Add Sparkle! How to Glue Flatback Crystals in 5 Easy Steps

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When life hands you lemons, make lemonade—or glue flatback crystals onto the surface and bring sparkle to life. Then, why stop there? Add crystals to a host of surfaces and brighten up the corners of your studio, your kitchen cabinet, or even your clothes closet–crystals can be placed pretty much anywhere.

This story starts at the beginning . . .

Awhile back, I used my thermal mug to get coffee at the airport. As my cup progressed down the line to the barista, it carried a sticker with instructions for my drink. After I got to my destination, I tried to remove the sticker. And tried again. Then I tried again after I got back home.

I tried a few different techniques until it became abundantly clear the paint on the mug was ruined. I was so bummed. But then I remembered all those times I thought about adding Swarovski crystals to my reusable cups and figured this was finally the right time.

So I broke out my supplies and got to work.

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This video will help you along, as well as the step-by-steps, below!

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How to Glue Flatback Crystals

Materials

cup or other item to be embellished
fine sandpaper
alcohol wipe
ss6 – ss34 Swarovski crystal flatbacks (affiliate link)
two-part epoxy
toothpick
freezer paper

Steps

1. Lightly sand the area to add a little tooth to the surface. This step may seem unnecessary, but it helps ensure long-term success when you glue flatback crystals.

2. Wipe the sanded area with alcohol to remove any dirt and oil that would prevent proper adhesion. The key to any gluing exercise is cleaning the surface(s) before applying the adhesive.

3. Prepare two-part epoxy per the manufacturer’s instructions: blend equal amounts of part A and part B. It is recommended to use a scale when extruding each part so you’re sure to have equal portions—key to success along with proper blending.

4. Use a spatula or toothpick to apply then spread a thin layer of epoxy onto the cleaned area. It should be a thin coating—enough to hold the crystal but not so much the crystals swim around.

5. Use a tool of your choice with a “sticky” end, like a Crystal Katana (affiliate link), to pick up then place Swarovski flatbacks into the area where you applied epoxy. Press into place.

Repeat to fill in the area. Allow epoxy to cure. I wait at least 24 hours before I wash the embellished area. To be sure, though, follow manufacturer’s instructions when you glue flatback crystals to ensure you don’t undo all your creativity.

After You Glue Flatback Crystals . . .

Need more tips on adhesives? Read Tips for Choosing the Right Glue by Molly Schaller or Beat the Glue Blues by Betsy Lehndorff.

Have fun adding sparkle to the basic parts of your day when you glue flatback crystals to everyday things!

Tammy Honaman
Director of Content, Interweave

Originally published March 2020. Updated January 11, 2022.