Rhinestone Application Instructions

Supplies Needed

  • Transfer Kit
  • Hard, heat-resistant surface for ironing
  • Household iron or heat press
  • Scissors
  • T-shirt (100% cotton or cotton blend)

Note: If your design is multi-decorated (vinyl + rhinestones), complete the DIY Heat Transfer Vinyl instructions first before applying the rhinestone transfer.

Set-Up Steps

  1. Preheat your iron or heat press – Recommended temperature: 335°F (typically the cotton or linen setting). Iron temperatures vary by model, so be careful not to overheat the design.
  2. Turn OFF steam and remove all water from the iron.
  3. Prepare your shirt – Place the t-shirt on a hard, heat-resistant surface with the side facing up where the transfer will be applied.
  4. Remove moisture and wrinkles – Iron the shirt surface before applying the transfer.
  5. Find the center of the shirt – Fold the t-shirt in half and lightly crease it to mark the center line, then lay the shirt flat again and smooth out wrinkles.
  6. Insert a cotton pillowcase inside the shirt – This prevents rhinestone glue from transferring to the back side of the shirt.

Preparing & Applying the Rhinestone Transfer

1. Find the Center of Your Transfer

  • Gently pull back the transfer tape.
  • Fold the transfer in half to find the center.
  • Lightly crease the top and bottom edges of the transfer to mark the center.

2. Inspect the Rhinestones

  • Check for stones that may have shifted during shipping.
  • If needed, gently reposition stones using the edge of your fingernail or tweezers.

3. Replace Missing or Imperfect Stones (If Needed)

  • Carefully lift the transfer tape.
  • Add or replace stones using the extra rhinestones included.
  • Occasionally stones may be imperfect or have insufficient glue backing.

4. Position the Transfer

  • Peel the transfer off the backing paper.
  • Place it onto the shirt.
  • Align the center crease of the transfer with the center crease of the shirt.

Note: Transfer placement may vary depending on shirt collar style and transfer size. Make sure the design is positioned correctly before applying heat.

5. Protect the Design

  • Place the included parchment paper over the rhinestone transfer.

Important: Always use parchment paper to protect both the design and the iron.

Iron Plate Note

If your iron has steam holes on the bottom plate, heat and pressure may not apply evenly in those areas.

  • A solid plate iron is recommended.
  • If using an iron with holes, apply heat only with the solid portions of the plate.
  • If the design is larger than the iron surface, use the lift-and-set method described below.

Applying Heat

  1. Place the iron on top of the parchment paper.
  2. Do NOT move the iron.
  3. Apply medium to firm even pressure for 15 seconds.
  4. Lift the iron and place it on the next section of the design.
  5. Repeat until the entire design has been heated.

⚠️ Important: Do NOT slide or move the iron across the design. This can damage both the rhinestones and the iron.

Removing Transfer Tape

  1. Remove the parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. Allow the transfer tape to cool for about 20 seconds.
  3. When the tape is warm to the touch, slowly peel it away from the garment.

⚠️ The transfer tape will be very hot. If stones begin lifting:

  • Lay the transfer tape back down.
  • Cover with parchment paper again.
  • Reapply medium/firm pressure for 15 seconds.

Final Heat Setting

  1. After removing the transfer tape, place the parchment paper back over the design.
  2. Repeat the 15-second press process across the entire design.

Backside Heat Application

  1. Turn the shirt inside out so the back of the rhinestone design faces up.
  2. Place parchment paper over the design area.
  3. Apply light, even pressure for 10 seconds.
  4. Repeat until the entire design has been heated.

Key Application Tips

For best results, the most important factors are:

  • Medium to firm even pressure
  • Correct heat (335°F)

Care Instructions

  • Always wash your Bling T-Shirt inside out.

Product & Safety Information

Our low-lead stones have been tested by the manufacturer to meet federal requirements of less than 100 ppm lead content. Crystiques did not conduct the testing. Documentation from the manufacturer can be provided upon request.

Safety Warnings

Choking Hazard

Loose rhinestones and small objects can pose a choking hazard to children and pets. Keep these items out of reach.

Lead Warning

Korean, Chinese, and Swarovski lead crystal rhinestones from other suppliers may contain lead.

  • Do not allow children to place rhinestones near their mouths.
  • Inspect rhinestones for chips or breakage before wearing.
  • Broken crystals may cause cuts or scratches.
  • Small loose crystals can be swallowed and create a choking hazard.

Do not allow children or pets to play with rhinestones.

California Proposition 65 Warning

Handling products made from leaded crystal may expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or reproductive harm.

Children's Safety Notice

May not be safe for children 12 years and under.

Due to lead regulations:

  • Do not apply rhinestones to garments intended for children under 12.
  • Not recommended for baby onesies, bibs, or any garment a child may place in their mouth.

By applying rhinestones containing lead composites, you assume full liability.