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Methods In Buying Swarovski Flat Back Crystals

Posted by Marketing Tactics - 27/02/09 at 04:02:16 am

Rhinestones, a popularized form of decoration that is considered relatively cheap, have long been a favorite among artists. The Swarovski flat back crystal in particular has become an icon for its exceptional shimmer, cut, and wide range of applications. To best make use of your next art project, consider adorning it with the appealing look of Swarovski crystals.

If you aren’t sure whether you’re holding a Swarovski flat back crystal or not, the most simple way to find out is to simply count the amount of “faces” that the crystal has. Rhinestones will have eight facets, while a Swarovski flat back crystal will have a total of fourteen. Because of the extra facets, a Swarovski crystal will give off more glimmer or shine when in the sunlight, and flash brighter in the dark when light strikes it.

Generally, there are two methods in applying a Swarovski flat back crystal to a surface. The first method is to obtain a hot fix crystal, which has glue already applied to the back of the crystal. In order to make it bond to another object, the artist will have to heat the crystal to a considerable level for a certain amount of time. The other method, silver foil back crystals, require that special glue be applied to the object first, and then the placement of the crystal is done.

Silver foil back crystals are used most, since they don’t require excessive temperatures in order to bond the object to the crystal. Instead, they require a glue gun that bonds the object to the crystal without heating either object up too quickly. Generally, silver foil crystals will take 24-48 hours in order to make an appropriate bond with the object, so try to allow time for the glue to finish bonding the objects.

Because the glue can sometimes become weak, it is best to avoid washing clothes with Swarovski flat back crystals when possible. In fact, it is actually best to avoid dry cleaning altogether. If you do wash the clothing and find that the crystal has moved or fallen off, you may apply glue to the old spot again and allow another 48 hours for the glue to finish the bonding process between the crystal and clothing.

Instructions should come with the crystals bought online or at local retail stores. If there isn’t, be sure to consult a hobbyist or go online to learn about how to correctly apply glue, the crystal, and what can or can’t be done. Leather, for instance, is going to be sanded down before applying since it has many oils within it.

Final Thoughts

There are hundreds of art projects that would benefit from a Swarovski flat back crystal. If you need more ideas, try going to other art websites for ways to make use of your precious Swarovski crystals.

Learn more about flatback Swarovski crystals and Swarovski flatback rhinestones.