Suede Headliner

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=32082
Printed Date: July 07, 2025 at 2:18 PM

Topic: Suede Headliner

Posted By: djdaveoc
Subject: Suede Headliner
Date Posted: May 12, 2004 at 11:11 PM

I was wondering what materials the pros use to suede a headliner. I've heard Ultrasuede is mostly used for furniture. Someone told me about Alcantara from Italy that is used more in European sports cars. Is that what is recommended for covering your headliner in suede? On MTV's Pimp My Ride, they use something that is suede but looks almost like a velvet and has some wavy lines in it that look cool. Does anyone know what they use?

Thanks!

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}:) Plan, Research, Do

Replies:

Posted By: doc t
Date Posted: May 13, 2004 at 5:43 AM

You live in So.Cal, I would give West Coast Customs a call and ask them what they use.

Posted By: djdaveoc
Date Posted: May 13, 2004 at 11:00 AM

I already sent them an email. Hopefully they'll answer. Thanks.

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posted_image

Plan, Research, Do

Posted By: mwelliott
Date Posted: May 13, 2004 at 1:13 PM

Last I heard they just use Ultrasuede, and I assume the lines are just the way they brush it. Ultrasuede and Alcantara are sister companies. Between them they manufacture Ultrasuede Ambiance, Ultrasuede Milano, Alcantara (automobile) and another Ultrasuede I cant remember the name. The Ultrasuede Milano is marketed in Europe as Alcantara, in Asia as Ecsaine and finally in the states its just Ultrasuede Milano, which is manufactured in Italy. The Ultrasuede Ambiance is made in Toray, Japan. As we speak there is a new division called Alcantara setting up shop in Detroit to supply the big 3. Shortly they will be providing Alcantara to the aftermarket. This Alcantara is manufactured in Italy as well, but has a longer light fastness rating and is available in 4 different styles. They have 3 different weights and the 4th has a foam backing just like headliner material. Let me summarize

Ultrasuede Milano - called Alcantara in Europe and Ecsaine in Asia
Ultrasuede Ambiance - "regular" ultrasuede
Alcantara (automobile) - 4 styles soon to be available in the US

Posted By: djdaveoc
Date Posted: May 13, 2004 at 1:31 PM

Thanks Mwelliott, that's helpful info.

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Plan, Research, Do

Posted By: Actuator
Date Posted: May 19, 2004 at 4:20 PM

I am not too sure if this product is available in the USA but in Canda we have a product called Gen-Suede. It is very similar to suede but much more cost-effective. It usually runs about 20-30$ CDN (about 14-21$ USD).

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Primal Autosound & Security
Abbotsford, B.C. Canada

Posted By: djdaveoc
Date Posted: May 19, 2004 at 4:42 PM

Do you know who makes Gen-suede and do you have a link to their website and a site that sells it? Thanks

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Plan, Research, Do