Adding decorative trim, also known as galon, to an armchair is one of the simplest ways to transform a tired piece of furniture into a refined, custom-looking chair. Whether you are restoring a family heirloom, upcycling a thrift store find, or adding the finishing touch to a reupholstered armchair, the trim you choose and the way you apply it will define the final result. But before we even talk about technique, there is one truth that every upholsterer, hobbyist, and professional decorator will tell you: everything depends on the quality of the adhesive you use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A beautiful trim glued with the wrong product will peel, curl, yellow, or fall off within weeks. That is why, before diving into the step-by-step process, we want to be transparent about the single most important decision you will make in this project: choosing the right glue. And in our experience, nothing on the market compares to the Wallpaper Adhesive from Ferber Painting. It is currently the only adhesive of its kind sold with a full satisfaction guaranteed or your money back policy, which means you can try it completely risk free. If you are not thrilled with the results, we refund you, no questions asked. No other brand on the market offers this level of confidence in their own product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this guide, we will explain why the product matters so much, why Ferber Painting stands out from every competitor, and then walk you through the complete process of attaching trim to an armchair from start to finish. We will also cover the type of galon trims available, how to choose the right one for your project, the tools professional upholsterers rely on, and the small details that separate an amateur result from a truly polished, showroom quality finish. By the end of this article, you should feel fully equipped to tackle this project with confidence, even if you have never worked with upholstery trim before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many people assume that any strong glue will do the job when it comes to attaching galon trim to furniture. This is a costly misconception. Upholstery trim is usually made from delicate woven fibers, cotton, viscose, or a blend of synthetic materials, and each of these reacts differently to glue. A product that is too liquid will soak through the fabric and leave visible stains. A product that dries too fast will not give you enough time to reposition the trim if you make a mistake. A product that is too weak will not hold up over years of daily use, especially on an armchair that gets sat on, leaned against, and moved around a room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The adhesive also needs to be flexible once it dries, because upholstery fabric moves and flexes as people sit down or get up. A rigid glue will crack over time, causing the trim to lift at the edges. It also needs to be resistant to humidity and temperature changes, since armchairs are often placed near windows, radiators, or in rooms with fluctuating conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is exactly why Ferber Painting developed a Wallpaper Adhesive formula that, while originally designed for wallpaper installation, has become a favorite among upholsterers and home decorators for attaching trim, galon, and decorative borders to furniture. It offers the perfect balance of strong hold, flexibility, and a workable open time that lets you adjust your trim before it sets permanently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is also the question of how the glue interacts with color and light. Some adhesives contain fillers or solvents that slightly alter the appearance of the fabric once absorbed, especially on lighter tones such as cream, ivory, or pale blue trims. Over months of exposure to sunlight, these residues can oxidize and turn a faint yellow, which becomes very noticeable on a light colored armchair placed near a window. This is a detail that is rarely mentioned in generic product descriptions, yet it is one of the most common complaints upholsterers hear from clients who used the wrong adhesive years earlier. A formula that dries perfectly clear and remains stable over time protects not just the initial look of your project, but its appearance five or ten years down the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another often overlooked factor is how the adhesive behaves in different climates. If you live in a humid environment, a glue that is not formulated to resist moisture can soften over time, allowing the trim to slowly detach at the edges. In drier climates, some adhesives become overly brittle and crack at the first sign of flexing fabric. A well formulated wallpaper adhesive, designed to perform reliably across a wide range of humidity and temperature conditions, removes this variable entirely, giving you one less thing to worry about once your project is finished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are dozens of adhesive brands available online and in hardware stores, so why should you choose Ferber Painting over the competition? Here are the main reasons our customers keep coming back to us for their upholstery and trim projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Competing products may be cheaper upfront, but they often require you to buy a second or third tube because the first application fails, or because the bond does not last. When you factor in the cost of redoing the work, plus the frustration of dealing with a product that does not hold up, Ferber Painting’s Wallpaper Adhesive ends up being the more economical and reliable choice in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is also worth mentioning the peace of mind that comes from a company standing