Rhinestone Glue

Which Rhinestone Glue Is Right for You?

The right rhinestone glue depends on the surface type, the application context and the durability required. Bluestreak stocks four professional-grade rhinestone adhesives, each suited to different surfaces and project types:

• Gem-Tac — a water-based tacky glue specifically formulated for bonding crystals, rhinestones and gems to fabric, paper and porous surfaces. Dries clear with a flexible finish suited to wearable items including garments and accessories. The most widely used rhinestone glue for fabric embellishment, card making and light craft applications where a water-based formula is preferred. Available individually and in packs of six.
• E6000 Plus — an industrial-strength multi-surface adhesive and the professional standard for bonding rhinestones to hard non-porous surfaces including glass, ceramic, plastic and metal. Dries clear with a flexible, waterproof and UV-resistant finish. The go-to rhinestone glue for home décor, shoe embellishment, glass decoration and any application requiring maximum bond strength. Odour-reduced formula compared to original E6000.
• CG500 — a two-component resin adhesive mixing epoxy resin and hardener in a 1:1 ratio for an exceptionally strong, waterproof bond suited to hard-wearing applications including water bottles, tumblers and accessories subjected to regular handling. Provides several hours of working time before setting, with full cure overnight. The preferred rhinestone glue for items that will be handled frequently or exposed to moisture.
• Supertite Fusion — a versatile two-component adhesive that bonds across both porous and non-porous surfaces within the same application, making it the preferred choice for mixed-media projects combining fabric, glass, plastic and metal in a single piece. Delivers a strong, durable bond across the widest range of surface types of any adhesive in the range.

Which Rhinestone Glue for Which Surface?

Surface type is the most important factor in choosing the right rhinestone glue. Using the wrong adhesive for the surface is the most common cause of crystals lifting, clouding or falling away after application.

• Fabric and textiles — Gem-Tac for general fabric embellishment. For fabric that will be machine washed, hotfix crystals applied with a hotfix wand eliminate the need for adhesive entirely and provide a more durable bond on fabric than any glue-based application
• Glass, ceramic and plastic — E6000 Plus for the strongest available bond on non-porous hard surfaces. CG500 for items that will be exposed to moisture or frequent handling such as tumblers and water bottles
• Metal — E6000 Plus for the strongest bond on metal surfaces including jewellery findings, accessories and decorative metalwork
• Leather and shoes — E6000 Plus or Supertite Fusion for flexible, durable bonding on leather and synthetic shoe materials that flex with wear
• Paper and card — Gem-Tac for card making, wedding stationery and papercraft where a water-based, non-staining formula is required
• Mixed-media projects — Supertite Fusion for projects combining multiple surface types within the same piece where a single adhesive needs to bond across both porous and non-porous surfaces
• Resin craft — CG500 for embedding or surface-mounting crystals on resin pieces requiring a strong, waterproof permanent bond

Rhinestone Glue Application Kits and Dispensing Tools

Precision application is as important as choosing the right adhesive. Bluestreak stocks a complete range of glue dispensing tools and kits for professional and hobbyist rhinestone application:

• Glue kits — complete starter kits combining glue, syringe and tips in a single purchase, giving you everything needed for precise rhinestone adhesive application straight from the pack
• CG500 two-component glue — epoxy resin and hardener supplied as a two-component kit, mixed in a 1:1 ratio for an exceptionally strong waterproof bond on hard-wearing applications including tumblers, water bottles and accessories
• Syringe tips — precision dispensing tips available in multiple gauges from 14 gauge through to 20 gauge for different application contexts. Finer gauges such as 20 gauge suit precise single-crystal placement on small surfaces. Broader gauges such as 14 gauge suit faster application across larger surface areas
• Syringes — dispensing syringes sold separately for use with your existing adhesive, compatible with all tip gauges in the range
• Ultimate glue dispensing kit — the complete professional dispensing kit covering syringe, multiple tip gauges and all accessories needed for the most precise and controlled rhinestone adhesive application. The preferred choice for professional nail technicians, costume makers and jewellery designers working at production scale

How to Apply Rhinestone Glue

For best results across all rhinestone adhesives, prepare the surface thoroughly before application. Clean the surface to remove any dust, grease or residue and allow to dry completely. Apply a small dot of adhesive to the surface rather than directly to the crystal using a cocktail stick, toothpick or precision syringe tip for clean, controlled placement without adhesive seepage onto adjacent areas. Place the crystal flat side down onto the adhesive dot and press gently to secure. Allow the adhesive to cure fully before handling — Gem-Tac requires 24 hours for washable durability, E6000 Plus up to 72 hours for full bond strength, and CG500 overnight for complete cure.

Rhinestone Glue for Nail Art

For nail art applications, specialist nail crystal glue or gel is recommended rather than general-purpose rhinestone adhesive. Nail crystal glue is formulated specifically for use on nail surfaces and cures safely under UV or LED lamps. Browse our dedicated nail art crystals collection for nail-specific adhesives and application tools alongside the full range of non hotfix crystals for nail use.

Rhinestone Glue vs Hotfix Crystals

Rhinestone glue is used exclusively with non hotfix crystals — flatback crystals with no pre-applied adhesive that require a separate adhesive for bonding. Hotfix crystals have a heat-activated adhesive pre-applied to the backing and are applied using a hotfix wand, heat press or household iron with no separate glue required. For large-scale fabric embellishment where speed and durability are the priority, hotfix crystals are generally faster and more durable on fabric than glue-based application. For non-fabric surfaces, mixed-media projects and nail art, rhinestone glue is the appropriate application method. Browse our full range of hotfix crystals across all brands.

Complete Your Rhinestone Project

Rhinestone glue works alongside all non hotfix crystals from Swarovski, Serinity, Preciosa and Estella. For application tools including wax pencils, tweezers and precision applicators, browse our full range of tools and accessories. For step-by-step application guides covering different surfaces and projects, visit the Bluestreak Craft Studio and the Bluestreak Nail Studio.

Why Buy Rhinestone Glue from Bluestreak?

• Complete adhesive range — Gem-Tac, E6000 Plus, CG500 and Supertite Fusion covering every surface type and application context in one place
• Complete application system — glue kits, syringes, precision tips in multiple gauges and the Ultimate dispensing kit available alongside adhesives for the most controlled and professional rhinestone application
• Professional grade — the same adhesives used by professional costume makers, dancewear designers, nail technicians and jewellery makers worldwide
• Crystals and glue in one place — buy rhinestone glue alongside genuine Swarovski, Serinity, Preciosa and Estella crystals from a single supplier with one dispatch
• Fast dispatch — majority of orders shipped same or next working day
• Worldwide shipping — reliable international delivery with tracked options
• No minimum order — buy a single tube or wholesale quantities with no minimum order requirement
• Expert guidance — application guides and surface-specific advice available through the Bluestreak Craft Studio