How to Bedazzle an Item with Rhinestones

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Add bling to everyday objects with this simple DIY upgrade

Co-authored by Casey Welsch and Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: March 7, 2026 Fact Checked

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Using Glue

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Using Heat

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Bedazzling Tips

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Choosing Rhinestones

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Choosing Glue

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Video

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Things You'll Need

Bedazzling is a great way to zhush up everyday objects with a little (or a lot) of sparkle. We’re diving into how to use the two main types of rhinestones for bedazzling: flatback, which requires glue, and flatback hotfix, which needs heat. So if you want to learn how to make a rhinestone phone case, fancy up a book cover, or add shine to your shoes, we’ve got you covered!

How to Bedazzle

Sand & clean the object you’re bedazzling.
Apply a thin layer of glue to a small area.
Use a wax pencil or craft tweezers to press a rhinestone into the glue.
Continue working in small areas until you bedazzle the whole object.
Let the glue dry thoroughly.

Section 1 of 5:

Bedazzling with Flatback Rhinestones (Glue)

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1
Clean and lightly sand any smooth surfaces. If you’re bedazzling a smooth surface—like a phone case or a book cover—gently buff the surface with medium-coarse sandpaper (like 220-grit) or a nail file. This will add a little texture, which will help the glue hold better.^{[1]
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- Wipe down the surface with a damp cloth or an alcohol wipe to remove any dust or dirt that could keep the glue from sticking. If you’re sanding, be sure to clean the surface afterward to remove any dust.
- If you’re bedazzling fabric, slide a piece of cardboard or another stiff material behind the area where you’re working to stretch it out and give it some support. This will help you get a neater finish.^{[2]
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2
Apply glue to a small area. Typically, you’ll get the neatest results if you apply the rhinestones in straight rows, one right next to the other. (This is known as the honeycomb method.) However, some people prefer a more free-form approach where they fill in shapes with different-sized stones. This is known as the scatter method.
- If you’re using the honeycomb method, apply the glue in a thin line.
- If you’re using the scatter method or you’re not planning to encrust the entire surface, use a single dot of glue for each rhinestone.
- We’ll cover the best adhesives to use in our section on choosing glue.
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3
Pick up one rhinestone at a time and press it into the glue. Use a wax pencil, gem picker, or craft tweezers to pick up a rhinestone, then place it into the glue. If it’s not exactly where you want it, use the tip of your wax pencil or tweezers to slide it into place, then carefully press down on it to secure it.^{[3]
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- Wax pencils are usually the easiest for working with rhinestones—the soft tip makes it easy to pick up the rhinestone and place it where you want it.^{[4]
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Keep working in small areas until you’ve covered your surface. Bedazzling an item can take a long time, but it’s really just a lot of repetition. Put on a podcast or a show you like, or tackle the project with a friend to keep you company. Work in small areas, letting each one dry thoroughly before you go back to add more detail.^{[5]
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- Try to match the color of the rhinestones to whatever’s underneath it. This will make the finished project look neater and more intentional.
5
Check the label for how long to let the glue set. Once you’re finished bedazzling, let your item sit undisturbed until the glue is fully cured. This usually takes around 24–72 hours, but it can vary depending on the glue you’re using. Be sure to look at the glue’s label to know how long to let it cure—otherwise, your rhinestones could fall off!^{[6]
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Section 2 of 5:

Bedazzling with Flatback Hotfix Rhinestones (Heat)

