Custom Rhinestones

Also referring to “bling” or “hot-fix stones”, rhinestones are sparkling stones of various sizes, shapes, and colors used to create a design. Costs for this type of decoration may be high depending on the design and quantity ordered. For an alternative method of sparkling decoration, check out either our metallic ink screen printing or glitter flake vinyl options.

Equipment:
Here is how it works.  First, we use a vinyl cutter and special fabrics to cut a pattern out for small, simple orders using one or two colors or stone sizes. Second, rhinestones are then brushed into place. Next, a clear transfer paper is placed on top of the stones to pick them up out of the template. For large orders and/or complex designs, we outsource the transfers from companies overseas due to the cost benefit. Then, the transfer is then laid down on top of a garment and heat pressed to bond the stones to the fabric. Finally, The transfer paper is then removed and the shirt is finished.

We use a GX-24 cutter and a Hix heat press to print rhinestone shirts.

Left: Our GX-24 cutter; Right: Misc Rhinestones, Rhinestuds, and Backer Boards

Artwork:

We require vector art for creating rhinestone designs.
-File types: Corel Draw (.cdr), Adobe Illustrator (.ai), .svg, .eps, and in some cases, .pdf files. Please DO NOT use Photoshop and save it as an EPS file…it is not the same as a vector art .eps file made with vector art software.
If you don’t have professional graphic design software, you can have us create something for you. We can also convert raster images to vector art for a fee.

Print Locations:

We can attach rhinestones to almost any area of a garment.

Printable Fabrics:

A variety of fabrics will work for rhinestones, including, but not limited to: 100% cotton, 50/50 cotton/polyester blend, tri blends, and 100% polyester. For rhinestones to be securely attached to a garment, a hot heat press is required. The fabrics being decorated bust be able to withstand the high temperature and pressure of a heat press. Never washed or worn apparel is recommended. If previously worn apparel is to be decorated, it is recommended the garment is washed five times in water only prior to remove any detergents from the fabric. Chemicals/detergents remaining in the garment could burn when heat pressed.

Stone Colors:

We currently stock Light Siam (red), orange, topaz (gold), green, aqua, amethyst (purple), clear, and black stones in various sizes. Many additional colors, sizes, and shapes can be ordered.

Curing:

The glue bonding the rhinestones to the garments is very high quality. When attached with a quality heat press for the proper time and temperature (like the ones we have), rhinestones can last for years. People that complain about rhinestones falling off generally refer to garments that were made with inferior quality stones, attached with an iron or cheap heat press instead of a heavy duty commercial heat press, and/or pressed at the wrong time or temperature.

Garment Care:

Once you have your garment, proper care is necessary to achieve a normal garment and print life. For all garments, we recommend cold-water washing inside out and hang drying. You may tumble dry on fluff (no heat). Never iron over the decoration. Following these steps will help you achieve the maximum amount of life for your garment. Remember, no garment or print is designed to last forever!

We have samples of all this and more in our office. Please contact us to schedule an appointment and check them out, get your questions answered, and see if rhinestone decoration is right for your apparel project!

A+ Images is based in Indianapolis. Explore our service areas and contact our team to discuss your location and delivery needs.

Contract pricing is also available.

For questions about rhinestones, please contact us via email, or call 317-405-8955.