Johnette's Top Picks After Her Glue Test

RHINESTONE GLUE REVIEW

Which Glue for Rhinestones? Johnette's Top Picks After Her Glue Test

Five glues, cotton fabric, vinyl letters, and a trip through the washing machine.

The short answer: the best glue depends on the material you are working with. Johnette of @addsomespark tested several glues on cotton fabric and vinyl letters, washed them, and named five top picks: E6000 Jewelry & Bead, Beacon Gem-Tac, Aleene's Liquid Fusion, Aleene's Ultimate Adhesive, and Aleene's Rhinestone Adhesive.

She is the first to say her review is subjective, and that the right glue changes with the project. Here is what she picked, and how to use her list to choose for your own.

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The Videos Her Top Picks Match the Material FAQ

THE TEST

Watch Johnette's Glue Test

Johnette tested each glue on cotton fabric and vinyl letters. She shared her first impressions, then followed up after the washing machine to see whether it changed her mind. Both videos are below.

Videos by Johnette, @addsomespark.

HER TOP PICKS

The Five Glues Johnette Recommends

These are the glues she named as her top picks, in the order she listed them.

E6000 Jewelry & Bead

Johnette calls it the glue she uses most, on all kinds of projects, including plastic, metal, and game boards. Her one note: use E6000 in a ventilated area.

Beacon Gem-Tac

One of her five picks from the test.

Aleene's Liquid Fusion

Also on her list of top picks.

Aleene's Ultimate Adhesive

The fourth glue she named.

Aleene's Rhinestone Adhesive

The fifth pick on her list.

MATCH THE MATERIAL

Why the Best Glue Depends on Your Project

Johnette is clear that her picks are not a one-size-fits-all answer. What works best depends on what you are gluing to, whether that is cotton, vinyl, plastic, or metal. Our rhinestone glue guide says the same: match the glue to the material first.

A simple way to follow her lead is to test on a scrap of the same material before you glue the real piece. If the project will be washed, wash the test piece too.

FAQ

What is the best glue for rhinestones?

It depends on the material. Johnette's top picks were E6000 Jewelry & Bead, Beacon Gem-Tac, Aleene's Liquid Fusion, Aleene's Ultimate Adhesive, and Aleene's Rhinestone Adhesive. Our rhinestone glue guide can help you match a glue to your project.

What materials did Johnette test on?

She tested on cotton fabric and vinyl letters, then ran them through the washing machine.

Is her review a lab test?

No. She describes it as subjective, a creator's hands-on impressions rather than a controlled study. Use it as a starting point, then test on your own material.

Do I need ventilation when I use E6000?

Johnette's advice is to use E6000 in a ventilated area. Follow the directions and warnings on the label as well.

Can one glue work on every material?

Not reliably. Fabric, vinyl, plastic, and metal can each call for a different glue, which is why Johnette stresses matching the glue to the project.

How do I test a glue before using it on a project?

Glue a few stones to a scrap of the same material, let the glue cure as directed on the label, then handle and wash the scrap the way the finished piece will be treated.

How should I wash and dry something I glued rhinestones to?

Check the glue's label for cure time first. We recommend air drying instead of machine drying for all dance costumes. For more, see Do Rhinestones Survive the Washing Machine?

SHOP THIS POST

→ Shop Rhinestone Glues
→ Rhinestone Glue Guide
→ E6000 Jewelry & Bead
→ Beacon Gem-Tac
→ Aleene's Liquid Fusion Performance Adhesive
→ Aleene's Ultimate Adhesive
→ Aleene's Rhinestone Adhesive