Finding the best glue for rhinestones on shoes is key to making sure your DIY shoe embellishments are as durable as they are dazzling. Whether you’re blinging up a pair of wedding heels or jazzing up your favorite trainers, using the right adhesive is crucial. Here’s a quick answer to get you started:
- E6000+: Best for tougher materials like rubber and leather.
- Gem Tac: Ideal for softer, porous fabrics such as cotton and suede.
- Liquid Fusion: Great for glass rhinestones and dries clear.
- Supertite: A versatile standard glue.
- Bob Smith Enterprises: A two-part epoxy known for its durability.
We’ll dig into why these adhesives stand out, helping you achieve a secure sparkle for your shoe projects.
My name is Eric Neuner, the founder of NuShoe Inc. With years of experience in shoe refurbishment, I understand the importance of selecting the best glue for rhinestones on shoes to ensure lasting embellishments. Now, let’s get into the details and options for dazzling your footwear with rhinestones.
Best Glue for Rhinestones on Shoes
When it comes to adding rhinestones to shoes, choosing the right glue is crucial. Let’s explore the top options available:
GemTac
GemTac is a favorite among crafters for its ease of use and effectiveness. This water-based adhesive is perfect for softer, porous fabrics like cotton and suede. It dries clear, ensuring that your rhinestones remain the star of the show. While it offers a strong hold, keep in mind that it is not suitable for items that will be frequently exposed to water.
E6000
E6000 is renowned for its industrial-strength bonding power. It’s ideal for tougher materials such as rubber and leather. This gel glue dries clear and remains flexible, making it perfect for shoes that undergo a lot of movement. However, it does have a strong odor, so proper ventilation is recommended during use. Give it up to 72 hours to fully cure for the best results.
Liquid Fusion
Liquid Fusion is a user-friendly adhesive that works wonders with glass rhinestones. Known for its mild odor, this glue dries clear, allowing the beauty of your rhinestones to shine through. It’s a great choice for projects where precision and clarity are key.
Supertite
Supertite offers a versatile solution for various materials. This standard glue has a slight odor and provides a reliable hold for shoe embellishments. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a straightforward, effective adhesive.
Bob Smith Enterprises
Bob Smith Enterprises provides a two-part epoxy that is celebrated for its durability. This adhesive is perfect for projects requiring a long-lasting bond. While it may be more complex to use than single-part glues, its strength and reliability make it worth the extra effort.
Each of these adhesives brings something unique to the table, ensuring that you can find the best glue for rhinestones on shoes that suits your specific project needs. Whether you’re working with delicate fabrics or robust materials, there’s a glue here to help you achieve a sparkling success.
Preparing Shoes for Rhinestone Application
Before you start embellishing your shoes with rhinestones, preparation is key. Proper surface prep ensures that your rhinestones stick well and stay put.
Surface Prep
First, determine the material of your shoes. Different materials require different preparation techniques. For instance, leather and patent shoes benefit from a gentle rub with sandpaper. This roughens the surface slightly, giving the glue something to adhere to.
Rubbing Alcohol
Once you’ve sanded the surface, clean it with rubbing alcohol. This step is crucial as it removes oils, dirt, and any factory finishes that might prevent the glue from bonding effectively. Simply dampen a cloth or paper towel with rubbing alcohol and wipe down the area where you’ll be applying the rhinestones. Allow it to dry completely before moving on.
Sanding
For shoes made of rubber or materials with an acrylic finish, sanding is particularly important. Use a fine-grit sandpaper or a 3M kitchen sponge (green side) to lightly scuff the surface. This helps remove any shiny finish and creates a better grip for the adhesive.
Cleaning
After sanding, give your shoes a final clean. This ensures all dust and residues are removed. A quick wipe with a clean, dry cloth is usually sufficient. If you’re working on particularly oily surfaces, consider using ammonia during the cleaning process, as it can dissolve acrylics effectively.
By taking the time to properly prepare your shoes, you set the stage for a successful rhinestone application. This preparation not only improves the adhesive’s effectiveness but also prolongs the life of your sparkling embellishments.
Next, we’ll dive into application techniques that will help you achieve a flawless finish.
Application Techniques for Rhinestones
Once your shoes are prepped and ready, it’s time to apply those dazzling rhinestones. Using the right tools and techniques can make all the difference in achieving a professional look.
Jewel Setter
A jewel setter is a handy tool that makes picking up and placing rhinestones a breeze. It often has a tacky tip that grips the stones without any adhesive. This is particularly useful for small rhinestones, like SS10 (3mm), which can be tricky to handle with fingers alone.
Wax Pen
Similar to a jewel setter, a wax pen is another tool designed for precision placement. The wax tip allows you to pick up rhinestones with ease and place them exactly where you want them. It’s perfect for creating intricate patterns or working in tight spaces where fingers might be too clumsy.
