If you are making your own clothing, decorating fabrics, or making arts and crafts, chances are you are looking to glue some rhinestones, jewels, beads, or other similar items to fabric.
Therefore, what you need is the right kind of glue or adhesive for the job. Today we’re here to help you find the best glue for rhinestones on fabric and shoes.
We’ve got a comprehensive buyer’s guide, plus we’ve also reviewed some of the top options out there at this time.
Click here to skip to our recommended pick!
- Industrial strength bond
- Washable and dryable
- Waterproof
- Bonds virtually any and all materials together
- Dries very fast
- No clamping needed
- Easy to work with
- Applicator tip included
- Non-toxic and safe
- Perfect for rhinestone to fabric gluing
- Permanent bond
- Washable and waterproof
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
E6000 Bundled Brands Industrial Strength Crafting Adhesive
The number one overall rated pick has to be E6000 Bundled Brands Industrial Strength Crafting Adhesive. The reason for this is because it’s easy to use, it bonds tight, and the bond is virtually undoable.
- Bundled Brands Industrial Strength Crafting Adhesive is industrial strength and the bond it forms cannot be undone by virtually anything.
- This particular glue is waterproof, it can be washed in the washing machine, and even tumble dried in the dryer too.
- Bundled Brands Industrial Strength Crafting Adhesive is heat resistant, temperature resistant, impact resistant, vibration resistant, and shock resistant.
- This adhesive comes complete with dabbing tools for easy application, as well as easy snip applicator tips.
- Bundled Brands Industrial Strength Crafting Adhesive is made in the USA.
- The only downside to this glue is that it is very thick, and can therefore be slightly messy to use.
Types of Glues for Rhinestones
When it comes to glue for rhinestones on shoes, for gemstones, and even glue for Swarovski crystals, there are a few options that you have at your disposal. Let’s take a look at the different types of glue that you may use for gluing rhinestones to fabric and more.
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Super Glue
Super glue, also known as Cyanoacrylates are perhaps one of the best types of glue to use for this application. This type of glue is known for bonding to a very wide variety of materials, and yes, this includes gems and stones. Moreover, this type of adhesive is known for creating very strong bonds that are waterproof, although they may not feature lots of tensile strength. One of the biggest benefits of super glue is that it dries within seconds. The only thing that super glue is generally not good for bonding is plastic.
Hot Glue
Another option at your disposal for gluing rhinestones to fabric and other materials is hot glue. Hot glue is great for bonding all types of materials together including porous and non-porous materials due to its ability to really sink into cracks, and for this reason, it also makes for a good gap filler. Hot glue is really good for tracing patterns onto fabrics and other materials, to which you can then stick the gems and stones to create a really nice looking pattern.
Epoxy
Epoxies or epoxies are usually two component glues. The two components consist of the main glue as well as the curing agent, the stuff that makes it turn hard. Epoxy is some of the strongest glue out there and it works well in extreme conditions where moisture resistance, temperature resistance, and impact resistance are required. Epoxy works well for both porous and non-porous materials.
Polyurethane Glue
This is yet another type of glue that can be used for boding rhinestones to a variety of materials. This type of glue can come in 1 and 2 part options. This is an especially good option if you plan on gluing stones to plastics, metals, cardboard, and more, and it also makes for a good glue for rhinestones on shoes.
Rhinestones Glue Safety Tips
There are a few safety tips that you absolutely need to follow when using any sort of superglue, hot glue, adhesive, or epoxy.
- Always wear gloves when using certain kinds of glue, especially ones like superglue that easily bond to skin.
- Always use glues in a well ventilated area, as some of them can release really noxious fumes.
- If possible, wear safety goggles when using various adhesives, as these are things that you don’t want to get in your eyes.
- When using certain types of industrial adhesives, wearing a respirator may be required.
Best Glue for Rhinestones
Here we have 7 different glues for you to take a look at, each of which are ideal for gluing rhinestones in one way or another.
The top best product [hide]
E6000 Bundled Brands Industrial Strength Crafting Adhesive
Gem-Tac Permanent Adhesive
Gem-Tac Permanent Adhesive is a great option for bonding gemstones and rhinestones to fabrics, leather, glass, and metal. Keep in mind that this stuff is washable and is not waterproof.
