Rhinestone Glue Guide
Find the Right Glue for Your Rhinestone Project
Compare materials first, then read what each adhesive is made to do.
Start with the surface you are rhinestoning. A checkmark means the maker lists that material for the glue. It does not guarantee adhesion to every coating, rhinestone backing, or finish. Test the actual materials and follow the product directions.
On a phone, swipe the chart sideways to see all seven materials.
| PHOTO | GLUE | FABRIC | LEATHER & SUEDE | METAL & JEWELRY | GLASS & CERAMICS | PLASTIC & ACRYLIC* | WOOD | STONE & TILE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Beacon Gem-Tac BUY NOW |
✓ | ✓ | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
 |
Beacon Magna-Tac 809 BUY NOW |
✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | — | — |
 |
E6000 Original BUY NOW |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
 |
E6000 PLUS BUY NOW |
✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
 |
E6000 Fabri-Fuse BUY NOW |
✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | — |
 |
E6000 Jewelry & Bead BUY NOW |
— | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
 |
Aleene's Jewel-It BUY NOW |
✓ | — | — | — | — | — | — |
 |
Aleene's Jewelry & Metal Glue BUY NOW |
— | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
 |
Aleene's Leather & Suede Glue BUY NOW |
✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | — | — |
 |
Aleene's The Ultimate Multi-Surface Adhesive BUY NOW |
✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
 |
Aleene's DIY Craft Outdoor Adhesive BUY NOW |
— | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
 |
Aleene's Rhinestone Adhesive BUY NOW |
✓ | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
 |
Aleene's Liquid Fusion Performance BUY NOW |
✓ | — | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
 |
API Crafter's Pick Jewel Bond BUY NOW |
✓ | — | — | — | — | — | — |
*Plastic compatibility varies by polymer and coating. E6000 Original excludes polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene. E6000 PLUS instructions exclude acrylic, vinyl, foam, polyethylene, and polypropylene. Liquid Fusion's ceramic recommendation concerns unglazed ceramic.
Adhesive Details
Beacon Gem-Tac
|
A water-based adhesive made for rhinestones and other embellishments. It bonds to the top fibers of fabric to help preserve drape and flexibility. Best For: Dance costumes, performance wear, fabric embellishment, gems, pearls, and mirror-backed stones. Key Details: Dries clear; flexible; water-based; non-toxic. Dry time: one hour. Cure time: 24 hours. SHOP NOW |
How Do You Apply It?
- Start with clean, dust-free materials. Wipe the stone backs to remove oils or dirt.
- Apply enough glue to cover the stone back, then position it gently. Use only light pressure so glue does not ooze or soak through.
- For glitter, apply a thin coat, sprinkle generously, let dry, and shake off the excess.
- Allow 24 hours for the bond to cure.
What About Care And Cleanup?
Hand wash finished fabric after the full cure. The existing RU article notes that wet glue can be removed with water and dry glue can be released by dry cleaning.
What Should You Know Before Starting?
The article lists fabric, gems, glitter, pearls, plastic, rhinestones, studs, leather, vinyl, and wood. Test specialty coatings and the complete care method.
Adhesive Details
Beacon Magna-Tac 809
|
A fast-grabbing fabric adhesive for bridalwear, costumes, fashion, dancewear, and fabric repairs. It is designed to stay on the surface rather than soak into the fabric. Best For: Small crystals on bridal veils, wedding accessories, costumes, skating dresses, fashion accessories, and quick hems. Key Details: Dries clear; acid-free; no heat required. Machine washable after 24 hours. SHOP NOW |
How Do You Apply It?
- Prewash fabric when appropriate to remove sizing or manufacturing residue. Test on scrap or a hidden area.
- Protect the work surface; do not work directly on varnished furniture.
- Use clean, dry fabric and stones. Place a very small glue dot where the rhinestone will go.
- Quickly place the stone and press gently. Allow 24 hours before washing.
What About Care And Cleanup?
Machine washable after 24 hours. Do not dry clean. Keep the container covered when it is not in use.
What Should You Know Before Starting?
The product page lists natural and synthetic fibers, leather, glass, and wood. The chart above retains the current comparison entries; check the product page for the full list.
Adhesive Details
E6000 Original
|
An industrial-strength, self-leveling adhesive that dries clear and cures to a flexible, rubber-like finish. It is used on porous and nonporous materials. Best For: Costume details, shoes, props, jewelry, accessories, repairs, and projects combining fabric with hard materials. Key Details: Waterproof; flexible; paintable. Tacky in about two minutes; sets in about 10 minutes. Full cure: 24-72 hours. SHOP NOW |
How Do You Apply It?
