BASIC HOTFIX PRINCIPLES

Hot fix rhinestones have a coating of hot-melt glue on the back, enabling swift, simple application. This glue is activated by heat (applied either directly or indirectly via ultrasound), and bonds with the carrier material. When cooling, the glue hardens and securely and permanently fixes the elements in place. The Huayue Hotfix adhesive is characterized by its wash resistance and easy-care properties. The temperature, application time and pressure can be varied according to the carrier material.

Further details and information can be found in the “Care Instructions” chapter and in the Hotfix Selector table at the end of this chapter.

1 Crystal

2 A – Foiling: A brilliant silver-based (Ag) mirror coating with a rose-colored protective layer

3 Primer: Transparent primer improves the bonding between the hot-melt adhesive and the A-Foiling

4 Hot-melt adhesive: This transparent adhesive, developed by Huayue, allows the application of the crystals on a variety of different materials 90 Application techniques

HOTFIX APPLICATION

Before beginning the application process, you should always check whether the carrier material is suitable for Hotfix application. Please check the following criteria:

— Heat resistance (min. 120 °C/250 °F)

— Resistance against pressure

— Application area of the product

— Suitability of surface properties and absorbency

CHECKING ABSORBENCY VIA THE WATER DROP TEST

The water drop test is a quick and easy way to get an initial idea of the absorbency of the carrier material.

Apply a couple of water drops onto the carrier material. If the material quickly absorbs the drops, it offers good absorbency. If the water pearls off the carrier material, or if it takes a long time to be absorbed, the material offers insufficient absorbency. This can impair the effectiveness of Hotfix application.