Top 9 Best Fabric Glue For Rhinestones Review

Do you seek the best fabric glue for rhinestones? You are in the right place. Check out our article for your answer, along with other helpful details.

Introduction

Rhinestones are shiny embellishments you can attach to numerous materials like cotton, denim, to name a few, to decorate your stuff. In this case, the rhinestone glue is a great contributor to glueing rhinestones to the surfaces.

But today’s market is full of options. Some are great, but some can disappoint you. We have researched and compiled a list of the best fabric glue for rhinestones, along with their pros and cons for your consideration.

These rhinestone glues can work well on numerous materials so that you can rest assured to have a long-lasting decorative piece after applying them. Let’s check it out!

Top 9 Best Fabric Glue For Rhinestones Review

#1. Bundle E6000 Tube Industrial Strength Adhesive – Best Overall

The Bundle E6000 Industrial Strength Adhesive is a waterproof rubber-based compound that can withstand drying and washing. It is ideal for projects like beads, glass, clay, metal, ceramics, and fabrics.

Bundle E6000 Tube Industrial Strength Adhesive

There are included dotting tools to help you glue this product in all types of working conditions. Thanks to the dotting applicator tip, you will not find any difficulty using this fabric adhesive to glue rhinestones when getting into the tightest of locations.

This best glue for rhinestones also stands out with its long-lasting result on the fabrics, along with machine-washable characteristics. That said, we found that the nozzle of this tube releases much glue at a time.

Pros:

  • Waterproof rubber-based compound
  • Dotting tools for all kinds of working conditions
  • Dotting applicator tip for getting into the tightest of locations
  • Made to last
  • Machine washable

Con:

  • Big nozzle

#2. E6000 565004 Fabri-Fuse Adhesive – Best For Cotton

If you seek an adhesive to attach rhinestones on fabric, especially cotton, the E6000 565004 Fabri-Fuse Adhesive is ideal.

The extreme flexibility of the fabric glue lets the fabric stretch and move, even after washing. With its exclusive formula, the glue dries quite fast and clear compared to other products.

E6000 565004 Fabri-Fuse Adhesive

We also love this adhesive as it is free of acids. In other words, this glue will not damage the fabrics when you apply them. And you will not smell an unpleasant odor as it comes with low-odor formula.

Nevertheless, we found that the glue is slightly watery.

Pros:

  • Ideal for cotton and stretchy fabrics
  • Acid-free
  • Low odor
  • Quick to dry

Con:

  • Slightly watery

#3. E6000 Jewelry And Bead Adhesive – Best For Crafting

The E6000 Jewelry and Bead Adhesive is a great fabric glue for crafting. It can dry fast (within 20 seconds), clear, and not run or drip.

E6000 Jewelry and Bead Adhesive

You can use it for your projects efficiently with the support of included metal precision tips. What makes it different is that it comes with a gel-like consistency and a bit of odor but not overwhelming.

On the downside, this adhesive application is not so great for releasing too much adhesive at a time.

Pros:

  • Ideal for crafting
  • Dry fast and clear
  • Metal precision tips
  • Strong fabric glue

Con:

  • Low-performance applicator

#4. Beacon Gem-Tac Permanent Adhesive – Best Long-Lasting Glue

Beacon Gem-Tac Permanent Adhesive

The Beacon Gem-Tac Permanent Adhesive is a permanent adhesive you can use to attach rhinestones, partly thanks to the waterproof formula. It is also UVA  and heat resistant, enhancing its durability.

Accordingly, the fabric glue remains intact without fading out due to the UVA rays in the fabrics. As the product comes in numerous styles and colors, you can mix and match to glue rhinestones to create the best look for your fabrics.

However, the fabric glue cannot dry as fast as the products mentioned above. It requires more than a day to cure fully.

Pros:

  • Permanent adhesive
  • Available in various styles and colors
  • Waterproof
  • UVA and heat resistant

Con:

  • Slow to cure

#5. Aleene’s 23473 Fabric Fusion Permanent Fabric Adhesive – Best For Versatility

The Aleene’s 23473 is a great fabric glue for its wide application. You can use it for a variety of fabrics like cotton, polyester, to name a few. On top of that, it will not string when used.

Aleene’s 23473 Fabric Fusion Permanent Fabric Adhesive

This best fabric glue will generate a permanent bond between the fabrics and other embellishments.

We are also impressed with how it stays flexible after putting in a washing machine. In case you want to change the glue, you can easily clean the previous work with warm soapy water before it dries.

You will need to spend a long time (more than a day) waiting for its drying in the fabrics.