Precision Tips
When it comes to applying glue, precision is key. Using a syringe with a precision tip can help you apply small dots of glue exactly where needed. This method ensures that the glue doesn’t ooze out from under the rhinestones, keeping your design clean and professional-looking.
Glue Dots
For those who prefer a more straightforward approach, glue dots can be a lifesaver. These pre-sized adhesive dots are quick and easy to use. Simply place a dot where you want your rhinestone, and then press the stone onto the dot. This method is great for beginners or when you’re short on time.
The technique you choose can significantly impact the final look of your rhinestone embellishments. Whether you’re using a jewel setter, wax pen, or precision tips, practice makes perfect. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you and your project.
Up next, we’ll explore the top glues you can use to secure your rhinestones effectively.
Top 5 Glues for Shoe Embellishments
When it comes to choosing the best glue for rhinestones on shoes, there are several standout options. Each has its unique properties, making them suitable for different types of projects and materials. Here’s a closer look at the top five:
GemTac
GemTac is a popular choice among crafters for its minimal odor and ease of use. This glue dries clear, making it ideal for projects where you don’t want the adhesive to be visible. It’s especially effective for fabric and leather surfaces, providing a flexible bond that moves with the material.
E6000
Known for its industrial-strength bond, E6000 is a gel glue with a strong odor. It’s perfect for surfaces like glass and metal, where a durable and flexible adhesive is necessary. While the smell can be intense, many users find its holding power worth it, especially for high-impact areas like shoes.
Liquid Fusion
Liquid Fusion is celebrated for its mild odor and user-friendly application. This glue is particularly suited for beginners or those sensitive to strong smells. It offers a clear, strong bond and works well on a variety of surfaces, including plastics and fabrics.
Supertite
Supertite is a standard glue with a slight odor, making it a versatile option for various materials. It’s water-resistant and dries clear, ensuring your rhinestones stay put even in challenging conditions. This glue is a reliable choice for those looking for a straightforward and effective adhesive.
Bob Smith Enterprises
For those who need an exceptionally durable bond, Bob Smith Enterprises offers a two-part epoxy glue. This adhesive is known for its strength and long-lasting hold, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications. While it requires mixing, the result is a robust bond that withstands wear and tear, perfect for embellishing shoes that see a lot of action.
Each of these glues offers distinct advantages, so consider the material you’re working with and the conditions your embellished shoes will face. Whether you prioritize minimal odor, drying clarity, or industrial strength, there’s a glue on this list to meet your needs.
Next, we’ll dive into some frequently asked questions about rhinestone glues to help you make the best choice for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rhinestone Glues
How do you get rhinestones to stay on shoes?
Achieving a strong bond between rhinestones and shoes requires a few key steps. First, select a strong adhesive like E6000 or GemTac, which are known for their durability and flexibility. Using a jewel setter or a wax pen can help place the rhinestones precisely into the adhesive, ensuring a secure fit.
After application, it’s crucial to allow the glue to cure properly. Most adhesives, like E6000, recommend waiting up to 72 hours for the bond to fully set. This patience ensures the rhinestones will stay in place, even under stress.
Is GemTac or E6000 better?
Choosing between GemTac and E6000 depends on your specific needs. GemTac is often preferred for non-hot-fix rhinestones, especially on fabrics and leathers, due to its minimal odor and clear drying properties. It provides a flexible bond that works well with materials that need to move.
On the other hand, E6000 is favored for its industrial-strength bond, making it suitable for more rigid surfaces like glass or metal. While it has a strong odor, its flexibility and durability make it ideal for shoes that endure high impact.
Why are my rhinestones not sticking?
If rhinestones aren’t adhering properly, the issue might be with the surface preparation or the adhesive used. Fabric examination is essential; ensure the surface is clean and free of oils or finishes that could prevent adhesion. For smooth surfaces like certain plastics or leathers, lightly sanding the area can help the glue grip better.
Additionally, choosing the right adhesive is critical. For example, GemTac works well on porous surfaces, while E6000 excels on non-porous materials. Ensuring you’re using a compatible glue will significantly improve the sticking power of your rhinestones.
Conclusion
At NuShoe, we believe that every pair of shoes deserves a second chance. Our dedication to handcrafted shoe renewal is at the heart of what we do, with over 5 million pairs of shoes repaired since 1994. Our expertise ensures that your footwear not only looks great but also stands the test of time.
Sustainability is a priority for us. By extending the life of your favorite shoes, we help reduce waste and promote a more environmentally friendly approach to fashion. Instead of discarding worn-out shoes, we offer a sustainable alternative that keeps them in action for years to come.
Whether you’re embellishing your shoes with rhinestones or simply looking to refresh them, choosing the right adhesive is crucial. From GemTac for its clear, flexible bond to E6000 for its industrial strength, the right glue can make all the difference in your shoe projects.
For more information on how we can help extend the life of your shoes, visit our best glue for repairing shoes page. Let us help you keep your shoes and the planet in step.