G-S Hypo Cement
It is worth noting that G-S Hypo Cement is made in the USA. This glue dries fast and it dries clear. This G-S Hypo Cement comes with a super small precision applicator so you don’t dispense too much of the glue or make a mess while trying to make crafts. This product is also ideal for beads, pearls, cords, and wires.
Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue
Better Ultimate Adhesive
Aleene's 40644 Fusion Fabric Glue
Mini Hot Glue Gun Sticks
Glue for Rhinestones on Fabric & Shoes – Buying Guide
Now it’s time for us to provide you with some valuable information on how to choose the right glue for this task and to answer a couple of other questions too.
First off, let’s work through a small buyer’s guide, the most important features and factors to keep an eye out for when purchasing glue to adhere fabric to rhinestones.
Precise Application
An important thing to look for when purchasing rhinestone adhesive is how precise the application method is.
Rhinestones are very small and only require a very small amount of glue, plus too much glue will make a mess. A glue tube with a precise applicator tip, or one that comes with a special applicator tool is definitely required here.
Drying Time
Rhinestone glue, such as glue for Swarovski crystals, should dry fairly quickly and it should not requite clamping. Crystals and rhinestones are too small and cannot be clamped.
At the same time, the glue should dry in a few minutes and set quite fast, because chances are you will want to attach dozens, if not hundreds of stones to fabric. However, seeing as precise application is required, this type of glue should not set faster than 5 or 10 seconds.
Clear Drying
Another important purchasing factor here is how the glue dries in terms of color. This type of adhesive should always dry clear, or else the end result will not look good in the least. Clear drying is a must for any kind of craft and fabric glue such as this.
Bond Strength & Resistance
One of the most important features to look for with any glue is how well it bonds. Simply put, the bond which this sort of epoxy or adhesive forms should be virtually permanent and last for years to come.
On that same note, the glue should bond well, but also remain somewhat flexible, a very important feature for fabric, because fabric also needs to remain flexible.
Moreover, glue such as this needs to be waterproof, so clothes can be washed after it has been applies, plus a good deal of heat and impact resistance doesn’t hurt either.
Specific Application
You do also need to pay attention to exactly what the glue in question is designed for. All products we have chosen here today work to glue jewels, beads, and rhinestones of all sorts to fabric, metal, glass, plastic, leather, ceramic, and more.
Just be sure to read the product description to ensure that the product in question is designed to work with the specific materials you are planning to bond together.
Toxicity
When it comes to jewel glue, some options will be safe to use, although these are limited. However, that said, if you can find adhesive for this purpose which is non-toxic, totally safe to use, and does not produce strong and noxious odors, you are on the right track. Although, realistically, most adhesives of this nature will be somewhat toxic.
Viscosity
The final thing to keep an eye on is how thick or thin the glue in question is. For projects such as this, the adhesive should be fairly thick, but not way too thick. It should be thick enough to stay in place where applied without running off, but not so thick as to make a mess.
How To Apply Rhinestones To Fabric
Gluing rhinestones to fabric is quite simple. First, choose the right glue for the job at hand.
If the glue comes with an easy applicator tip, simply put a small dab of glue on the right spot, a very small dab of glue, and press the rhinestone onto it, and then let it dry for as long as the glue in question requires to set. If the glue does not come with an applicator tip, pour out some of the glue onto some cardboard, and then use a needle, a toothpick, a dabber, or anything else of the sort to apply the adhesive.
Can Normal Super Glue Be Used?
When it comes to applying super glue to clothing, fabric, and other such substances, specifically for attaching rhinestones, in most cases yes, most types of super glue will get the job done just fine.
Safety Precautions with Fabric & Rhinestone Glue
The only thing you need to be weary of with this kind of glue is that some of them can be slightly toxic. So, read the label of the product in question, use a breathing mask if needed, and wear gloves if required.
Glue for Rhinestones - FAQ
How long does fabric glue take to dry & cure?
Is Fabric glue waterproof and washable?
Can Gorilla Glue be used for fabric?
Can I use a got glue gun to glue jewels to fabric?
Conclusion
The most important part of the equation here is that you make sure to follow our buyer’s guide and to choose a type of glue designed for the specific task at hand. Look out for features such as bond strength, the specific application, viscosity, toxicity, and other such factors. As long as you pay attention to these factors when making a purchase, finding the best fabric glue for rhinestones should not be a problem.
