How to Apply Rhinestones to a Medal

The most effective way to apply rhinestones to a metal medal is to use industrial-grade super glue, rather than the Hotfix method.

Key Steps

Surface Preparation (Most Critical):

Cleaning: Use alcohol swabs or warm water with detergent to thoroughly remove fingerprints, oil stains, and dust from the medal’s surface.

Sanding: Since the metal surface of the medal is usually very smooth, the adhesive may have difficulty adhering. It is recommended to use fine-grit sandpaper (such as 220-grit) to lightly sand the area where you plan to apply the rhinestones, increasing the surface “grip.”

Choosing the Right Adhesive:

E6000: The most commonly used option. It offers industrial-strength bonding, dries clear and elastic, and is impact-resistant.

Application Techniques:

Dotting the Glue: Place a small drop of glue on the medal, or use a toothpick to apply it. Control the amount of glue so that, after pressing the rhinestone into place, the glue just surrounds the edge of the rhinestone without overflowing too much.

Tools: Use a **rhinestone applicator** or tweezers to pick up the rhinestone and gently press it into the glue.

Layout: If you need to cover the entire surface, we recommend a “honeycomb” pattern, where the rhinestones are arranged in a tight, interlocking grid to minimize exposed metal.

Curing and Drying:

Although the adhesive may become tacky within a few minutes, it typically requires 24 to 72 hours of rest to fully cure and reach maximum strength.

Precautions

Avoid Hotfix: The hot-melt adhesive on the rhinestones has extremely poor adhesion to metal and is highly prone to falling off; therefore, the ironing method is not recommended for medals.

Ventilation: The glue has a strong chemical odor; be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.