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If you’re in need of rhinestone supplies, this is where you should start your search!
To help you find the right ones, we’ve put together this buyer’s guide covering everything you need to know.
We’ll walk you through what hotfix rhinestones are, techniques for applying them (and on what items), different types of materials and shapes they come in, the equipment and accessories you’ll need to press them onto substrates, and where to buy it all.
So, by the time we’re done with this, you’ll have all your questions answered and will be ready to put your order in!
We’ve got a lot of things to work through, so let’s get right to it!
First, let’s get on the same page with terminology. What is a rhinestone?
Well, in simple words, a rhinestone is an imitation gemstone. It simulates and mimics the appearance of precious stones. They come close to the real thing in terms of their shapes, sizes, colors, textures, and reflections!
Now, we don’t have to tell you that their composition is different from the genuine ones, right?
As one would expect, these decorative rhinestones are typically made from man-made materials, like glass or acrylic, rather than naturally forming within Earth’s crust through geological processes as minerals, silicates, or crystals would.
The good news is that, unlike real jewels, rhinestones are readily available and come in at a fantastic price point.
Plus, there are many ways you can use them. The most common and widespread use is to use them to add sparkle and glitter to ordinary items.
That’s a simple way to describe what rhinestones are.
Now, let’s go back to the uses for a moment and explore what items you can add rhinestones to, and how.
This glossary is to educate you more on what rhinestones are and terms used in the industry.
In the previous paragraph, we sped through the use-case of rhinestones. We did so on purpose—to give them their own section, as there’s a lot to be said.
To demonstrate that, we should begin by learning what rhinestones can be used for and on which types of items.
It’s quite an easy one. Rhinestones can be used to decorate ordinary items, accessories, clothing, costumes, gifts, and more!
Obviously, that doesn’t really tell you very much. That’s why, in order to give you a fuller picture and simplify things, we put together a list of some of the many items you can press rhinestones on.
So, let us just lay it out for you to see:
There are too many to mention, however, this should give you a basic idea and healthy amount to start with.
It’s really up to you what you want to decorate! The only limit to what can be made is your imagination, and, of course, compatibility with different materials.
This segues us nicely into a conversation about how one would go about making such items.
Let us walk you through the rhinestone costs for blank products.
Now, we’ve come to a section where it gets interesting and fun for newcomers!
How does one go about adding rhinestones to items? Let’s learn the answer to that question.
But before we head off into it, there are a few essential pieces of equipment that you’ll need. So, let’s familiarize ourselves with them first, then right after, we can get to the ‘how’ part.
Rhinestone Machine: The first item on our list is an automatic rhinestone setting machine. This one is arguably the most foundational equipment to add to your decoration business. It does what it says it does—it sets rhinestones, rhinestuds, or nailheads onto transfer paper based on your design.
Heat Press: Another essential piece of equipment is a heat press, which you may already be familiar with. It works hand in hand with an automatic rhinestone machine system to bond rhinestone transfers to the substrate through the application of timed heat and pressure.
Interchangeable Platens: Chances are, you’ll have a variety of thrilling projects lined up. One day it might be shoes, the next, something entirely different. However, here’s the problem: most heat presses come equipped with a standard flatbed platen. While it’s a decent beginning, it restricts the range of items you can transfer rhinestones onto. The solution? Interchangeable heat press platens. With these, you can transfer rhinestones onto even the most awkward surfaces and in tight spots without risking damage to seams, buttons, or zippers.
Platen Covers: Speaking of platens, you’ll need a cover for it to protect from unwanted damages from the rhinestone glue. This adhesive is strong enough to seep through layers of fabric and even stick the front and back of a shirt together! Good news, though—with a Teflon platen cover, that glue won’t seep through the garment or stick to the press’s base plate. And bonus—it makes sliding clothes on and off the press a breeze!
Heat Press Pads & Pillows: Moving down the list to some optional items, the next accessories worth considering are heat press pads and pillows. Have you ever faced the challenge of heat pressing on uneven surfaces? Maybe it was a t-shirt (or any other garment) with those pesky trouble spots like lumps, folds, zippers, seams, or buttons, and you just needed a way to lift up the pressing area. Well, there’s a solution to that problem—heat press pads and pillows—they raise the print area so that the heat press only hits the pad and the rhinestone transfer.
