F.A.Q.

F.A.Q.

Q. What are "Hot Fix" embellishments?

A. Hot fix embellishments have a heat sensitive glue backing. When applied with the Kandi Kane or a household iron or a heat press, the glue melts and creates a permanent bond between the crystal and the item it is applied to. On porous surfaces, the embellishments are considered permanent. On non porous surfaces, durability varies and the finished product is best used as decorative items.

Q. What is the difference between "Hot Fix" and "Iron on"?

A. These are the same products. Glues vary according to the manufacturer. Swarovski developed the hot fix technology and leads the world in quality of the glue they use. Swarovski's most recent improvement made the hot fix glue six times stronger than the previous glue and heats at a lower temperature so crystals can be applied quicker.

Q. What is the difference between "Crystals" and "Rhinestones"?

A . Rhinestones are fine for budget projects but when quality really matters Swarovski Crystal is the way to go! Crystals will give you the most sparkle and shine possible and are available in many more colors!

Q. What is a nailhead?

A. Nailheads are flat shiny metallic dots.

Q. What is a rhinestud?

A. Rhinestuds are a metallic as well, however, they are faceted to take on the shape of a rhinestone or crystal. They do sparkle.

Q. How long will my design last?

A. When properly applied and cared for, your design will last the life of the garment.

Q. What is the minimum on custom design orders?

A. We have no minimum order!

Q. Are there discounts for quantity orders?

A. Yes, on wholesale orders we discount designs at 10+ pieces.

Q. How fast can you make my design?

A. Custom design orders typically ship within 7-14 business days. Sometimes even sooner! Rush orders available.

Q. What other elements can I use in my design besides rhinestones?

A. We make designs in hotfix rhinestones, Swarovski Crystal, nailheads, rhinestuds, or nailheads.

Q. What size crystal should I use?

A. For a pave' look, use 2mm or 2.5mm. These can be set very closely together with little of the backgorund showing. Size 3mm is the most popular size and is used extensively for transfer motifs. Size 3.5mm and 4mm add a great bling and work wonderfully with the smaller crystals. Sizes 5mm,6mm and 7mm are primarily used for costuming and large areas.

Q. What is the best way to apply embellishments?

A. On porous surfaces you can use the Kandi Kane®, a household iron* or heat press* (*if this is a flat surface). Use the Kandi Kane® on all uneven surfaces. Non porous surfaces can often be decorated with the Kandi Kane®, however durability will vary. This method is best for items that are not handled or cleaned often. Use clear super glue for best adhesion on non porous surfaces.

Applying with the Kandi Kane® :

~ To apply rhinestones or trims one at a time to specific areas on an item.
~ For surfaces that cannot withstand direct heat from presses (including velvet and delicate fabrics, etc).
~ For decorating hard surfaces. Use a heat press for applying transfers and large quantities of trimmings onto garments and flat fabrics. To hold the embellishments in place, you can use a temporary spray adhesive Applying with a heat press.

NOTE: We recommend briefly ironing the fabric prior to applying trims - this will prepare the surface and eliminate any moisture that may interfere with adhesion.

For use on fabrics, paper, and most porous surfaces.
IT'S AS EASY AS...

1		Place crystals or pearls on a flat surface and use the appropriate size round tip to pick up the item. (For metal nailheads and studs, place them directly onto the surface to be embellished, use either of the two flat tips, and place the Kandi Kane™ tip on top of the nailhead or stud to melt the glue).
2		Wait a few seconds for the special adhesive on the back of the crystal or pearl to begin melting (it will start to look shiny). This should take no longer than 10 - 12 seconds for most items.
3		Place the Kandi Kane™ straight down onto the surface you want to decorate, and lightly tap the surface. Immediately lift the Kandi Kane™ straight up off your surface. The crystal or pearl will be attached to the surface.

Applying with a Household iron :

When using a household iron you will need to use heat transfer plastic, this is great to achieve motifs and larger work.

Step 1: place the transfer on the garment with the glue side of the rhinestones face down in the position you wish the stones to stick.

Step 2: place a piece of fabric or a tea towel over the transfer.

Step 3: Heat up the iron on high heat with steam turned off.

Step 4: (never slide the iron around always lift up and directly press down with each press).Press the iron firmly over the motif for 25 to 30 seconds applying medium to hard pressure on a hard surface, lift and the move the iron to another part of the motif to ensure you cover all the stones.