Pros:

  • Wide application
  • Can be washed in a washing machine
  • Easy cleanup with warm soapy water before drying
  • Stay flexible after washing
  • Not string

Con:

  • Slow effect

#6. Aleene’s Jewel-It Embellishing Glue – Best For Hard-to-hold Items

If you want to glue hard-to-hold items, Aleene’s Jewell-It Embellishing will not disappoint you. It features a fast-setting period that can dry quickly and clear to work well with these accents.

Aleene’s Jewel-It Embellishing Glue

You can also use this fabric glue on non-washable and washable fabrics, thanks to its exclusive formula. Additionally, this glue is versatile and works well in gluing rhinestones in costumes, fabric jewelry, and others.

One of its downsides is that you will have to spend up to 7-10 days for a full cure before washing, much longer than other products. Another point is that the texture of the glue seems to be slightly watery.

Pros:

  • Greatly gluing rhinestones and hard-to-hold items
  • Fast setting
  • Work on non-washable and washable fabrics
  • Flexible formula

Cons:

  • Long cure period before washing
  • Watery texture

#7. Gorilla Waterproof Fabric Glue – Best For Denim

The Gorilla Waterproof Fabric Glue is a great partner for denim. The reason is that the glue dries crystal clear and is safe after washing. It delivers a permanent bond strength to remain flexible after washing, making it a great alternative to the traditional thread and needle.

Gorilla Waterproof Fabric Glue

On the flip side, the fabric glue might not attach rhinestones well on thin, loose, or delicate weave fabrics like velvet, satin, Jersey Knit, and tulle. Plus, the adhesive is only flexible when used in a minimal amount.

Pros:

  • Fast setting
  • Permanent bond
  • Able for use on numerous surfaces

Cons:

  • Not for thin, loose, delicate wave fabrics
  • Used in minimal amount for flexibility

#8. Aleene’s 21709 Jewelry & Metal Instant Adhesive – Best For Repairs

Another name from the brand Aleene’s – the 21709 instant adhesive is a great deal for repairs, thanks to its instant effect with non-run and no-drip formula. It can provide ultra-control for a high permanent bond strength to attach rhinestones.

Aleene’s 21709 Jewelry & Metal Instant Adhesive

As it is impact-resistant and waterproof, you can expect a long-lasting effect with this adhesive. Along with fabrics, the glue also works well with metal, glass, bead, and stones.

The glue can get clogged in the cap area, so it is best to keep it in an upright position. Plus, the tube is likely to break, possibly causing a glue mess if you are not careful.

Pros:

  • No run and drip formula
  • Great for repairs
  • Simple to use
  • Long-lasting
  • Instant effect when attaching rhinestones

Cons:

  • Easily to get clogged in the cap area
  • Breakable tube

#9. iCraft Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive – Best For Hems

Thanks to its fast, strong, and permanent effect, the iCraft Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive is ideal for hems. The best glue dries clear and remains flexible in the fabric. As it is washable, you can wash the fabrics after applying the glue.

iCraft Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive

The rhinestone glue also works great, but you have to rub your fingers across it to gain a great adherence bond between the fabrics. Thus, it can stick on your skin.

Pros:

  • Nontoxic formula
  • Dry clear
  • Fast to dry
  • Washable after attaching rhinestones

Con:

  • Need support for tight adherence

Types Of Rhinestones

Rhinestones resemble diamonds but are made of glass, crystal, plastic, and acrylic, aiming to decorate clothing, accessories, jewelry, to name a few.

Numerous kinds of rhinestones rely on the materials they are made, including glass rhinestones, crystal rhinestones, acrylic rhinestones, epoxy resin rhinestones, and plastic rhinestones.

  • Glass rhinestones: Made of glass, these rhinestones are formed with machine cutting. The producers can put a metal coating layer onto the stone’s backside. Thus, the light can reflect and make them shine like diamonds.
  • Crystal rhinestones: They are more expensive than their glass counterparts like Swarovski crystals. The hotfix crystals have foil backing, reflex, and shine better than the glass.
  • Plastic rhinestones: You can call them imitation or plastic gems. The plastic rhinestones are mass-produced, affordable, and light. They are also free of lead and cannot break easily. If you are on a tight budget, you can consider this type of rhinestones.
  • Resin rhinestones: As they are easily produced by pouring the resin into a silicone mold, they come in numerous designs.
  • Acrylic rhinestones: They are made with mold injection, which is transparent, unbreakable, and light. Like the plastic version, acrylic rhinestones can be produced in a huge amount in numerous sizes, colors, and shapes.

Rhinestones Sizing

Rhinestones come with three size standards to measure as follows:

  • Millimeter (mm): the standard is usually utilized with stone shapes.
  • Stone size (ss): it is utilized with the rhinestones with the flat back application.
  • Pearl plate (pp): it is utilized with the pointed-back rhinestones.

