Choosing the Right Rebel Crystal™ Application Method
Our flatback hotfix crystal can be heat-set or glued, making this breakthrough cut accessible to everyone. The key to flawless performance is choosing the correct application method—adhesive or heat-set—based on your fabric, surface, and wear demands.

Both methods deliver exceptional sparkle when used correctly. The difference lies in flexibility, speed, durability, and surface compatibility.

1 - Heat-Set Application (Hotfix)

Heat-set application offers speed, consistency, and strong bonding for high-wear fabric designs—but requires the correct flatback crystal type and heat-safe materials.

Rebel Crystal Hotfix Flatbacks include heat-activated adhesive.

Best For

• Non-stretch or low-stretch fabrics
• Stage costumes and competition wear
• Bulk application and repeat production
• Transfers
• Uniform designs requiring consistency

Heat-Set Tools

• Heat Set Transfer sheets
• Teflon or silicon sheet or pressing cloth
• Hotfix applicator wand (recommended for smaller precision work)
• Heat press (Consistent even heat and bond across large areas - best for bulk)
• Household iron (occasional use – no steam setting)

Heat-Set Application Steps

1. Position Crystals
   Place adhesive-side down on fabric.
2. Apply Heat
   Use steady heat and light pressure until adhesive activates. Apply heat from top of crystal using care not to scratch crystal for 10 to 15 seconds. Once all stones are secure, turn over garment and hit with heat and light pressure for an additional 10 to 15 seconds.
3. Cool Completely
   Do not move fabric until crystals are fully cooled and set. Let fabric cool before removing transfer tape.

Settings (General Guide)

• Temperature: 300–320°F (150–160°C)
• Pressure: Light to medium
• Time: 10–15 seconds
• Use a Teflon or silicon sheet or pressing cloth

Always test first.

Care:

• Allow 24 hours before wearing
• Wash inside out, cold, gentle cycle

2 - Adhesive Application (Glue)

Adhesive application is the most versatile method, ideal for fabrics that stretch, curve, flex, or that cannot tolerate heat—as well as shoes, electronics, plastics, and mixed-media designs.

Rebel Crystal™ Hotfix Flatbacks offers you the option to apply with glue adhesive.

What Glue is Best for Rhinestone applications?

There are many types of glue on the market that work very well to glue your rhinestones to fabric. It’s all about finding the one best suited to your fabric type:

Recommended Adhesives

• Aleene’s Flexible Stretchable Adhesive – Designed to move with fabric
• Aleene’s Jewel-It – Washable, clear, fabric-friendly
• Gem-Tac – Lightweight, easy application, most fabrics
• E6000 Fabri-Fuse – Strong hold, flexible finish
• Jewel Bond - Made stronger under the sunlight (a definite plus when you are in an outdoor arena)
• E6000 – Best for non-porous surfaces such as glass, metals, rubber, and plastic. Great for leatherwork.
• Supertite Fabric Tack Multi-Purpose Glue – Industrial-strength textile adhesive that dries transparent and is washable and permanent.
• Supertite Fusion Tack Multi-Purpose Glue - Best to bond glass, crystal, metal, plastics, wood, fabrics, textiles, synthetic materials, leather, and embellishment projects.
• Supertite Ninja Flex Professional Grade 2-part Adhesive - a gel-curing instant adhesive. Bond rubber, metals, crystal/glass, plastics, leather, wood, seams

Protect your work surface from glue that may seep through the fabric. If your material is sheer or thin, slip a Teflon or silicon barrier between layers of fabric.

Glue Tips & Tricks

• Remember to do a test area first before delving into the whole.
• Wash fabrics first to remove what any “sizing” (this is the coating on yarns used to strengthen during the weaving process).
• Allow plenty of time for the glues to cure before handling. Recommended 24 hours, 72 hours is better.
• Always use care when washing.

Materials Needed:

• Rhinestones: Flatback (Rebel Crystal hotfix can be used with glues).
• Glue - Recommended list above. Avoid superglue.
• Tools: Tweezers, wax/picker tool (for placing stones), glue applicator bottle/syringe (for precise dots). 

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare Your Area:  Fabric or surface must be clean and dry. Insert a barrier inside garments to prevent bleed-through. For plastics, leather, or glossy shoes, lightly scuff the area to be rhinestoned. For plastics and glass, clean with alcohol before starting.

For mesh or fabric, place a protective plastic sheet underneath so glue doesn't seep through.

1. Apply Glue: Work in small sections (e.g., 30-40 dots at a time). Apply a small dot of glue, slightly smaller than the stone, so that when the stone is pressed in, the glue just reaches its edge, not beyond.
2. Place the Stone: Use tweezers or wax/picker tool to pick up the rhinestone (crystal side up) and press it gently into the glue dot.
3. Adjust: Use the tool to reposition the stone if needed.
4. Cure: Let the glue dry and cure completely. Allow to set undisturbed for 24 hours.
   For maximum durability, allow 48–72 hours before wearing or handling extensively.

Key Tips:

• Glue Size: Use smaller glue dots for smaller stones; larger stones need more glue to cover the edges for a secure hold.
• Ventilation - some glues (like E6000) require good ventilation.
• Avoid Haze: Don't use superglue; it can leave a hazy film. 

Care:
Turn garments inside out. Wash gently in cool water. Air dry when possible.