Finishing Sheets: Finishing sheets serve multiple purposes. They protect both your heat press and your garment from high temperatures during heat pressing. Additionally, when you layer the finishing sheet over a rhinestone transfer, it distributes the heat evenly and also conforms to uneven surfaces, making it easy to transfer designs on most awkward areas. Finishing sheets can come in various materials and finishes, such as heat resistant paper, teflon or silicone-based sheets. They may also have different levels of flexibility.
Thermal Heat Tape: Last but not least, another useful and practical accessory to add to your rhinestone business is thermal heat tape. It’s used to hold the rhinestone transfer in place during the pressing process so that it doesn’t shift or move while under heat. The tape is designed to withstand the high temperatures of the heat press without melting or leaving residues. In short, heat tape helps maintain the precise placement of the rhinestones, ensuring that they adhere properly to the fabric without any shifting.
Now that we’ve covered some of the essential equipment, tools, and accessories, let’s see how it all comes together. To demonstrate that, we have a practical hands-on video for you to watch. In it, we’ll guide you through the entire rhinestone application process from start to finish.
If you’ve read this far, you’ve learned what rhinestones are, how to apply them to your items, the tools you’ll need for the job, as well as explored some of the many items on which you can press rhinestones.
What else is there left to explore? Well, how about we take you through different types of rhinestones that you can buy (and use).
Depending on how you want to look at it, rhinestones can be categorized based on four main characteristics: their physical shape, the material they are made from, their color, and their size.
So, let’s have a look at each of these in detail.
Each option comes with its own set of tradeoffs and incentives for crafters. And it’s on you to decide which of those is best for your project. If you’re after some glitz and glam, rhinestones are the way to go!
But if you’re leaning towards something a bit more subtle, rhinestuds or nailheads might be more in line with what you’re looking for.
That said, the next characteristic to look at is material from which rhinestones are made of.
Have you ever wondered what materials bring rhinestones to life? Perhaps… it wasn’t until now that you thought of it!
So, maybe now is the time to learn about it.
Typically, rhinestones are made of glass, acrylic, or resin materials that can withstand heat and pressure, wear and tear from weather, use, and washing.
Glass Rhinestones: One of the most popular choices is glass rhinestones. They offer several distinct advantages over resin or acrylic counterparts. Arguably, the most notable one is their optical properties.
From a physics standpoint, glass has a higher refractive index than resin or acrylic, meaning it bends and reflects light more effectively. The direct result of this is superior sparkle and shine.
Additionally, glass rhinestones often have a harder surface and are less prone to scratching. Furthermore, glass rhinestones are perceived as having higher value and are often associated with luxury.
Acrylic Rhinestones: These rhinestones are crafted from acrylic, a type of plastic that’s injected into a molding along with the color additives.
While not as scratch-resistant as glass, they still provide solid durability and are often lighter in weight.
Though they may lack the same level of clarity and sparkle as glass rhinestones, they remain a popular choice, available in various finishes including transparent, opaque, and metallic.
Resin Rhinestones: As the name describes, these rhinestones are crafted from resin, a synthetic composite blend of plastic materials that are molded to imitate the appearance of natural gemstones. But, despite their synthetic composition, resin rhinestones are a practical choice for decorators.
There you have it—these are just some of the materials rhinestones are available in. Choose whichever you want for your project!
And if you’re ready to purchase them now, just scroll down to find out where!
If you’ve made it this far, you probably want to buy some rhinestones! And that’s where we come in!
So, let us point you to the best place to get them—our store!
Whether you’re in need of rhinestones, rhinestuds, or nailheads, we’ve got you covered! From accessories and tools, to brand-new equipment, chances are, we have it and we sell it—literally everything your project requires.
So wait no more and have a look through our store.
For one-on-one help simply call 877-793-3278 or live chat with one of our pros!
