What glue do I need?
Wondering what glue works best for your project?
My glue of choice at the moment is Supertite Fusion tack but I am learning that your glue needs to match the project you are working on. Keep this in mind. You may need to even use more than one type of glue on your project for more vernerable areas.
Supertite Fusion Tack: This is a glue that has the look and viscosity of Elmers school glue but it is nothing like school glue. When it dries, it is super strong! Let us sit for about 5 days for it to reach max strength. You will find that you can remove stones 24-48 hours after using it but closer to the 5 days, you’ll need a chisel to remove a stone. At 5 days, you are safe to wash your project. This is the main adhesive we recommend for most projects like Tumblers. Glue goes on white, and dries and shrinks up clear.
Super Glue: Super glue is not a good option for applying your rhinestones to your projects. It will actually etch the glass of your stone and make them look cloudy. Also, super glue can eat through the project you apply it to. I would avoid using this adhesive.
E6000: Back in the day, e6000 seemed like the glue of choice for applying rhinestones to your projects. Technology has evolved and e6000 is harmful and dangerous to use in most applications. If you are doing something outdoors, its probably fine but if you are making a product you are going to expose yourself too often (like a tumbler), you will need to seek another adhesive alternative. E6000 will offgas dangerous fumes which are harmful to inhale and can absorb into your skin.
Alene’s liquid Fusion - Urethane adhesive (NOT the super glue version): This adhesive has a e6000 like viscosity and it goes on clear. It is a strong glue however I have found that it is not one of my go to’s for non-porous surfaces. You seem to be able to pry the stones off and it doesn’t reach the same level of hardness as other adhesives like Supertite Fusion tack. This glue is relatively safe to use (unlike e6000) however is a eye and skin irritant. Handle with care.
GemTack: This is a safe non-toxic adhesive that is a strong glue for adhering rhinestones to your projects. It goes on white and dries clear.
Supertite Superflex: Need a strong glue for something that flexes (like shoes)? This is the glue for you! You only need a little and it goes a long way. Work time is only two minutes so you must work super fast! It is a two part adhesive that mixes in a special mixing tip.
CG500: This is the professional adhesive that the “popular name brand crystal company” suggests for adhering crystals to projects. We do not have a lot of experience with this adhesive and doing more research on it ourselves to see how well it works with our glass rhinestones. More information to come.
Whatever glue you choose to use, do your research on it and make sure it is non-toxic and strong. More information can be found by researching the SDS sheets for the product.