Guide for using Glue with Rhinestones

Everything you need to get professional, long-lasting sparkle on fabric, leather, plastic, glass, and more.

Why glue?

  • Universal surfaces: Works on fabric, leather, plastic, glass, metal, wood, paper.
  • No heat tools needed: Perfect for materials that can’t tolerate heat.
  • Precision control: Ideal for detailed designs and one-off placements.

Choose the right glue

USA E6000 — Our first choice

Shop — Click Here

Best for:
All fabrics, hard surfaces (plastic, glass, metal), leather, tricky materials, heavy stones, high-wear items (shoes, bags).
Pros:
Strongest bond (preferred even on fabric); flexible when cured; waterproof/washer-safe; bonds “anything to anything”.
Limitations:
Higher cost than PVA/fabric glues; ventilation recommended during use.
Dry/Cure:
Tacky ~1–2 min; sets ~10–20 min; full cure 24–72 h.

Gemtak-type Fabric Glue (reference)

Common white PVA fabric/rhinestone glues used in crafts. Not sold by LEOPARD STRASS EU.

Best for:
Cost-effective coverage on delicate textiles; light-to-medium stones; low-odour environments.
Pros:
Budget-friendly; low-odour; applies easily; dries clear; forgiving cleanup while wet.
Limitations:
Not for water contact (moisture can turn it white again). Less grip on very smooth, non-porous surfaces. Weaker than E6000 on high-stress areas.
Dry/Cure:
Touch-dry ~1 h; full cure ~24 h; allow 48–72 h before first gentle wash.
Water exposure? Choose USA E6000. Avoid PVA/fabric glues (Gemtak-type) for swimwear, umbrellas, washable shoes, or items often in rain.
Stronger hold needed? Choose USA E6000 — even for fabrics.
Tight budget or large coverage? Consider a Gemtak-type PVA fabric glue (reference only); note the water-contact limitation.

How to glue rhinestones (step-by-step)

1) Prep & plan

  • Sketch/mark your design.
  • Wash fabrics without softener and dry completely.
  • Degrease hard surfaces with isopropyl alcohol.
  • Mount stretch fabrics slightly taut.

2) Tools

3) Apply tiny dots

  • Dots slightly smaller than the stone’s base.
  • E6000: dot → wait 30–60 s until tacky → place.
  • Gemtak-type PVA: place immediately; adjust within a few minutes if needed (avoid water exposure later).

4) Place & press

  • Press straight down; avoid sliding (prevents smearing over facets).
  • Glue should just reach the edges for a sealed, snag-resistant hold.

5) Cure

  • Keep flat/undisturbed for 24 h.
  • Heavy wear or water exposure (E6000): allow up to 72 h.
  • Delay first wash 48–72 h; hand wash only.

Pro tips & common pitfalls

Pro tips

  • Work in small sections (5–15 stones) so glue doesn’t skin over.
  • Use masking tape as a straight-line guide; lift after placing.
  • Keep spare stones from each project for quick repairs.
  • Lightly scuff ultra-smooth plastic/glass to improve E6000 grip.

Avoid

  • Too much glue (dulls sparkle, stiffens fabric).
  • Super glue or hot glue (brittle bond, fogging on crystals).
  • Dirty/oily surfaces and fabric softeners.
  • Rushing curing time or machine-drying freshly glued items.
  • Using PVA/fabric glues (Gemtak-type) on items that will meet water.

Care & maintenance

  • Clothing: Hand wash inside-out in cool water; mild detergent; no softener; air dry. Avoid dry-cleaning.
  • Shoes/accessories: Wipe gently with a damp cloth.
  • Repairs: Re-dot glue on the original spot and press a spare stone; cure fully.

Safety & cleanup

  • E6000: Use in a ventilated area; avoid prolonged skin contact. Clean uncured spills with alcohol/acetone (test first).
  • PVA/fabric glues (Gemtak-type): Generally low-odour; wipe excess with a damp cloth while wet; not recommended for water-contact items.
  • Protect your work surface; keep glues away from children and pets.

Shop the tools & glues we recommend

Need quick advice?
EN & All languages: WhatsApp — Click Here
Italiano: WhatsApp — Clicca qui

FAQ

Which glue should I use for swimwear or items exposed to water?

Choose USA E6000. Do not use PVA/fabric glues (Gemtak-type) for water-contact items; moisture can turn them white again.

Will the glue make my fabric stiff?

Using tiny dots keeps fabric flexible. E6000 remains flexible when cured (use sparingly on very lightweight fabrics). PVA/fabric glues typically stay softer but are not water-safe.

How long before I can wear or wash my item?

Allow 24 h undisturbed. Wait 48–72 h before washing. Hand wash in cool water and air dry.

Can I use super glue or hot glue?

We don’t recommend it. Super glue can fog stones and becomes brittle; hot glue forms bulky bonds that fail on small crystals.