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Glue guide

The best glue for rhinestones

The glue decides whether a project lasts a week or a decade. It also decides how safe the project is to use.

Updated November 2026 · United Kingdom

Gem-Tac vs B7000 vs E6000: the glues compared

GlueTypeGood onWatch out for
Gem-Tac (Beacon)Water-based, dries clearFabric, felt, paper, other porous surfacesWeak on smooth plastic and metal; needs its full cure before washing
E6000Solvent-based, flexible, waterproof once curedMetal, glass, hard plastic, shoes, EVA foam, stretch costumesStrong fumes: ventilate. Long cure. Keep away from food and drink
B7000Generic solvent-based, runny, fine nozzleLight decor, nail and phone-case craftsMade by many unbranded factories; widely reported to yellow and let go; not for drinkware
Fabric glueUsually water-based, washableClothes that can’t take heatQuality varies a lot between brands
Two-part epoxyRigid, very strongHard surfaces that take knocksShort working time; rigid, so not for anything that bends
Super glueCyanoacrylateNot recommendedBrittle; releases vapour that leaves a white haze on stones
Hot glueThermoplasticQuick, temporary costume workThick, stringy, peels off smooth surfaces

Gem-Tac

Water-based, dries clear; made for fabric and porous surfaces.

E6000

Flexible industrial adhesive for hard and non-porous surfaces. Ventilate.

The B7000 question

B7000 is in almost every bestselling bedazzling kit because it is cheap and has a precise nozzle. It is not a single brand: many factories make it, labels vary, and English-language safety data is often missing. Experienced rhinestone artists widely report that it yellows and loses its hold over time.

For a decorated notebook or photo frame that may be acceptable. For anything you wash, flex or drink from, choose a glue made for that job.

Glue and anything you drink from

We are not aware of any common craft adhesive — B7000, E6000, Gem-Tac or fabric glue — that is certified for food contact. E6000’s safety data sheet tells you to keep it away from food and drink.

That doesn’t mean a decorated tumbler is off-limits. It means:

  • Keep stones and glue well below the rim, away from where lips touch.
  • Never decorate the inside, the lid’s drinking area or a straw.
  • Let the glue cure fully in a ventilated room before use.
  • Hand wash only.

The full method is in our tumbler guide.

Using solvent glues safely

  • Open a window or work outdoors; take breaks.
  • Keep glue off skin and wash it off if it gets there.
  • Keep tubes away from children, and don’t let children use solvent glues.
  • Read the safety data sheet for your exact product. Formulas differ between variants and countries.

Glue by surface

SurfaceUse
Cotton, denim, canvasHotfix, or Gem-Tac / fabric glue
Stretch costumesFlexible E6000-type
Faux leather, satin shoesFlexible E6000-type (test first)
EVA foam clogsFlexible E6000-type
Hard plastic, metal, glassE6000-type, or epoxy
Paper, card, feltGem-Tac or thick tacky glue
Silicone, soft plasticNothing reliable — change the base

Or let the project finder work it out.

Fabric glues

Washable glues for clothes, where hotfix isn’t possible.

Common questions

Is E6000 or B7000 better for rhinestones?

E6000 is the better-documented, stronger and more flexible adhesive for hard and flexing surfaces. B7000 is convenient and cheap but widely reported to yellow and weaken. Neither belongs near food or drink.

What glue do professionals use on costumes?

Flexible solvent adhesives of the E6000 type are common for stretch fabric, and hotfix for anything heat-tolerant. Specialist adhesives also exist and need proper ventilation and protective equipment.

Is Gem-Tac waterproof?

It is designed to be washable once fully cured. Check the bottle for the cure time before the first wash.

What glue works on silicone?

Practically none of the usual craft glues. Put the stones on a hard case instead.

Keep reading

IdeasHow to bedazzle a tumblerCover a stainless tumbler edge to edge, with glue that stays away from your mouth.TroubleshootingWhy do rhinestones fall off?Almost every lost stone comes down to one of seven causes.ComparisonHotfix vs glue-on rhinestonesBoth are flat-backed. The difference is where the glue comes from, and that decides what they will stick to.ToolWhat are you bedazzling?Pick the surface. The finder gives the method, glue and stones, and what to watch out for.

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