fully behind its product. Many hobbyists hesitate to start a decorative project because they are afraid of wasting money on materials that will not perform as promised. With a satisfaction guaranteed or your money back policy, that fear disappears. You can order the adhesive, test it on a hidden section of your armchair, and see for yourself how it behaves before committing to the full project. This kind of transparency is rare in the home improvement industry, where return policies are often buried in fine print or simply do not exist for opened products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond the guarantee itself, our customer support team is available to answer questions about application techniques, drying times, and compatibility with specific fabrics. This level of guidance is particularly valuable for first time upholsterers who may not know exactly how much adhesive to order or how to handle unusual trim materials such as beaded galon, tasseled fringe, or metallic thread trims that require a slightly different approach than standard cotton or viscose braids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To make an informed decision, it helps to compare the criteria that matter most when choosing an adhesive for attaching trim to furniture. Below is a comparison between Ferber Painting’s Wallpaper Adhesive and typical generic adhesives found in most stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the table shows, the difference is not just about marketing claims. It comes down to concrete, measurable advantages that directly impact how your finished armchair will look and how long the trim will last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take the example of open working time. A professional upholsterer working on a large wingback armchair with several curved sections might need close to an hour to complete the trim application from start to finish. If the adhesive begins to skin over or lose its tack after only a few minutes, as many generic contact cements do, the upholsterer is forced to rush, leading to uneven pressure, visible seams, and misaligned patterns on patterned galon trims. A more generous open time allows for a calm, methodical approach, which almost always results in a cleaner finish, even for someone working on their very first project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flexibility after curing is another criterion that only becomes apparent months after the project is finished. Many customers report that a cheap adhesive looked perfectly fine on day one, only to develop small cracks and lifted edges after the armchair had been used regularly for a few weeks. This happens because rigid adhesives cannot accommodate the constant flexing of upholstery fabric. A flexible bond, by contrast, moves with the fabric instead of fighting against it, which is why Ferber Painting formulated its Wallpaper Adhesive with this specific property in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you even open a tube of adhesive, it helps to understand the range of trim styles available, since the type of galon you choose will influence both the look of your armchair and the technique you use to apply it. Flat braid trim is the most common and beginner friendly option, consisting of a woven band that lies flat against the fabric. It is versatile, available in countless colors and widths, and generally the easiest to glue since it has no raised elements that need special handling around corners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gimp trim, sometimes called upholstery gimp, is a slightly raised, textured braid often used to cover staples or tacks along the edges of upholstered furniture. It works particularly well for covering imperfections from a previous reupholstery job, making it a favorite among people restoring older armchairs. Because gimp trim has more texture and dimension than flat braid, it can hide small unevenness in the glue line, which makes it a forgiving choice for first time trim installers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beaded or corded trim adds a three dimensional, rope-like accent along the edges of an armchair, often used on more formal or traditional furniture styles. This type of trim requires a bit more care during application since the round shape means less surface area actually touches the glued fabric, so a slightly thicker bead of adhesive right at the point of contact is usually necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, tasseled or fringed trim, often used along the base of an armchair near the legs, involves a decorative header band with hanging fringe or tassels below it. Only the header band should be glued directly to the fabric, while the fringe hangs freely. This style tends to be the most visually dramatic but also the most delicate, since the header band is often narrower and requires precise, even glue application to avoid any visible slipping over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond the type of trim, width and color play a major role in the final impression your armchair makes. Narrow trims, typically under one centimeter wide, work well on smaller or more delicate armchairs, adding a subtle accent without overwhelming the piece. Wider trims, sometimes reaching three or four centimeters, make a bolder statement and are often used on larger, more formal pieces such as wingback chairs or club chairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to color, a common approach is to choose a trim that either matches the fabric tone for a subtle, tailored look, or contrasts strongly for a bold, decorative statement. A neutral linen armchair, for example, can be elevated with a navy or burgundy galon trim for a classic, sophisticated contrast, while a solid colored velvet