Your Position: Home - Adhesives & Sealants - Does Temporary Basting Spray Wash Out?

Does Temporary Basting Spray Wash Out?

May. 06, 2024

Does Temporary Basting Spray Wash Out?

For more spray glue for fabric information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

In case you don’t want to read this whole post, the short answer is no, quilter’s temporary basting spray does not wash out. It will eventually stop being sticky, but it doesn’t actually disappear when washed (at least the two brands I tried didn’t wash out in cold water).

The Amazon product links in this post are affiliate links. If you click on these links and purchase something, I will earn a small commission.

I used Sullivans Quilt Basting Spray to adhere two layers of fabric together when I made pajamas for my kids a few years ago. Several washes later, the fabric was still stuck together. After many washes, the stickiness seemed to be mostly gone, but it didn't actually wash out. I think it only stopped being sticky because lint from the fabric covered the adhesive.

Based on my experience, when I read that Madalynne uses basting spray to adhere lace to fabric when she makes bras, my first thought was "Ew, gross." My second thought was that maybe the brand of basting spray she uses, Odif 505 Spray, washes out better than the one I had. I did some research and found mixed opinions. Some people say it washes out; some say it doesn’t. The 505 Spray FAQ states, "The bond will release when washed," which is carefully worded. Notice they are not claiming that it washes out.

So, I decided to buy some 505 Spray and test it myself. I compared it to my 10-year-old can of Sullivans spray. Note that new Sullivans Quilt Basting Spray cans are labeled "new and improved," so your results may vary.

While testing basting sprays, I also tested other sewing products that are supposed to wash out. I tested Collins Wash-Away Wonder Tape double-sided tape, Solvy water-soluble stabilizer, Sticky Fabri-Solvy water-soluble stabilizer, Elmer’s Washable School Glue, and Elmer’s Washable Glue Stick. I also sprayed Solvy with both kinds of basting spray to make it sticky stabilizer.

I made test swatches with each product sandwiched between two layers of fabric. I ironed the upper half of each test swatch to see if that had any effect on the results.

I sewed the test swatches into a small quilt with chain stitches to make it easy to take apart after washing. Then I washed it on cold in my front-loading washer and dried it in the dryer.

Results:

Odif 505 Basting Spray lightly sprayed on one piece of fabric: Ironing the fabric made the tackiness go away on freshly sprayed fabric, but after washing, there was no noticeable difference. There was a slight sticky feeling on the fabric, and the two layers barely stuck together. Washing reduced the tackiness slightly, but it didn’t wash out.
Odif 505 Basting Spray heavily sprayed on one piece of fabric: Heavily spraying 505 (not recommended) builds up on the surface and looks like frost. Ironing didn’t affect it before or after washing. After washing, the fabric was noticeably tacky, and the two layers stuck together more than the lightly sprayed sample.
Sullivans Quilt Basting Spray lightly sprayed on one piece of fabric: Sullivans is stickier than 505 Spray. After washing, it was still stickier than the heavily sprayed 505. Washing didn’t reduce the stickiness. Ironing didn’t affect it before or after washing.
Sullivans Quilt Basting Spray heavily sprayed on one piece of fabric: Unlike 505 Spray, which builds up on the surface, Sullivans soaks into the fabric. Before and after washing, the fabric was very sticky. After washing, the sprayed side felt rubbery where the spray had soaked in, and the two pieces remained tightly adhered. Ironing didn’t affect it before or after washing.
Collins Wonder Tape double-sided wash-away basting tape: The tape was sandwiched between two layers of fabric and stitched over with three rows. Ironing didn’t affect it before or after washing. After washing, a sticky white fibrous residue remained.
Sticky Fabri-Solvy: This washed out completely. Ironing causes it to shrink, but it doesn’t affect how well it washes out.
Fabri-Solvy: This washed out completely. Ironing causes it to shrink, but it doesn’t affect how well it washes out.
Fabri-Solvy lightly sprayed with 505 and adhered to fabric: The Fabri-Solvy washed away, but a slight stickiness from the spray remained.
Fabri-Solvy heavily sprayed with 505 and adhered to fabric: The Fabri-Solvy washed away, but noticeable stickiness from the spray remained. The two layers stuck together.
Fabri-Solvy lightly sprayed with Sullivans and adhered to fabric: The Fabri-Solvy washed away, but the fabric was sticky, and the layers stuck together.
Fabri-Solvy heavily sprayed with Sullivans and adhered to fabric: The Fabri-Solvy washed away, but the fabric was very sticky, and the layers stuck together.
Fabri-Solvy lightly sprayed with Sullivans and adhered to fabric: Spraying one layer of Fabri-Solvy with Sullivans, adding another layer, spraying that, then adding fabric, resulted in post-wash stickiness similar to sample #10.
Elmer’s Washable School Glue: Dotted on fabric, then covered it with another piece. Ironing quickly dries the glue but doesn’t affect wash-out. The glue washed out completely.
Elmer’s Washable Glue Stick: Smeared evenly on fabric, then covered it. Ironing quickly dries the glue but doesn’t affect wash-out. The glue washed out completely.

Conclusions:

Neither basting spray washed out after a single cold wash. The 505 Spray residue was less noticeable, but it remained. Over time and multiple washings, the stickiness might diminish, but I’m unsure if the residue itself ever disappears. I likely won’t use "temporary" basting spray on clothes, as it seems to leave a permanent residue, which concerns me. I prefer my clothes chemical-free. I might use 505 Spray on quilts since it simplifies quilting and isn’t in direct contact with skin for long periods. However, I wouldn’t use it on a baby quilt due to potential concerns about residue toxicity.

Wonder Tape leaves a residue too. I use it to hold zippers, so it probably doesn’t cause issues there. The residue seemed to stay on the fabric surface without being absorbed. I wouldn’t use it on a knit hem, unsure of how the sticky strip would affect the hem’s appearance (plus, I’m too frugal to use long pieces of this tape).

I won’t try to save money by spraying Fabri-Solvy with basting spray because it leaves a residue. I’ll buy Sticky Fabri-Solvy since it washes away completely. I’m relieved Sticky Fabri-Solvy washes out completely since I’ve been using it frequently for stabilizing tricky knit areas. It works beautifully.

Which spray adhesive should I use for trunk carpet and ...

Hello. I need to glue new carpet on my floor mat for my trunk. Also I need to glue up my ripped headliner.

I am deciding between two adhesive sprays (picture attached). They are within my price range and have good reviews. Which one is better?

I want a glue that doesn’t allow the fabric to crack. Additionally, it needs to stay firmly in place, especially the trunk carpet, as my toolbox slides around and I don’t want the carpet to come up.

Contact us to discuss your requirements for a spot lifter for fabric. Our experienced sales team can help identify the best options for your needs.

125