Finding the Right Glue for Your Crystals
The glue you choose is just as important as the crystals themselves. The right adhesive holds your crystals securely for years; the wrong one can lead to stones lifting, discolouring, or falling away. The best choice depends on your material, how the finished piece will be used, and whether it needs to withstand washing, flexing, or daily wear.
Our glue suitability chart below shows at a glance which adhesives work best for each material and surface, followed by a guide to each glue and answers to common questions, so you can buy with confidence.
Glue Suitability Chart
Choosing the right glue is essential for a secure, long-lasting finish. Our glue suitability chart shows which adhesives work best for each material and surface, helping you pick the perfect glue for your project.
| Material / Surface | CG500 | E6000 Plus | Gem-Tac | Supertite Fusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beads | – | ✅ | – | – |
| Ceramic | ✅ | ✅ | – | – |
| Costumes | – | ✅ | ✅ | – |
| Fabric & Textiles | – | – | ✅ | ✅ |
| Glass | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Jewellery Repair | – | ✅ | – | ✅ |
| Jewellery Stones | – | ✅ | – | ✅ |
| Lace | – | – | ✅ | – |
| Leather | – | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Metal | ✅ | ✅ | – | ✅ |
| Paper | – | ✅ | ✅ | – |
| Pearls | – | ✅ | ✅ | – |
| Plastic | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Silk & Satin Cord | – | – | ✅ | – |
| Synthetics | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Vinyl | – | – | ✅ | – |
| Wood | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Shop Our Crystal Glues
Found the right glue for your project? Browse our full range below, all carefully selected for crystal, rhinestone, and embellishment work.
A Guide to Our Crystal Glues
Not all glues are made for the same job. Each of our adhesives has its own strengths, suited to different materials, projects, and finishes. Here's a quick guide to help you find the right one for your crystals.
🔗 E6000 Plus
Our most versatile, all-purpose adhesive and the professional standard for bonding crystals to hard surfaces. E6000 Plus delivers an industrial-strength bond on glass, metal, leather, plastic, and ceramic, drying completely clear with a flexible, waterproof, UV-resistant finish. Odourless, unlike standard E6000, it's ideal for working in confined spaces. It stays tacky for around 30 minutes, giving a long working time for larger projects, and fully cures in around 24 hours (up to 72 for maximum strength).
🔗 Gem-Tac
A flexible, water-based adhesive and the standard choice for fabric and textile work. Gem-Tac applies crystals and rhinestones to costumes, dancewear, bridal, lace, and clothing, drying clear and staying flexible so it moves with the fabric without cracking. Its precision nozzle suits detailed, single-stone work, and it's the only adhesive we recommend for mirror-backed stones. As it's water-based, it's best for items not regularly machine-washed with detergent. Cures in around 24 hours.
🔗 CG500
A two-part epoxy resin that mixes to form an exceptionally strong, permanent, waterproof bond. CG500 is the top choice for items washed or handled often, such as tumblers, water bottles, and hard-wearing accessories, bonding glass, metal, plastic, ceramic, rubber, and synthetics. Highly resistant to humidity, chlorine, UV, and salt, it's also ideal for rubber-soled shoes and trainers. Mix both parts in a 1:1 ratio, wear gloves, and allow to cure overnight for full strength.
🔗 Supertite Fusion
An industrial-grade fabric adhesive that creates a strong, permanent, hand-washable bond. Supertite Fusion is a fast-setting choice for customising clothing and fabric accessories, bonding fabric, synthetic textiles, glass, plastic, leather, metal, and wood. It dries clear and flexible, making it well suited to wash-resistant garment work where durability matters. A fine-gauge syringe tip gives cleaner, more precise dots. Dries in around 1 hour and reaches full cure in 72 hours.
How to Choose the Right Crystal Glue
With so many adhesives available, choosing the right one comes down to a few simple questions. Keep these in mind and you'll find the perfect glue for your project.
- ✅ Consider the surface — porous materials like fabric and lace need a flexible glue such as Gem-Tac, while hard surfaces like metal and glass suit a stronger adhesive like E6000 Plus.
- ✅ Think about how it will be used — pieces that will be washed, worn, or flexed need a flexible, durable glue, while decorative items that stay still can use a firmer bond.
- ✅ Allow for drying and curing time — some glues grab quickly while others need longer to reach full strength. Always allow the full cure time before wearing or washing your piece.
- ✅ Always test first — try your glue on an offcut or an inconspicuous area before starting, especially with delicate or unusual materials.
Crystal Glue FAQs
What is the best glue for crystals and rhinestones?
It depends on your surface. For most hard surfaces, such as metal, glass, ceramic, and plastic, E6000 Plus gives a strong, lasting bond. For fabric and textiles, Gem-Tac is the best choice, as it dries clear and stays flexible. For items that will be washed or handled often, CG500 two-part epoxy gives a permanent, waterproof bond. Our glue suitability chart above shows the ideal glue for every material at a glance.
What glue should I use for rhinestones on fabric or clothing?
For most fabric and clothing, Gem-Tac is the standard choice. It dries clear and stays flexible, so it moves with the fabric without cracking. For garments and accessories that will be washed regularly, Supertite Fusion is a better option, as it creates a strong, hand-washable bond once fully cured. Always allow the full cure time before washing or wearing your piece.
What is the best glue for crystals on glass or metal?
For glass and metal, E6000 Plus is the professional standard, giving an industrial-strength bond that dries clear with a flexible, waterproof, UV-resistant finish. For items that need a permanent, waterproof bond and will be washed or handled often, such as tumblers and water bottles, CG500 two-part epoxy is the strongest choice. Make sure the surface is clean and free of grease before applying.
Are your crystal glues washable?
For items that will be washed or handled often, CG500 is the best choice. As a two-part epoxy resin it forms a permanent, waterproof bond, ideal for tumblers, water bottles, and hard-wearing accessories. For fabric and clothing, Supertite Fusion gives a strong, hand-washable bond. Gem-Tac, being water-based, is best suited to items that won't be regularly machine-washed with detergent. Always allow the full cure time before washing.
How long does crystal glue take to dry?
It depends on the glue. Gem-Tac and E6000 Plus both cure in around 24 hours, with E6000 Plus needing up to 72 hours for maximum strength on non-porous surfaces. CG500 cures overnight, and Supertite Fusion dries in about an hour and reaches full cure in 72 hours. Always allow the full cure time before wearing or washing your finished piece.
Can I use hotfix crystals instead of glue?
Yes. If you're working with fabric, hotfix crystals have a heat-activated adhesive on the back and need no separate glue, just a hotfix applicator or iron to apply them. See our guide to hotfix vs non-hotfix crystals to decide which is best for your project.
Why Choose Bluestreak
As a Swarovski Authorised Distribution Partner and Preciosa Authorised Partner, we're trusted by makers worldwide for genuine crystals and the supplies to go with them, including the right glues for every project. With fast, fully tracked worldwide shipping and no hidden import costs, everything you need arrives quickly and reliably.
It's why thousands of designers and crafters choose Bluestreak Crystals for quality, expertise, and sparkle that lasts.
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