Common Reasons Why Swarovski Hotfix Crystals Come Loose

Swarovski hotfix crystals are perfect for use in a variety of projects. Whether you’re looking to glam up your wardrobe, or create unique crystallised home furnishings, these crystals enable you to create an unlimited range of designs.

When working with Swarovski hotfix crystals, the only potential issue you might have is them coming loose. There are lots of reasons why your crystals may be falling off. Here, we’ll look at some of the most common reasons Swarovski hotfix crystals come loose.

You’re using the wrong applicator

The most common reason your Swarovski hotfix crystals might be coming loose is because you’re using the wrong applicator. Not all applicators are made equal; some may not heat up the crystals correctly. They may also struggle to secure the crystals closely enough to the material.

It’s important to make sure you’re using the best Swarovski hotfix applicator. At Bluestreak Crystals, we supply the best quality applicators on the market. It’s a good idea to read some reviews before choosing the right one to fit your requirements.

The surface hasn’t been cleaned correctly

Another common reason Swarovski hotfix crystals come loose is that the surface of the material you’re sticking them to hasn’t been cleaned correctly.

The surface of the application area should be clean and dry. If there's any dirt or oil on the surface, there’s a good chance the crystals won’t stick. So, before attempting to stick the crystals onto any surface, make sure you clean it with an appropriate cleaner.

It could also be down to the surface material not being porous. This can be tested by placing a few drops of water onto the surface to see if it soaks in. If it does, it means the surface is porous and the crystals should stick. If the water sits on top of the surface, it isn’t porous, and you may need to rough it up a little. Swarovski hotfix crystals need to be applied to porous surfaces.

Getting the waiting time wrong

One more common reason for loose Swarovski hotfix crystals is the wait time. If you wait too long – or not long enough – to apply the crystals with the applicator, they may not stick correctly. The glue needs time to warm up before the crystal will stick, but leave it too long and the glue will begin to dry.

There could be a number of different reasons why your Swarovski hotfix crystals aren’t sticking, and the above are some of the most common. It’s important to do your research before applying hotfix crystals to avoid them coming loose.

Check out our most popular Swarovski Hotfix Flatback Crystals