Below is the rhinestone size chart you can consider.

Rhinestones Sizing

Glue Types For Rhinestones

Epoxy

Epoxy resin glue is one of the strongest glues on the market. It can create a great bond in any extreme condition that requires impact, moisture, and temperature resistance. The glue can also work well with non-porous and porous materials.

Super Glue

Super glue or cyanoacrylates is the strongest glue to attach rhinestones to fabrics. This strong glue can work well with numerous materials, including stones and gems. The super glue can create a waterproof tight bond though they might not have much tensile strength.

The big plus of this strongest glue for rhinestones is that the glue dries quite fast within only a few seconds. But it is worth noting that it is not ideal for plastic materials. So you had better not use super glue for plastic rhinestones.

Polyurethane Glue

Polyurethane glue is, in fact, yet another kind of adhesive used for bonding rhinestones to materials. It is possibly available in one and two-part choices.

It is advisable to glue stones to metals, plastics, and cardboard. Especially, it will be a great partner to glue rhinestones on the footwear.

Hot Glue

Hot glue is great for sticking rhinestones to fabrics and other surfaces. It is ideal for bonding materials together, thanks to its capacity to sink into the cracks. Thus, the hot glue can deliver a complete gap filler.

It is also a great idea for tracing patterns on the fabrics to glue the stones and create a nice-looking decoration.

Rhinestones Glue Safety Tips

  • Remember to utilize glues in well-ventilated places because some can have harmful chemicals and fumes.
  • It is best to use safety goggles to prevent the glue from getting into your eyes.
  • Do not forget to wear gloves when applying glue for rhinestones, especially super glue.
  • If you choose industrial glues, you had better wear a respirator to ensure the best safety.

Extra Tips For Gluing Rhinestones

  • As rhinestones are small, they only need a small quantity of adhesive, or you can get a mess with excess glue. It is best to use a precision applicator tip to glue the rhinestones.

If you do not have an applicator tip, you can drip out some on the cardboard and utilize a dabber, a toothpick, or a needle to apply the glue.

  • As some glues will take time to dry, you should read the instructions carefully to know how long the glue needs to cure completely. It is best to choose fast-drying adhesive products for rhinestones.
  • You should know how thin or thick the adhesive is. For some projects, the glue needs to be relatively thick to remain in place and not runoff. But it is not recommended to apply a too thick layer of glue as it can cause a mess.
  • If you buy glue that generates a toxic smell, remember to wear a breathing mask.

Addition Tool

You can use the Creative Hobbies Glue Applicator Syringe for Flatback Rhinestones to support you when applying the glue on any surface. This pack includes ten precision applicators: ten 5cc 5-inch syringes and ten 14 gauge stainless steel blunt needle tips.

The syringe applicator can help you glue the very small rhinestones like 4.8mm SS20 flatback rhinestones in the tightest place. You can easily inject the glue with these applicators into thin slots between two surfaces fast and efficiently.

The manufacturer claims that these tools are ideal for the application of flat back rhinestones. You can use the tools with the inks, different glues, inks, sealants, or lubricants.

On the downside, these applicators might not be economical as they can only be used once. Moreover, you need to pay attention when pouring the solution into the syringes to avoid spilling as the tubes are quite small.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rhinestones Glue Harmful To Skin?

Though not every rhinestone glue is harsh to the skin, you had better be careful when applying the glue. It is advisable to put on protective accessories like a hat, gloves, and goggles to keep your hands, eyes, and face safe from harmful exposure with the glue.

There is also a concern that the glue can be a contributor to cancer. Thus, you had better check the instructions and the label carefully before buying.

Are These Glues Soluble In Water?

It’s a big No. The glues are not water-soluble. You can find some water-resistant versions and keep the glue in moisture conditions after fully cured.

Do You Need To Refrigerate Glue After Opening It?

No, you don’t. It is useless to put the glue in the fridge after opening it. All you need to do is to store the product in any dry place at room temperature.

How Long Does Fabric Glue Take To Dry & Cure?

Generally, fabric glues’ drying and cure time vary, greatly relying on the glue and the fabric. It normally falls in the range of 3 minutes to a day. With that being said, you can also find some products that can dry instantly.

Can I Use A Hot Glue Gun To Glue Jewels To Fabric?

Definitely, you can use a hot glue gun for attaching jewels or rhinestones to fabrics.

Wrapping Up

So which product is the best fabric glue for rhinestones for you? If you have already made your decision, we hope you will have a great time with it.

If not, you can flip through the review again or pick our best overall option – the Bundle E6000 Tube Industrial Strength Adhesive for its exceptional performance. One more thing, it is best to read the label and instructions of the glue carefully to avoid improper use.