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1
Place a hotfix rhinestone where you want it. There are two ways to place hotfix rhinestones. Either place the hotfix rhinestones shiny-side-up directly on the surface you want to bedazzle, or attach the rhinestones shiny-side-down to transfer tape, then place that onto whatever you’re bedazzling.
- Transfer tape may be easier if you’re applying a lot of rhinestones, especially if you’re using a stencil. Applying rhinestones individually may be easier if you’re only placing a few, although you may also prefer individual application if you’re encrusting a surface.
- If you’re applying rhinestones individually, place them on whatever you’re bedazzling with a wax pencil or craft tweezers.^{[7]
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- Hotfix rhinestones have textured backing, while non-hotfix rhinestones are smooth.^{[8]
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2
Apply heat to the top of the rhinestone. The easiest way to do this is with a hotfix tool—just press the heated tip to the top of the rhinestone until you see the glue start bubbling. This usually takes around 5–10 seconds.^{[9]
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- Don’t touch the tip of the hotfix applicator tool or the heated surface of the iron.
- If you’re using a hotfix applicator tool, be sure to use the applicator tip that’s meant for that size of rhinestone.^{[10]
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- Using an iron—or a heat press if you have one—may be easier if you’re working with transfer tape. For instance, YouTuber @therecipeworldwide uses an iron in this video and a heat press in this video.
- If you’re applying the rhinestones to a delicate surface, pick up the rhinestone with the applicator tool, let the glue heat for 5–10 seconds, then press it to the fabric and remove the hotfix tool.
3
Press the rhinestone into place with tweezers for a more secure hold. Optionally, after you remove the heat, use the tip of your tweezers to gently press the rhinestone down into the fabric. This will help you get a more secure hold. It’s especially helpful if you let the rhinestones heat up in the applicator tool before applying them.^{[11]
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- Avoid touching the rhinestones for at least 1–2 minutes after applying the heat, as they’ll be hot and could burn you.
- Let the rhinestones cure for 24–48 hours to ensure the glue is fully set.

Section 3 of 5:

Bedazzling Tips

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Use these tips to take your bedazzling to the next level. Bedazzling isn’t super difficult, but knowing a few pro tricks ahead of time can make your finished project look its very best. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Work in small sections so the glue doesn’t dry too much before you add the rhinestones.
- Use the applicator tip that comes with the glue, or pour a small amount of glue into a glue syringe for more precise application.
- If your rhinestones slide around too much when you apply them, let the glue get tacky for a few minutes before you start bedazzling.
- Use multiple sizes of rhinestones, like 3mm, 2mm, and 1mm (or 1.5mm). The smaller rhinestones will be helpful for filling in gaps, since rhinestones don’t typically fit together perfectly.
- Test your glue on a small area first. Not all glues will work on every surface.
- Check the label on your glue, and use a respirator/ventilator if one is recommended.
- For a neater look, outline your shape first, then fill in the center.^{[12]
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- Use clear gems if you want to showcase a design that’s already on the item. (Just keep in mind that the original details may not be very clear.)
- Pour your rhinestones into a tray to make them easier to pick up.
- Plan your design ahead of time, and let each section dry before moving to the next one.

Section 4 of 5:

Choosing Rhinestones for Bedazzling

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Keep these tips in mind when you’re shopping for rhinestones. Rhinestone suppliers usually carry a dazzling array of options. Here are a few suggestions to help you narrow the field:^{[13]
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- Attachment method: As we’ve already covered, rhinestones generally come with two types of backing—non-hotfix, which requires glue to adhere, and hotfix, which needs heat. Some rhinestones also come with holes so you can sew them on, like a button.
- Quality: Rhinestones can be made of plastic/acrylic (cheapest but the least sparkly), glass (more sparkly but costlier), and Swarovski (the sparkliest and most expensive).
- Size: Rhinestones come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Larger rhinestones make it easier to cover large areas, but smaller rhinestones will fill in gaps better. If you’re encrusting a surface (especially if it’s curved), it’s usually best to use an assortment of sizes.
- Color: You’ll get a more finished look if you match the color of the rhinestones to the surface you’re bedazzling, but contrasting colors can sometimes create a nice pop, too.

Section 5 of 5:

Choosing Glue for Bedazzling

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Choose a glue that will work with the surface you’re bedazzling. Always check the label on the glue to see what materials it’s best for. Some glues will not adhere to certain surfaces, which could cause your rhinestones to fall off.^{[14]
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- E6000: Cosplay artist and costume designer Casey Welsch says E6000 is best for leather or pleather items like shoes & belts. That said, this is a strong adhesive, and Welsch says it’s important to wear a respirator/ventilator when using it.^{[15]
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- B-7000: This glue comes in many bedazzling kits. It requires a ventilator and respirator, and isn’t recommended for advanced projects.
- Gem-Tac: Welsch says that Gem-Tac works especially well for fabrics.^{[16]
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  Expert Interview} It’s also a good option for smooth plastic surfaces like tumblers, skincare products, or phone cases.
- Liquid Fusion: Good for porous surfaces like wood and fabric; inexpensive and good for beginners^{[17]
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- Multi-Grab 360 Adhesive: Versatile, durable option good for clothing & accessories
- Gemiflex: Good for rubber, leather, silicone; requires glass or crystal stones^{[18]
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