HOW
TO ATTACH YOUR RHINESTONES:
The Rhinestones used
to attach to garments, whether glue-on or iron on, are flat on the
back side. There are two basic types of Flatback Rhinestone. One
is the Regular Flatback, more commonly known as the glue-on rhinestone.
The other is the Hot Fix Flatback, more commonly known as the iron-on
rhinestone. These two types of Flatback have no difference in colors.
The only difference is in the method by which they are placed, applied
or attached to the fabric or to whatever surface you may want to
attach them on to. The
weakest link in the rhinestone system is its mirror backing, the
coating on the back of a rhinestone is a mirror bonded to the glass.
This mirror does not have a very strong bond with the glass and
can be pulled free of the glass over time. This is why you may see
a silver spot where a rhinestone used to be.
When you use heat set rhinestones, only the backing is glued to
the fabric. These stones will come loose over time in a washing
machine and/or dryer. It is highly advised to hand-wash any items
with glued rhinestones, regardless of how they are put on the garment.You
will find the setters, glues, settings and Bejeweler here on our
website under supplies.
HOT
FIX RHINESTONES:
Swarovski Hot Fix rhinestones stones have
glue that melts at about 340 - 375 degrees F. If your fabric is
easily damaged by heat, these are not the stones for you. Hot Fix
Flatback Rhinestones are ironed-on to the fabric by using either
a regular iron (turn off the steam), a heat press or a Bejeweler
Hot Fix Tool. This type of Flatback rhinestone already has the heat
sensitive glue applied on the back of the rhinestone. Its quick,
it's clean and it's easy. No other glue is needed. This special
glue, which is grayish-green in color, melts when heat is applied
and attaches the rhinestone to the fabric. The glue dries clear.
I personally use hot fix rhinestones on all different types of fabrics
- lycra's, stretch velvets, glissenettes, micro-mesh, stretch lace,
holograms and metallics. I recommend washing the fabric before you
apply the rhinestones. This will remove any chemicals that may be
in the fabric during the manufacturing process of the fabric.
BEJEWELER
TOOL METHOD:
1. Before plugging in
hot-fix tool, ensure that you are using the proper sized attachment
for the rhinestone size you wish to affix.
2. Plug in the hot-fix tool and lean it on the provided stand.
3. Take care not to touch the metal as it heats up.
4. Get your fabric ready and place it face up on a flat surface
that can withstand heat.
5. Place all rhinestones face up in a separate area.
6. Pick up hot-fix tool by handle and place on the rhinestone; rhinestone
should readily fit and affix to the tool.
7. Now place rhinestone onto fabric where you wish it to adhere.
(I recommend holding your fabric and bringing the stone and fabric
together vertically. Less chance of the stone falling out of the
tool and landing somewhere you don't want it.)
8. Press rhinestone into place on fabric, and lift straight off
(quick motion). You may need to press down on the stone with your
finger, to ensure it is attached to the fabric.
9. If the stone becomes
stuck in the tool, simply take a straight pin and slide it through
the sides of the tool tip, and release the stone onto your garment
or a piece of paper.
10. MOST IMPORTANT - be patient. Be
sure the glue is totally melted on your stone before you stick it
to your fabric. A small amount of glue should ooz around the sides
of the stone when placed on your garment. This forms a setting for
the stone. Most people get in a hurry, and try to rush the job,
thus the glue does not melt all the way, and the stone then do not
stick like they should.
Be
patient - and practice and you'll soon be an expert.
IRON-ON
METHOD:
1. Place fabric face
up on a flat surface that can withstand heat.
2. Position rhinestones face up (sparkley side up) on fabric in
the area where you wish it to adhere.
3. Heat up your iron to a medium high setting.
4. Once iron is heated, press and hold iron to the rhinestone; glue
should melt and rhinestone should adhere to fabric (about 15 to
25 seconds).
5. Let cool.
6. Practice on scrap fabric before you
work on your project.
Do
not dry clean any garment that has any kind of glued stones on it,
be it glue or heat fix. Regardless of the manufacturer, the cleaning
fluids can denature the glue, cause it to become yellow and brittle,
or just plain dissolve it.
QUESTIONS
- call us at (814) 835-9449 or e-mail
us. |
