Have you ever wondered what is the difference between Flatback rhinestones and Hotfix rhinestones; as well as which one would work best for you?  If you have, then hopefully today’s post can help answer your questions. 

 M&J Trimming supplies both Swarovski Flatback rhinestones and Swarovski Hotfix rhinestones.  Both are quite popular and which one would work best for your project, really depends on what you will be using them for.  So let’s get started.

 Flatback rhinestones have two sides.  One side is the multi-faceted side; which is the side where you see the shimmering crystal.  The other side is grey in color, flat and smooth in texture.  Flatback rhinestones can be applied onto your project using glue such as Gem-tac, E-6000, or even Magna-tac.  You will need to place the glue into a syringe to insure that you don’t use too much glue when applying the Flatback rhinestones.  And since the rhinestones are too small to pick up by hand, you’ll have to use tweezers to pick them up one by one and place them on top of the area that you had applied glue to.  Flatback rhinestones can be used for arts and crafts or any material that you don’t mind if the Flatback rhinestones become loose. 

If you want something more permanent, then you’ll have to use the Hotfix rhinestones.  Hotfix rhinestones also have a multi-faceted side and back side that is grey in color, but when you look closely, there’s already dry glue added to the grey flat surface.  Hotfix rhinestones are added onto your fabric by using heat from a hot-fixer rhinestone setter.  Since there’s already glue on the Hotfix rhinestones, all you need to do is apply heat.  You have to be careful when using Hotfix rhinestones because once applied, it’s permanent and will not come off your material.  Hotfix rhinestones are also less messy as you don’t have to apply glue yourself. 

 Here’s a big difference between hotfix and flatback rhinestones.  Hotfix rhinestones are only recommended for fabric.  It is not recommended for leather, rubber, paper or plastic.  The hot-fixer rhinestones setter that is used to help apply the stones is extremely hot and can possibly burn any material that is not fabric.  By the way, yes, it is okay to use hotfix rhinestones on tulle.

 So there you have it; the difference between Flatback rhinestones and Hotfix rhinestones.