Gem-Tac vs. E6000

Fact Checked and Posted by Adnan Shahriar
Gem-Tac is a premium-quality adhesive best used for glitter and sequins. E6000 is a heavy-duty adhesive best used for woodworking and leatherworking.

Gem-Tac is a high-quality, premium adhesive for several uses. It works on fabrics, jeans, mobile phones, shoes, glasses, glitters, sequins, and more. 

Besides, it’s non-toxic, UVA resistant, and has no unpleasant odor. 

E6000 is a heavy-duty glue for industrial bonding. It’s used for leatherworking, woodworking, arts and crafts projects. 

It is a flexible, versatile, waterproof, and permanent bond adhesive with multiple uses. 

Article Highlights 

  • Gem-Tac is a premium-quality adhesive that doesn’t alter its appearance. 
  • Gem-Tac has UVA resistance, but E6000 doesn’t have that. 
  • Gem-Tac has no unpleasant odor, but E6000 has a low odor. 
  • Gem-Tac is non-toxic, but E6000 has some toxicity, and its vapor is harmful. 

If you compare E6000 with other adhesives, explore articles like E6000 vs. Krazy Glue or E6000 vs. J-B Weld.

Gem-Tac vs. E6000: Detailed Comparison 

Gem-Tac is a permanent glue that effortlessly bonds secure gems and rhinestones. 

It is a premium-quality adhesive that won’t warp or alter the appearance of stones. It is suitable for applying to mirror-backed stones. 

E6000 is a heavy-duty glue known for its exceptional strength, toughness, and flexibility. It is an industrial-strength craft glue that can also be applied to high-wear areas. 

It is also formulated to meet high-performance industrial requirements, making it a versatile adhesive. 

Strength 

Gem-Tac is a water-based, waterproof, and permanent adhesive. It is non-toxic, washable, and can be easily cleaned with water when wet. 

Gem-Tac has three different sizes- 59ml, 118ml, and 236ml. It is a premium quality adhesive that won’t warp or alter their appearance. 

Conversely, E6000 is an industrial-strength adhesive with proper versatility, which is not found in silicones and rubber cement. 

Also, it is non-brittle. That means it doesn’t break down or become brittle at extreme temperatures. It forms a tough and permanent bond with extreme strength. 

The E6000 is also suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. It withstands temperatures from -40 to 180 °F (10 to 32 °C). 

Gem-Tac Adhesive

Cure Color 

Gem-Tac dries clear, taking 24 hours to dry. So, it is a suitable option for a crystal-clear finish. 

E6000 dries clear and transparent. It is non-flammable once cured. 

Features And Benefits 

Gem-Tac comes in different sizes, making it convenient for small to extensive uses. It works best with both flatpack crystals and hot-fix crystals. 

This glue requires only a tiny amount to bond and position to perfection. It also doesn’t emit an unpleasant odor. 

Moreover, it is non-toxic and washable, perfect for easy use and cleaning without damaging the fabric. 

E6000 is a flexible, industrial-strength adhesive. It provides a permanent bond that is also flexible and stretchy but doesn’t break down. 

This glue is also acid-free, photo-safe, washer/dryer-safe, paintable, and waterproof, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor projects. 

E6000 has a shelf life of 2 years, which makes it suitable for long-term use. 

Compatible Materials 

Gem-Tac is suitable for minor-backed stones. It is a versatile adhesive that works on wood, leather, vinyl, and more. 

It also offers permanent bonding on laces, fabrics, glass, and trims, which is why it is versatile. 

E6000 is compatible with metal, wood, fabric, ceramic, glass, fiberglass, vinyl, plastic, rubber, leather, masonry, concrete, and more. 

It is also versatile enough to be used effectively on several surfaces. 

Applications 

Gem-Tac works well to bond gems and rhinestones. It’s easy to embellish fabrics, jeans, jackets, costumes, dancewear, ballgowns, accessories, mobile phones, shoes, glasses, purses, glitter, sequins, and more. 

E6000 is excellent for art, craft, jewelry, woodworking, leatherworking, furniture, and any repairs. 

It’s also worth exploring how it performs for specialized tasks compared to other adhesives, such as E6000 vs. E8000 Glue.

Method of Using 

Gem-Tac helps work with two types of crystals: flatpack and hot-fix (pre-coated for heat activation). 

Flatpack rhinestones can be both glued and fixed into place with a stud gun. Hot-fix comes with a sticky glue activated by heat. But it may not provide good adhesion. 

First, use the flatpack rhinestones to protect the work surface, scraping it if needed to make it clean and dust-free. 

Then, apply the glue and leave it for 24 hours to dry completely. 

And for hot-fix crystals, you only need to activate the glue and stick it. There are some materials that glues won’t stick, like leather or any water-resistant and non-porous materials. 

If you adhere crystals with Gem-Tac, it is recommended that you use flatpack crystals. Hot-fix crystals may not provide satisfying outcomes. 

Another product is the E6000 adhesive, which is super easy to use. After cleaning the surface, apply the glue and wait until it sets. 

Resistance 

Gem-Tac is a water-based, waterproof, UVA-resistant glue that is also flexible and shock-resistant. 

It also becomes more robust and forms a permanent bond when exposed to heat. It has a 2-year shelf life. And with the precision tip cap, it becomes easier to use. 

E6000 also creates flexible bonds that won’t crack, become brittle, or yellow. 

Moreover, it is waterproof, washable, paintable, photo-safe, washer/dryer-safe, and acid-free. 

e6000 craft adhesive

Caution 

Gem-Tac is a non-toxic glue. But you need to follow the techniques when using it. 

Make sure you remove all the dirt and debris before applying the adhesive. 

Wait 24 hours for the glue to work and dry for proper adhesion. Do not push the stone down or touch the back of the stone. These are the things you must be careful about. 

On the other hand, E6000 contains perchloroethylene, which is a cancer agent. It is also a harmful vapor and irritating to the skin. So, having precautions is a must. 

Prolonged exposure to vapor can cause eye irritation, headache, dizziness, and nausea. 

So, avoid inhalation and use an exhaust fan. Also, avoid skin and eye contact. If it gets on the skin, wash your hands immediately. 

If it gets into your eyes, rinse with plenty of water to be safe. 

Editor’s Note 

Gem-Tac and E6000 are both suitable for indoor and outdoor projects. However, Gem-Tac is UVA resistant, unlike E6000. 

Besides, Gem-Tac has no unpleasant odor, while E6000 has a low odor. Gem-Tac is non-toxic, but E6000 has some toxicity and is harmful as a vapor. 

Based on all these, Gem-Tac seems to be the better choice. It’s suitable for jewelry repair, mobile phones, fabrics, jeans, and more. 

E6000 is better for leatherworking and woodworking applications, whereas Gem-Tac isn’t compatible with leather and water-based materials. 

John Gardon
John Gardon
Articles: 55

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