Performance Academy › Care & Maintenance › Rhinestone Repair

Rhinestone Repair Guide

Lost stones happen — but they don't have to stay lost. Learn how to reattach rhinestones, replace missing crystals, and keep your rhinestone costumes and footwear sparkling through every performance.

Quick Reference

Best Adhesive

E6000 or gem-tac for fabric; clear nail glue for shoes

Cure Time

24–72 hours for full bond — don't rush it

Stone Sizes

Match SS size — SS10, SS16, SS20 are most common in stage wear

Tools Needed

Tweezers, toothpick, adhesive, replacement stones, good lighting

How to Reattach a Rhinestone

Whether it's a costume, bodysuit, or pair of rhinestone heels, the process is the same. Work in good lighting and take your time — rushing causes misalignment and weak bonds.

1

Clean the empty setting

Use a toothpick or cotton swab to remove any old glue residue from the setting or fabric. A clean surface is essential for a strong bond.

2

Match the stone size and color

Hold a replacement stone next to the surrounding stones to confirm the size (SS number) and color match. AB (Aurora Borealis) and clear are the most common finishes.

3

Apply a tiny amount of adhesive

Use a toothpick to apply a small dot of E6000 or gem-tac to the setting — not the stone. Less is more. Excess glue will seep around the stone and dull its sparkle.

4

Place the stone with tweezers

Use fine-tip tweezers to pick up the stone flat-side down and press gently into the setting. Hold for 10–15 seconds. Do not slide or twist the stone once placed.

5

Allow to cure fully before wearing

E6000 reaches full strength in 24–72 hours. Lay the garment flat during curing. Wearing too soon is the #1 reason repaired stones fall off again.

Choosing the Right Adhesive

E6000

The industry standard for rhinestone repair. Flexible when cured — ideal for fabric, stretch costumes, and bodysuits.

  • Best for: fabric, mesh, spandex
  • Cure time: 24–72 hours
  • Flexible when dry ✓

Gem-Tac

Water-based and non-toxic. Slightly less strong than E6000 but easier to work with and dries clear.

  • Best for: fabric, light-use costumes
  • Cure time: 24 hours
  • Easier cleanup ✓

Clear Nail Glue / Super Glue

Fast-setting and strong. Best for hard surfaces like shoe uppers, platforms, and rigid accessories.

  • Best for: shoes, hard accessories
  • Cure time: 30–60 seconds
  • Not flexible — avoid on stretch fabric ✗

Preventing Stone Loss

Avoid snagging

Rhinestones catch on rough surfaces, velcro, and other costumes. Handle with care when dressing and undressing.

Store flat or hanging

Folding rhinestone garments causes stones to press against each other and pop off. Store flat or on a padded hanger.

Hand wash only

Machine washing loosens adhesive and causes mass stone loss. Always hand wash rhinestone garments in cool water.

Do a pre-show check

Before every performance, quickly scan for loose or missing stones and repair them — don't wait until after the show.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗ Too much glue — excess adhesive seeps around the stone, dulls the sparkle, and is nearly impossible to remove cleanly.

✗ Wearing before fully cured — the bond hasn't reached full strength. The stone will fall off again within one performance.

✗ Using hot glue — melts synthetic fabrics and creates a thick, visible bond. Never use hot glue on rhinestone costumes.

✗ Skipping the surface clean — gluing over old adhesive residue creates a weak bond. Always clean the setting first.