Bedazzling Kit Guide: Hot Fix vs Non-Hot Fix, Stones, and Glues Explained
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Daniela
- Updated: Feb 13, 2026
- Accessory, Craft Supplies, Crystals, Gifts, Home Decor
Learn all about bedazzling in this guide. Discover the best bedazzling kits, including hot fix and regular options. Learn the difference between glass and resin rhinestones and the best glue to use for each type of project.
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Note: Some links in this post may contain affiliate links, which means at no cost to you, I may earn a commission.
I was SO excited to see that bedazzling is making a comeback, because if there’s an opportunity to add sparkle to something, you know I’m going to take it. I also 100% had a bedazzler in the 90’s so if I recall, I mainly did the metal studs on things.
Now in present day I’ve started on a mission to bedazzle everyday objects (my first “victim” was a mini Lowe’s bucket)! Along the way, I’ve learned a lot about modern day bedazzling and the different kits available (both hot fix and glue-on) as well as the different types of rhinestones/ bedazzle gems and glues you can use.
So whether you’re brand new to using a bedazzling kit or you’re dusting off your inner 90’s crafter, choosing the right bedazzle kit makes a huge difference. In this guide, I’m breaking down the best bedazzling kits, explaining the difference between hot fix and regular bedazzle kits, comparing glass vs resin rhinestones, and sharing the best glues for bedazzling different projects – from bedazzled jeans to shirts to everyday objects!
What is a Bedazzler?
Back in the 80’s and 90’s a bedazzler was a device that attached gems and metal studs to clothes and other fabric items. Also known as a bedazzle gun, it honestly looked kind of like a sewing machine. You would put your shirt under the machine, take a stud and push down on the machine. This would push the stud through the machine and secure it. I’m pretty sure you can only find them on ebay now as the process to attach studs and rhinestones has gotten much simpler.
Now, a bedazzler refers more to specifically a hot fix gem setter. Though it also refers to the glue-only bedazzling kits. The original bedazzler no longer exists and is now replaced with the option of either using a bedazzle hot fix tool (which would be the closest thing to a “bedazzler” or gluing bedazzling gems. More on hot fixing below.
Hot Fix vs Glue Bedazzling
As previously mentioned, there are currently two different types of bedazzling methods – hot fix and the regular or glueing method. Here I’ll go over the pros and cons of each and when you would want to use one over the other.
Hot Fix Bedazzling
Hot fix bedazzling uses a heated tool to adhere the bedazzling rhinestones to fabric and other porous materials. The rhinestones used are specific to hot fixing as they have a heat-activated coating on the back. When used with the heat tool, the coating melts and adheres to fabric, making them super secure and water resistant. If you want to bedazzle any type of fabric (shirts, jeans, clothes, hats, etc), you’ll want to use the hot fix method and use a hot fix kit.
To use different sized gems, you use different sized tips (they all come with the kit).
Used for: Porous materials – fabric, wood, paper
Not ideal for: Nonporous materials (e.g. plastics – they could melt), some heat-sensitive fabrics
Glue Bedazzling
You’ll want to use glue for most non-fabric surfaces and even some fabric ones. Rather than using a tool, you simply apply glue to the backs of basic rhinestones (ones that don’t already have a heat-activated coating) and place them on the item you want to bedazzle. The key is to use the correct type of glue for the surface, which I go into more detail on below.
Used for: Any material as long as the appropriate glue is used
Not ideal for: N/A
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Why would you use the hot fix method instead of glueing?
As previously mentioned, the glueing method will work for any surface as long as you use the correct glue. So that begs the question, why would you ever bother with the hot fix method?
The main benefit is so you don’t have to deal with glue. Not only do you not need to purchase glue specific to your fabric, but also you can skip the step of applying the glue. Additionally, you won’t be able to feel the glue on the opposite side of the fabric. It also eliminates the chances of glue drips or any glue showing.
Another huge benefit is the item is basically immediately wearable since you don’t need to wait the likely 24-48 hours of drying team that glue requires.
Then of course, it can just be fun! There’s something super satisfying about using the heat tool to adhere the gems.
Resin Rhinestones vs. Glass Rhinestones
This one actually completely surprised me and I’m guessing most people who want to bedazzle don’t realize that there are actually different options for rhinestones. The main two are resin and glass and they each have their benefits and drawbacks.
Resin Rhinestones
Resin rhinestones are just that – rhinestones made out of resin. They’re cheaper than their glass counterparts and come in more colors. They’re also more readily available. However, they’re not as durable and can fade and yellow overtime. They’re also known to not last as long if they get wet.
Pros:
- Cheaper
- Plenty of color options
Cons:
- Not as durable, especially in water
- Can fade and/or yellow
Glass Rhinestones
Glass rhinestones are of course made out of glass. Because of this, they’re going to be more durable than the resin ones, have no problems in water, and they’re not going fade. These benefits do make them more costly though. And generally, they’re not as readily available and therefore aren’t as many color options.
Pros:
- More durable
- Can handle water
- Won’t fade or yellow
Cons:
- Not as many color options
- Harder to find
- More expensive
How to Choose a Bedazzle Kit
Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best bedazzle kit for your needs.
1. What material or materials do you want to bedazzle?
Ideally you already have a project in mind so the question is the item you want to bedazle made of fabric, plastic, or something else? Are there multiple items you want to embellish and are they made of different materials? If there’s more than just fabric – items such as plastic, then a glue method might be preferred so you have more options.
2. Will your item get wet?
If your item will get wet, this narrows your options. Hot fixing is water resitant so this is an option. But if you want to use a glue method, you need to not only make sure that the glue you use is waterproof, but also that the rhinestones you select can hold up to the water. Resin stones are not as durable, especially in water, so you might want to consider glass ones.
3. Do you need multiple colors or just one?
This one is pretty straight forward, but bedazzled kits come in single color packs or multi-color packs. If you know you only want one or a few colors (like I did with the lowe’s bucket I bedazzled), it’s more cost-effective to buy the single color packs.
4. Do you need multiple sizes or just one?
Bedazzling gems come in multiple sizes, generally ranging from 2mm – 6mm. You can again get stones in multi-size packs or single sizes. Similar to the colors, if you know you only need one size it will be more cost-effective to buy the single-size packs.
5. Are you worried about colors fading or yellowing?
For lots of projects, fading or yellowing colors over time might not be a concern. For example, simple home decor projects (e.g. the Lowe’s bucket I made or a hair brush, etc) fading or changing colors isn’t that big of a deal. But if you’re bedazzling a full gown that you spend hours and hours on, you’re going to want to make sure it lasts. Since resin stones can yellow, you’ll probably want to use glass ones.
Top Bedazzling Kits
To make it easy to choose a bedazzler kit, I’ve narrowed it down to these so you can get bedazzling right away!
