✔ "Glue-like" texture
The glue should have a texture similar to white school glue, not too liquid and not too thick.
👉 This allows you to:
- Apply small dots of glue
- Work calmly
- Place several stones in a row without it drying instantly
✔ Slow (but controlled) drying
This point is KEY.
The glue should take long enough to dry so you can:
- Apply several dots
- Place the crystals with a wax pencil
👉 If it dries too fast:
- You won't have time to work
- Irregular clumps will form
👉 If it dries too slowly:
- The stones may move
Balance is essential.
✔ Dries completely transparent
A good glue should dry invisibly.
This is essential because:
- The leotard is seen from a distance
- Any residue ruins the finish
👉 Adhesives specifically designed for fabric usually dry into a clean, clear resin.
✔ Must not stain or stiffen the lycra
Very important for leotards:
- It should not leave marks
- It should not darken the fabric
- It should not stiffen the area
👉 The lycra needs to remain flexible.
✔ High resistance (IMPORTANT)
A leotard:
- Gets washed
- Stretches
- Moves constantly
That's why the glue must be:
- ✔ water-resistant
- ✔ movement-resistant
- ✔ specific for fabric
👉 The right adhesives maintain their hold even after washing if applied correctly.
⚠️ VERY COMMON MISTAKES
- ❌ Using generic glues
- ❌ Using superglue (like Loctite)
- ❌ Using glues that stiffen the fabric
- ❌ Using glues that whiten
👉 Result: crystals that fall off or an unprofessional finish.
✨ TANITEX TIP
Before using any glue:
👉 Always test it on a scrap of lycra
There you will see:
- How it dries
- If it stains
- If it dries transparent
- If it maintains flexibility
💬 CONCLUSION
A good glue goes unnoticed... but a bad glue ruins the entire leotard.
If you choose wisely:
- ✔ The finish will be clean
- ✔ The crystals will last
- ✔ The leotard will look professional even from the stands