chair might benefit from a metallic gold or silver trim for a more glamorous finish. Whatever combination you choose, remember that the trim will draw the eye along the outline of the armchair, so any inconsistency in application, whether in color placement or gluing technique, will be far more visible than it would be on a flat, unadorned surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that we have covered why the adhesive matters so much, let’s move on to the actual process. Follow these steps carefully to achieve a clean, professional looking result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before starting, make sure you have everything you need within reach. This includes your chosen galon trim, Ferber Painting’s Wallpaper Adhesive, a small brush or applicator, sharp fabric scissors, pins or clips, a measuring tape, and a clean damp cloth for wiping away any excess glue. It is also helpful to have a pencil or fabric marking chalk on hand to mark reference points along the armchair before you begin gluing, especially on complex pieces with multiple curves and panels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some upholsterers also like to prepare a small piece of cardboard or scrap fabric to use as a glue palette, allowing them to control the amount of adhesive picked up on the brush before applying it to the trim. This simple trick reduces the risk of over-application, which is one of the most common mistakes beginners make. Finally, consider working under good lighting, ideally natural daylight, since it is much easier to spot uneven glue lines or misaligned trim under bright, even light than under the yellow tone of a standard indoor lamp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use your measuring tape to measure the perimeter of the area where the trim will be applied, whether it is along the base of the armrests, around the back, or along the seat cushion edges. Always add an extra 10 to 15 centimeters to your total measurement to account for corners, overlaps, and small adjustments during installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your armchair has multiple sections that will each receive trim, such as the seat cushion, the back panel, and both armrests, measure each section individually and record the numbers separately. This makes it much easier to cut your galon into manageable lengths later, rather than working with one extremely long, unwieldy piece that becomes difficult to handle without tangling or creasing. For particularly ornate armchairs with many curves, it can also help to sketch a simple diagram of the chair and note the measurements directly on it, giving you a visual reference to follow during installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wipe down the fabric surface of the armchair where the trim will be glued. Dust, oil, or residue from previous cleaning products can prevent the adhesive from bonding properly. Let the surface dry completely before moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the armchair is older or has been in a smoking household, consider using a mild fabric cleaner appropriate for the specific material, whether it is cotton, linen, or velvet, and always test any cleaning product on a hidden area first. Any leftover soap residue can interfere with adhesion just as much as dirt or grease, so a final wipe with a barely damp, clean cloth followed by full air drying is essential before applying any glue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before applying any glue, lay the trim along the intended path without adhesive to check how it will look, especially around corners and curves. This step helps you visualize how much trim you will need and where the seams or joins will fall, ideally in a less visible spot such as the back of the armchair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During this dry run, take a moment to step back and look at the armchair from a few meters away, and from different angles including where it will typically be viewed in the room. This is the best time to notice if a pattern on the trim looks off center, if the width feels too bold or too subtle for the piece, or if the planned seam location will actually be visible from a common seating angle. Making adjustments now, before any glue is applied, saves considerable time and frustration later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using a small brush or the applicator tip, apply a thin, even line of Ferber Painting’s Wallpaper Adhesive directly onto the back of the trim, or onto the fabric surface, depending on your preference and the thickness of the galon. A thin layer is always better than a thick one, since excess glue can seep through the trim and create visible marks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Work in small sections of about 20 to 30 centimeters at a time. This prevents the adhesive from drying out before you have a chance to press the trim into place, especially important around corners where precision matters most. If you are working alone, it can help to fold back the unglued portion of trim out of the way, securing it loosely with a clip, so it does not accidentally touch the wet glue or get in your way as you work along the section currently being applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Press the trim firmly onto the glued section using your fingers or a soft cloth, working from one end to the other to avoid air bubbles or wrinkles. For curved areas, such as the rounded arms of an armchair, gently ease the trim into position, applying light pressure to help it conform to the shape without stretching or puckering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On tighter curves, such as the rolled edge of an armrest, it sometimes helps to make small, evenly