A the moment the glue on the back of the Hot Fix rhinestones should have melted and cause the rhinestones to bond to the garment, leaving them to cool down will ensure that they bond well, peeling the transfer paper of to early can cause the stones to come loose, 5 minutes should be sufficient.

Step 5: Peel of the clear transfer and check the stones are fitted correctly any loose stones can be re-heated using the nose tip of you iron, only use this way for a maximum of 15 to 20 seconds.

Once you have cover the motif allow the stones to cool, what is happening is that the glue.

Q. How do I decorate surfaces like glass and metal or mobile phone?

A. Use the clear super glue on these surfaces. For the absolute permanent adhesion we recommend ultraviolet machines.

Q. Embellishments do not adhere to the fabric?

A. This is because:

1) The glue has not been melted before placing the crystal on the item. Use the Kandi Kane to pick up the crystal and watch the back of the crystal to make certain the glue looks completely wet / shiney before applying it to the item. - OR -
2) The glue was allowed to dry too much before applying. This is unlikely but can happen if you pick up the crystal and keep it in the tip of the tool too long. Make certain you apply the crystal as soon as the glue looks melted - it will begin to bubble after it is melted - if this happens, just apply as soon as you see the bubbles appear.

Q. Why is glue running onto the fabric?

A. When placing the crystal on your item, place quickly and immediately lift the tip off the item. If you push down on the tip or hold the tip on the item too long the glue can be forced out and around the tip onto the fabric. Unfortunately the glue cannot be removed if this happens.

Q. Why does the transfer film leave an impression on fabric?

A. You may have used too high a temperature or kept the iron on your fabric for too long. On some fabrics, the impression will disappear after the fabric cools. If you have a fabric with a nap, we recommend you apply crystals with the Kandi Kane to prevent crushing the nap.

Q. Rhinestones are sticking in the tip.

A. Rhinestones become stuck usually because:
(1) Too much pressure is used when picking up the rhinestone (sometimes you will even hear a little "click" when you use push down too hard) or
(2) Too much pressure is used placing the hot crystal onto your fabric.
Only a very light touch is needed to pick up or place crystals. Allow the tool to heat and then brush the glue off the tip.

Q. Why is the Kandi Kane not picking up or releasing the crystal?

A. Check to make certain you are using the correct size tip. Make certain the crystal is on a hard, flat surface. Likewise make sure the item you are decorating is on a firm surface. A soft surface will force you to push down on the tip and can result in the crystal getting stuck in the tip. Always clean the tip thoroughly by brushing with a wire brush when you encounter this problem.

Q. What is a transfer motif?

A. The transfers we refer to consist of hot fix embellishments that are placed in a design onto silicone film. The film is clear with one side sticky, similar to Scotch tape. It is heat resistant and meant for a single use.

Q. Can I make my own transfers?

A. Yes, you can purchase the clear Transfer Film, patterns and embellishments on our site. Complete directions are shown below.

Making and Applying Transfer Motifs

Print design you want to make from pattern book / CD or use your own pattern. Tape corners to flat surface.	Cut transfer film slightly larger than the design. Peel off white backing and discard if you are going to apply the design immediately. If not, you can place the white film over the back of the finished design until ready to apply then remove and discard it.
Tape corners of film over the printed design. Choose the color rhinestones you want to use and place them face up on your work surface.	Use the wax tipped sticks or tweezers to pick up each rhinestone and place it over each dot in the design. Make certain the colors are in the correct area of the design.
Continue placing rhinestones until design is completed. Pick up design and, if any colors are incorrect or stones not in the correct location, change/move them.	Place completed design exactly where you want it on your garment.
Place PTFE sheet over transfer design to create an even heating surface and protect the soleplate of your iron.	Pre heat iron to temperature required for your fabric approx 280 - 300 degrees.Place iron on PTFE sheet and move as necessary to heat entire transfer design evenly. Allow approximately 12 to 15 seconds for 3mm or 4mm rhinestones (more time for larger stones).
Allow to cool to touch then slowly peel of transfer film. If any rhinestones are still on the film, replace just this area of film and repress for 5 to 8 seconds.	You can now wear and enjoy your completed transfer motif. To clean, turn inside out and wash on gentle cycle or dry clean. Add additional rhinestones with the Kandi Kane® if desired.
DISCLAIMER: Leather, polyamide, PVC, rubber, plastic, fabrics with silicone or wax finish are not recommended. Since application methods and fabrics / products vary, we are not responsible for any damage in relationship to wear or application of transfers or trims.