Gem Tac Embellishing Glue 4 floz (118.56ml)

Gem Tac glue for rhinestones and fabric

Gem Tac Embellishing Glue is a permanent, water-based glue formulated for securing rhinestones and gems. It's made in the USA by Beacon Adhesives, a family-run business founded in 1926, and it's safe to use on foil-backed crystals (the mirrored coating on the back that reflects light), as it won't warp the stones or change how they look.

It goes on white, so you can see where you've applied it, then dries clear. Our customers use it to embellish dance costumes, skating outfits, bridal shoes and all sorts of craft projects.

Why choose Gem Tac glue

• Strong hold from a small amount: Due to its strength, you only need a little glue for each stone. Position crystals gently and press lightly to stop glue oozing out or soaking through.

• Flexible, never brittle: The bond moves with stretchy fabrics like Lycra rather than cracking, and it's UVA and shock resistant too.

• Hand washable: Once fully dry, embellished items can be hand washed. Don't dry clean them or use fabric conditioner.

• Non toxic and non flammable: It's water-based with no unpleasant smell.

What does Gem Tac stick to?

• Crystals and embellishments: flatback non hotfix crystals (the ones without heat-activated glue on the back) such as our Zodiac and Preciosa ranges, plus gems, pearls, studs, sequins and glitter.

• Fabrics, leather and vinyl: Lycra, fine stretch net, velvet, velour, satin, denim, leather, patent leather and vinyl, including bridal gowns and satin wedding shoes.

• Glass, china and more: glass, china, mirrors, wood and plastic.

• Paper crafts: paper, card and wallpaper.

• Fabric onto other surfaces: it also bonds fabric to glass, vinyl, metal and patent leather.

It's a handy choice for adding sparkle to phone cases, spectacles, champagne bottles, lampshades and light switches too.

Gem Tac or E6000+?

We stock both, and each one suits different materials.

• Gem Tac is our pick for fabric, costumes, paper, card and wood.

• E6000+ is an industrial strength glue that's better suited to less porous materials such as metal and rubber.

How to use Gem Tac glue

1. Prepare your surface: Pre-wash new fabric to remove any sizing (the stiff finish many fabrics come with), and make sure the surface and the backs of your crystals are clean and dust free. If you're new to Gem Tac, test it on a scrap piece first.

2. Choose your applicator: We recommend applying Gem Tac with a syringe and metal tip or a precision glue bottle. These handy, affordable tools make gluing quicker, neater and less wasteful.

3. Apply the glue: Add just enough to cover the back of the crystal.

4. Place gently: Position the crystal and press lightly, rather than pushing hard, so the glue doesn't ooze out around the edges.

5. Leave it to dry: Allow 24 hours for the best results before wearing or washing your piece.

Top tips from our team

• Applicator syringes are reusable. When you've finished, keep the glue inside and cover the tip with cling film or Sellotape to keep it airtight.

• Hot tip: if glue dries in the metal tip between uses, simply place the tip in boiling hot water.

• Wet spills clean up with plain water, leaving no permanent residue.

• Store your bottle somewhere it won't freeze.

Need help choosing the right glue? Our friendly team love sharing ideas, so just drop us a message at sales@crystalparade.co.uk or call 0843 2898 192 and we'll be happy to help!

If you are unsure which glue to use on your next design project please don't hesitate to contact us on 0843 2898 192 or email us sales@crystalparade.co.uk. The team at Crystal Parade have wealth of knowledge and delight in sharing ideas with our customers.

Customer review:

The perfect match for our crystals!
We have used Gem-Tac with success for many years, so it is great to have the chance to rate it highly. We use it to adhere crystals/rhinestones to stretchy fabric skate outfits regularly haven't yet lost a crystal during performance. We have found the nozzle applicator on the bottles perfectly adequate for direct application, but it does take a bit of practice. Although the glue keeps for years after the bottle is open, we only use fresh where it matters; the left-overs come in very handy for gluing those other little craft jobs that crop up!