- Clean and dry the surfaces. Lightly roughen only where appropriate for the material and finish.
- Puncture the inner seal with the pointer cap. The article lists an ideal application temperature of 50-90°F.
- Apply directly to the surfaces being bonded. On stretch fabric, use individual dots with fabric visible between them.
- Allow 24 hours for curing; maximum strength may take up to 72 hours.
What About Care And Cleanup?
Use ventilation and follow package safety directions. Clean uncured glue with acetone or citrus-based solvents only where those cleaners are safe for the project. A thin coat of petroleum jelly on tube threads can help keep the cap removable.
What Should You Know Before Starting?
The RU article cautions against acrylic rhinestones and identifies polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, foam, and paper as exclusions. It also cautions that extreme heat can soften E6000; it recommends Jewel Bond for Western wear in hot environments. Test the finished care method.
Adhesive Details
E6000 PLUS
|
A low-odor, clear adhesive for indoor and outdoor mixed-material projects. Its waterproof formula stays flexible after curing. Best For: Projects combining wood, glass, fabric, ceramic, gems, metal, marble, fiberglass, concrete, or compatible plastics. Key Details: Low odor; clear; waterproof; flexible; all-weather formula. Allow the full cure specified on the package. SHOP NOW |
How Do You Apply It?
- Test the actual material, stone backing, and finish. Clean and dry the bonding surfaces.
- Apply according to the E6000 PLUS package. Follow its specific joining instructions for nonporous surfaces.
- Allow the full cure before wear or water exposure; the RU article gives a 24-72-hour cure range.
What About Care And Cleanup?
The article lists rubbing alcohol, mineral spirits, acetone, or a dry cloth for uncured cleanup. Test any cleaner on the base material first. Cured residue may require scraping or mineral spirits; follow the package.
What Should You Know Before Starting?
The current chart instructions exclude acrylic, vinyl, foam, polyethylene, and polypropylene. Low odor does not replace the package ventilation and safety directions. Do not assume Original and PLUS have identical compatibility.
Adhesive Details
E6000 Fabri-Fuse
|
A fabric-specific adhesive with flexibility, stretch, and recovery. It is designed to avoid stiffening fabric or creating bumps and bulges in the finished piece. Best For: Costumes, performance garments, felt, trims, flatback rhinestones, washable textiles, and projects that need natural drape. Key Details: Dries clear; acid-free; low odor. Dry flat for at least eight hours; washable after 72 hours. SHOP NOW |
How Do You Apply It?
- Remove the bottle's inner seal. Work on a flat, protected surface.
- Apply directly to each surface to be bonded and mate the surfaces together.
- Dry flat for at least eight hours. Wait 72 hours before washing.
- Once dry, the fabric can be sewn through if the design calls for added stitching.
What About Care And Cleanup?
The source article says this formula can be dry cleaned without affecting bond strength. Follow the garment's care restrictions as well as the adhesive directions.
What Should You Know Before Starting?
The listed materials include fabric, felt, metal, wood, glass, and rubber. The formula looks cloudy while wet and dries clear. Test fabric appearance and movement.
Adhesive Details
E6000 Jewelry & Bead
|
A jewelry adhesive supplied with precision tips for controlled placement on stones, gems, beads, and jewelry findings. It cures to a flexible, rubber-like bond. Best For: Jewelry making and repair, beadwork, findings, polymer clay, resin, and mixed-material jewelry. Key Details: Includes four precision tips. Dries clear; waterproof; flexible. Cure: 24 hours, with maximum strength potentially taking 48-72 hours. SHOP NOW |
How Do You Apply It?
- Clean and dry the surfaces; lightly roughen only where appropriate. Puncture the tube seal with the pointer cap.
- Screw the precision tip into the cap. Replace tips as needed. Squeeze from the bottom and roll the tube as it empties.
- The article lists 50-90°F as the ideal application range. For nonporous materials, it instructs applying to both surfaces, waiting two to 10 minutes, and pressing together.
- Allow the full cure before handling or wearing the piece.
What About Care And Cleanup?
Use in a well-ventilated area. The article lists acetone or citrus-based solvents for uncured cleanup and petroleum jelly on the tube threads to help with cap removal. Do not dry clean.
What Should You Know Before Starting?
This guide reserves Jewelry & Bead for jewelry applications, not fabric. Check the exact plastic and stone backing. The article cautions against acrylic rhinestones, excluded plastics, and contact with food or drinking water.
