Swarovski Heat application/ironing instructions for Swarovski Flat Backs Hotfix, Transfers, Crystal Fabric, Crystal Transfabric, Crystaltex (Hotfix), and Crystal Mesh (Hotfix).
Image Source: Swarovski Application Manual, EN2009
Water Drop Test
Swarovski recommends doing a water test to determine if the carrier material (material to which you intend to apply the hotfix articles) can absorb the glue. A drop of water on the carrier material will be sufficient. If water drop just sits on the surface of the material, then it does not have sufficient absorbency.
While washing some materials before use might help increase their absorbency, waterproofed materials will generally not absorb moisture or glue.
Very fine fabric (e.g. organza), smooth leather and imitations thereof, tightly woven fabric, silicone or wax finished fabric may not be suitable for Hotfix applications.
Swarovski’s Hotfix glue has been specifically designed for used with textiles. However it has been shown that Hotfix articles can also be applied to more unusual surfaces, e.g. wood, paper, metal, glass. If thinking of using these materials, application tests should be carried out beforehand.
Ironing as Hotfix Application
Ironing is one of the easiest heat application methods. It can be used for SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS that have special Hotfix glue on the underside of the crystals.
When using an iron, do NOT steam. Water and steam adversely affect the application results.
- Always iron on a firm, flat surface.
- Set iron to moderate setting (for silk or wool). Generally between 120 -170° C | 250-340° F
- If needed, cut as close to hotfix design as possible.
- Peel off white backing.
Position hotfix design on fabric. Hotfix glue side on the garment.
Place a thick board or felt on the underside. This helps to prevent marking the fabric on the other side.
Place ironing cloth, calico, thick cotton material, baking paper, teflon pad on top of your hotfix design. This will help protect the sole of your iron from any glue residue.- Place heated iron directly on top of your hotfix design.Do NOT move iron to and fro. Apply moderate pressure.(If you are working on large piece, work this way throughout from area to area.)
- Apply pressure for about 10 seconds. Life iron. Use your hands to press down on ironing cloth through to the hotfix design. Use firm presure.
- Wait till it cools. Slowly peel back transparent foil, checking if crystals have fused properly to fabric. If not, repeat from step 8.
The steps, when written down, may seem overly long. That is the nature of written instructions. But when you do it, it will be oh-so-much-Easier!
Note that this articles deals with one of the easiest hotfix application methods: ironing. There are also other heat application methods like heat presses, rhinestone hotfix applicators, stone setting machines, and so forth. But I ain’t covering those here.