spaced pleats on the underside of the trim rather than trying to stretch it around the curve in one continuous motion. This technique, commonly used by professional upholsterers, distributes the extra length of trim needed to travel around a convex curve without creating visible puckering on the front facing side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Corners are often the trickiest part of attaching galon to an armchair. To create a neat corner, fold the trim at a 45 degree angle, similar to how you would fold a picture frame corner, then secure it in place with a small dab of adhesive. Hold the fold with a pin or clip for a few minutes while the glue sets, using Ferber Painting’s Wallpaper Adhesive generous open time to your advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For inside corners, such as where the seat cushion meets the arm of the chair, the fold direction is reversed compared to an outside corner, and slightly less trim length is needed to complete the turn. It is a good idea to practice both types of corner folds on a spare piece of trim before working directly on the armchair, especially if this is your first time attempting this technique. A few minutes of practice can make the difference between a crisp, professional looking corner and one that looks bunched or uneven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you reach the point where the trim meets its starting point, cut the galon to the correct length, leaving a small overlap of about one centimeter. Fold this overlap under itself to create a clean finished edge, then glue it down firmly. Choosing to hide this seam at the back of the armchair, near a leg or under a cushion, will keep the finished look seamless from the front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your trim has a visible woven pattern or texture, take care to fold the overlapping end in a way that continues the pattern as naturally as possible, rather than cutting it at a random point that creates an obvious visual break. A pair of sharp fabric scissors, ideally ones reserved specifically for trim and upholstery work, will give you a cleaner cut than household scissors, which can fray the edge of the galon and make the final seam look messy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Allow the adhesive to cure fully before using the armchair again. While Ferber Painting’s Wallpaper Adhesive sets quickly to the touch, we recommend waiting at least 24 hours before placing any weight or pressure on the newly trimmed areas to ensure a complete, durable bond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During this curing period, it is best to keep the armchair in a stable, moderate temperature environment, away from direct sunlight or heating vents that could cause uneven drying. If you have pets, it is also worth temporarily blocking access to the freshly trimmed armchair, since curious paws or claws can easily disturb the trim before the adhesive has fully set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once dry, run your hand gently along the entire length of the trim to check for any loose spots or bubbles. If you find any, lift the edge slightly, apply a small amount of additional adhesive underneath, and press it back into place. This final inspection step ensures a flawless, long lasting finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is a good habit to repeat this inspection every few months during regular cleaning of the armchair, particularly in the first year after installation. Catching a small lifted section early, before it has a chance to catch on clothing or become fully detached, makes touch ups quick and nearly invisible, whereas waiting too long can sometimes mean replacing an entire section of trim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even with the best adhesive on the market, technique still matters. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when attaching trim to an armchair, and how to avoid them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking your time through each step, and using a reliable adhesive like Ferber Painting’s Wallpaper Adhesive, will help you avoid these pitfalls and achieve a result that looks like it came straight out of a professional upholstery workshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another mistake worth mentioning is ignoring the direction of the trim’s pattern or weave. Many galon trims have a subtle directional grain, and applying sections in inconsistent directions can create a visual inconsistency that is subtle but noticeable once the piece is finished, particularly under angled lighting. Always unroll your trim from the same end throughout the project to maintain a consistent direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rushing the corners is another frequent issue, especially for beginners eager to finish the project quickly. Corners require patience, and attempting to glue and fold a corner in a matter of seconds almost always results in a bulky, uneven fold. Slowing down at these critical points, and allowing the adhesive a few extra seconds of open time to reposition the fold if needed, makes a noticeable difference in the final appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, some people forget to account for fabric texture when choosing their adhesive application method. Smooth fabrics such as cotton sateen require a thinner glue line than textured fabrics like boucle or chenille, which can absorb more adhesive into their fibers. Adjusting the amount of glue based on the texture of both the armchair fabric and the trim itself is a small detail that experienced upholsterers apply almost instinctively, but one that beginners should keep in mind consciously until it becomes second nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once your armchair is finished, a little routine care will keep the trim looking crisp for years to come. Vacuum the trim gently using a soft brush attachment to remove dust that can accumulate in the woven texture, particularly on gimp or beaded trims where dust tends to settle into the grooves. Avoid harsh scrubbing motions, which can loosen the edges of the trim even with a strong adhesive bond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the armchair is placed in a high traffic area of the home, consider periodically checking the edges of the trim for any early signs of lifting, especially near corners and seams where stress naturally concentrates. Addressing a small issue immediately with a touch of additional Ferber Painting’s Wallpaper Adhesive is far easier than dealing with a fully detached section of trim months later. With proper care, a well glued galon trim can easily last as long as the upholstery fabric itself, adding lasting value and style to your furniture for many years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can I use Ferber Painting’s Wallpaper Adhesive on any type of fabric?<\/p>\n\n\n Yes, our formula works well on most upholstery fabrics, including cotton, linen, velvet, and synthetic blends commonly used for armchairs. If you are working with a particularly delicate or unusual material, we recommend testing a small hidden area first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How long does the adhesive take to dry?<\/p>\n\n\n The adhesive becomes tacky within minutes and reaches a strong initial bond within a few hours. For full curing and maximum durability, we recommend waiting 24 hours before subjecting the trim to regular use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What happens if I am not satisfied with the product?<\/p>\n\n\n Ferber Painting offers a satisfaction guaranteed or your money back policy on all our products, including the Wallpaper Adhesive. If you are not happy with your purchase for any reason, simply contact our team for a full refund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How long does shipping take?<\/p>\n\n\n Thanks to our international network of carriers, Ferber Painting ships quickly to customers around the world. Delivery times vary depending on your location, but most orders arrive within a reasonable timeframe thanks to our optimized logistics network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can this adhesive be used for other decorative projects besides trim on armchairs?<\/p>\n\n\n Absolutely. While it is excellent for attaching galon trim to furniture, our Wallpaper Adhesive is also widely used for wallpaper installation, decorative borders, and various other home decor projects that require a strong, flexible, and clean bond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Attaching trim to an armchair is a rewarding project that can completely elevate the appearance of your furniture, but success depends heavily on choosing the right adhesive and following a careful, methodical process. From measuring and dry fitting to handling corners and letting the glue cure properly, each step plays a role in achieving a polished, long lasting finish. And when it comes to choosing the adhesive that will support all of your hard work, there is only one option that combines strong performance, ease of use, and total peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n Criteria<\/th>\n Ferber Painting Wallpaper Adhesive<\/th>\n Generic Adhesives<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n \n Satisfaction guarantee<\/td>\n Yes, full refund if not satisfied<\/td>\n Rarely offered, usually no refund policy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Drying finish<\/td>\n Clear, matte, invisible once dry<\/td>\n Often yellowish or glossy residue<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Open working time<\/td>\n Generous, allows repositioning<\/td>\n Often too fast, hard to correct mistakes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Flexibility after curing<\/td>\n Remains flexible, resists cracking<\/td>\n Can become brittle over time<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Odor and safety<\/td>\n Low odor, safe for indoor use<\/td>\n Strong chemical smell, requires ventilation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Shipping speed<\/td>\n Fast international delivery<\/td>\n Varies greatly by retailer<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Ease of online purchase<\/td>\n Simple, secure online payment<\/td>\n Depends on the seller, not always reliable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Understanding the Different Types of Galon Trim<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Choosing the Right Trim Width and Color for Your Armchair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step by Step Guide: How to Attach Trim to an Armchair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Gather Your Materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Measure the Armchair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Clean the Surface<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Do a Dry Run<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 5: Apply the Adhesive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 6: Press and Smooth the Trim<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 7: Handle Corners with Care<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 8: Secure the Ends<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 9: Let It Cure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 10: Inspect and Touch Up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Maintaining Your Trimmed Armchair Over Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n