Adhesive Details
Aleene's Jewel-It
|
A quick-setting fabric embellishing glue made to hold rhinestones, beads, pearls, sequins, and other accents. It dries clear and flexible for washable and non-washable fabric projects. Best For: Dance costumes, uniforms, clothing, fabric jewelry, appliqués, and hard-to-hold embellishments. Key Details: Quick setting; non-toxic; flexible; clear drying. Wait 24 hours before wearing and seven to 10 days before washing. SHOP NOW |
How Do You Apply It?
- Apply glue to the fabric where the embellishment will go.
- Push the embellishment into the glue until glue rises around its edges.
- For metal or glass embellishments, the article instructs allowing the glue to set for 10 minutes before placing them.
- Let dry 24 hours before wearing. Allow seven to 10 days before laundering.
What About Care And Cleanup?
The article describes the cured bond as permanent and machine washable after the required waiting period. Match laundering to the garment's care instructions.
What Should You Know Before Starting?
The supplied manufacturer estimate is 27-33 minutes for a 3 mm coating at 70-73°F. Thickness, temperature, and humidity change drying time; this estimate is not the waiting period before washing.
Adhesive Details
Aleene's Jewelry & Metal Glue
|
A fast-drying gel adhesive with a precision applicator tip. The no-drip, no-run formula stays where placed and dries crystal clear. Best For: Metal barrettes, jewelry findings, brooches, buckles, accessories, glass, mirrors, ceramics, and compatible plastics. Key Details: Clear drying; permanent; waterproof and impact-resistant once dry. Precision tip for small glue dots. SHOP NOW |
How Do You Apply It?
- Test first and work in a well-ventilated area. Remove the cap and nozzle, discard the thin collar, and reattach the nozzle and cap to puncture the tube.
- Clean and dry the materials. Lightly roughen only where appropriate.
- Apply a small amount to one surface. Position the embellishment and press the surfaces together for several seconds.
- Let dry completely before wearing, handling, or exposing the piece to water.
What About Care And Cleanup?
Follow the package safety directions. This adhesive bonds skin instantly and may irritate eyes and skin.
What Should You Know Before Starting?
The product page lists metal, stones, gems, beads, glass, mirrors, ceramics, and compatible plastics. Fabric, leather, and wood are not on that recommended-surface list.
Adhesive Details
Aleene's Leather & Suede Glue
|
A fast-tacking craft adhesive for leather and suede embellishing and light repairs. It dries clear and flexible and is formulated not to soak through or stain leather and suede. Best For: Rhinestones, beadwork, fringe, and fabric accents on collars, belts, shoes, purses, bracelets, and costume accessories. Key Details: Permanent leather and suede bond; fast tack; clear and flexible. Not washable; intended for light repairs and embellishment. SHOP NOW |
How Do You Apply It?
- Test on a small, inconspicuous area first.
- Lightly roughen smooth leather only after testing the finish and confirming the preparation suits the project.
- Squeeze a thin line of glue or brush on a thin coat, then place the embellishments.
- Quickly remove excess glue with a damp cloth where safe for the leather finish.
What About Care And Cleanup?
The product page specifies professional leather dry cleaning only. The adhesive is not washable.
What Should You Know Before Starting?
Use for crafting, embellishment, and light repairs, not heavy-duty or structural repairs. Test the exact leather finish and rhinestone backing.
Adhesive Details
Aleene's The Ultimate Multi-Surface Adhesive
|
A professional-strength adhesive for challenging surfaces and mixed-material projects. Its fast-drying, non-foaming formula dries clear. Best For: License plate frames, tumblers, accessories, costumes, signs, décor, and mixed-media projects. Key Details: UV proof; waterproof; indoor and outdoor use. Listed materials include metal, glass, plastic, wood, fabric, tile, and stone. SHOP NOW |
How Do You Apply It?
- Test your project materials. Clean and dry the surfaces; lightly roughen only where appropriate.
- Remove the cap counterclockwise and apply a thin coat to each surface.
- Wait approximately two minutes before joining the surfaces.
- Allow 24 hours for maximum bond strength.
What About Care And Cleanup?
The product page gives a general drying estimate of seven to eight minutes for a 3 mm coating at 70-73°F. Thicker glue dries more slowly. Follow the full cure time before use.
What Should You Know Before Starting?
Keep tumbler embellishments on exterior decorative areas, away from rims and food or drinking surfaces. Test the exact plastic, finish, and exposure.
