998-2003 Laura Starr
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