Hot Fix Crystals

[fineshrine]

I recently got a hotfix tool and crystals and since I've never used them before, I just wanted to check - once the rhinestones are applied do you still need to leave the garment to fully dry or is it good to go pretty much straight after once the fabric has cooled? When I've used Gemtac I have always waited 24-48 hours before rehanging the dress.

Is there anything else I should know? Any rookie mistakes people make with these tools? I live in a rented place that came with really beautiful furniture so I was planning to put something between the dress and the table but not sure what is the best thing to use.

 

[lucia_l]

I'm not an expert. I've hotfixed once and just concocted my own way after watching youtube videos.

When I attached some hotfix to power net, I used a small wood cutting board with waxed paper underneath. The wood cutting board is to give a firm surface and protect the table.

Why the waxed paper? Power net has small "holes" and I found when attaching to that, the glue tended to adhere to the fabric AND the surfaced below. The the stone adhering to wax is not so bad, so that was ok. You don't want to use plastic wrap or anythign like that becuase it will melt and you'll never get the soldified plastic of your fabric. The wax was not so bad. On the other hand, I was doing this to an inexpensive dress.

When I hot fixed to lycra which is pretty solid, I didn't need the wax paper.
I'm sure for some thin delicate fabrics, the wax paper would be a tragic mistake because it might cause an unsightly spo.t..

(I would test this on a scrap of your fabric if you have any.)

Other people may (and probably do) have better advice.