Adhesive Details
Aleene's DIY Craft Outdoor Adhesive
|
A permanent contact adhesive for indoor and outdoor crafts. The fast-drying formula is UV and water resistant and dries clear and flexible. Best For: House-number signs, garden décor, planters, outdoor accessories, costumes, and wood projects. Key Details: Listed materials: metal, glass, plastic, wood, fabric, tile, stone, paper, and other compatible craft surfaces. SHOP NOW |
How Do You Apply It?
- Clean and dry the surfaces. Lightly roughen only when suitable for the material and finish.
- Apply a thin coat of adhesive to each surface.
- Wait approximately two minutes before joining.
- Allow 24 hours for maximum bond strength; cure time can vary with the application and environment.
What About Care And Cleanup?
Wipe the nozzle with a dry cloth and replace the cap after use. Store in a cool, dry location. The product page suggests a thin coat of petroleum jelly on the threads to help prevent sticking.
What Should You Know Before Starting?
Water resistant and waterproof are different claims. Use this formula according to its product instructions and test the finished surface and outdoor exposure.
Adhesive Details
Aleene's Rhinestone Adhesive
|
A low-odor, multi-surface adhesive designed for hard-to-hold rhinestones, crystals, jewels, and other embellishments. It dries clear, flexible, and permanent. Best For: Larger designs and frequent embellishment on tennis shoes, clothing, costumes, accessories, wood, plastic, and suitable craft surfaces. Key Details: Made for rhinestones and gems; flexible, permanent bond. The product page says it will not damage or tarnish embellishments. SHOP NOW |
How Do You Apply It?
- Test on a small, inconspicuous area before starting the full project.
- Apply only the amount needed for each stone so excess glue does not spread beyond the edges.
- Place the stone and follow the current package directions for joining, drying, and care.
What About Care And Cleanup?
The product page does not publish a specific cure time or laundering interval. Follow the bottle directions for those details.
What Should You Know Before Starting?
Test the exact material and coating. A broad multi-surface claim does not establish compatibility with every plastic or finish.
Adhesive Details
Aleene's Liquid Fusion Performance
|
A heavy-duty adhesive for projects that need a clear, waterproof bond. Its non-foaming, low-odor formula is especially suited to clean, dry, non-oily porous surfaces. Best For: Unglazed terracotta and ceramics, wood signs, stone, fabric, planters, and indoor or outdoor décor. Key Details: Clear drying; waterproof; non-foaming; low odor. Water cleanup while wet. Allow 24 hours for maximum bond strength. SHOP NOW |
How Do You Apply It?
- Test first. Cut the customizable nozzle with scissors to make the opening you need.
- Apply an even coat to a clean, dry surface, then press the pieces together.
- Clamp if needed. Allow two to four hours to dry and 24 hours for maximum strength.
What About Care And Cleanup?
Clean up with water while the adhesive is wet. Thickness, temperature, and humidity affect drying. The page also gives a general 25-30-minute estimate for a 3 mm coating at 70-73°F; follow the longer project-use guidance.
What Should You Know Before Starting?
The listed ceramic recommendation is for unglazed ceramic. Test sealed stone and glazed tile separately rather than treating them as equivalent porous surfaces.
Adhesive Details
API Crafter's Pick Jewel Bond
|
A fabric embellishing adhesive for rhinestones, gems, sequins, and glitter. It goes on white, dries clear, and forms a flexible, permanent bond. Best For: Western wear, denim, rodeo costumes, outdoor performance garments, and apparel exposed to heat and movement. Key Details: Flexible; washable; non-toxic. The RU article recommends it for hot environments and gives a five-day wait before hand washing. SHOP NOW |
How Do You Apply It?
- Start with clean, dry fabric and a flat, protected work area.
- Apply glue to the fabric where the embellishment will go. Work in small sections.
- Place rhinestones, gems, or sequins firmly.
- The article advises 24-72 hours before heavy wear and at least five days before hand washing.
What About Care And Cleanup?
Store at room temperature. Hand wash only after the specified waiting period and follow the garment's care instructions.
What Should You Know Before Starting?
The existing RU article describes Jewel Bond as a heat-resistant option for Western wear and apparel stored in hot environments. Test the actual fabric, stones, and intended exposure.
Would Hotfix Rhinestones Work?
For heat-tolerant fabrics, see our Hotfix Application Guide.
Gluing to Nails, Skin or Face?
Choose adhesives made for those uses. See our Non-Hotfix Application Guide.