Rhinestone Art: How to Use a Wax Pencil Picker Tool
If you've ever tried to pick up a 2mm rhinestone with your fingers, you already know the problem. It rolls, it sticks to your finger instead of the glue, and by the time you've chased it across the table you've lost your patience and half your rhinestones. A wax pencil picker tool solves that. It's a regular pencil with a wax core instead of graphite, and that little bit of tack is exactly enough to lift a stone, carry it where you want it, and let go the second it touches glue.
I've used both wax pens and wax pencils on hundreds of bedazzling projects, and the pencil is what's stayed in my toolbox. Here's how to use one, why it beats the alternatives, and what to do when your stones won't stick no matter what you try.
What a Wax Pencil Picker Tool Actually Does
A rhinestone applicator is any tool used to apply rhinestones. There are three main ones: the Wax Pen, the Wax Pencil, and the Hot fix heat tool. The wax pen and wax pencil both work as a picker and an applicator in one. The hot fix tool only applies stones, you'll still need a picker to pick them up first.
The stickiness of the wax is just enough to pick up the weight of a rhinestone, and just weak enough to let go the moment you press the stone onto glue. That's the whole mechanism, no suction, no magnets, just the right amount of tack in the right place.
| Tool | Best For | Downside |
|---|---|---|
| Wax pencil | Everyday projects, flat-back and hot-fix stones, and anyone on a budget | Needs occasional sharpening |
| Wax pen | Fast placement on bigger projects | Tip is brittle and can crack if you're not gentle with it |
| Heat fix tool | Hot-fix rhinestones on fabric with no separate glue needed | Slower, and you can scorch fabric if you linger too long |
In my experience, two tools work best for actually picking up rhinestones: the dual tip wax pen and the wax pencil.
The dual tip wax pen comes with a metallic or acrylic handle, and it's two-sided: the wax end picks up the rhinestone, the metal end moves it around if it slides. I've used the fancier, more expensive wax pen a lot over the years, but it doesn't hold up for me the way a wax pencil does. The wax hardens and gets brittle over time, and if the tip breaks off, the whole tool is useless unless you order extra tips, so you're paying twice for a tool that still underperforms. The metal tip can also get sticky with glue and end up pulling the rhinestone back off instead of placing it.
My preferred tool is the wax picker rhinestone pencil. It's the one I reach for almost every time, because you can sharpen it forever with a regular pencil sharpener, so it lasts far longer than a wax pen. Even without a metal tip, the sharpened wax point moves rhinestones around just fine.
For home use, I actually recommend having one of each. But if you only buy one tool, make it the wax pencil. It's not just for rhinestones, it works for crystal beads, flat-back rhinestones, and I've even used it to pick up sequins in one of my classes.
How to Use a Wax Pencil to Pick Up and Place Rhinestones
Place a pinch of rhinestones onto a rhinestone tray. Give the tray a slight shake and most stones flip flat-side down on their own, which makes the next step so much easier.
Sharpen the wax pencil using a pencil sharpener kept just for wax, don't mix it with your regular pencil sharpener.
Lightly touch the sharpened tip to the top of a rhinestone. You don't need pressure, the wax does the work.
Pick the stone up and press it directly onto a dot of glue. That's it.
If wax residue is left behind, wait until the glue is fully dry before cleaning it off. If glue gets on the surface of the rhinestone instead, clean it immediately, it's nearly impossible once it hardens.
For more on which adhesive to use where, I've got a full breakdown here.
Why Your Rhinestones Keep Falling Off
If stones aren't sticking or they're popping off after they've dried, it's almost never the wax pencil's fault. It's usually one of these:
Wrong glue for the surface. Fabric, wood, and glass all grip differently. A glue built for fabric can fail on a slick surface like glass or acrylic. Check out this post for what works best where.
A surface that isn't clean or dry. Dust, oils from your fingers, or leftover moisture all get between the stone and the glue.
Not enough pressure when placing. Hold each stone down for a full second or two instead of tapping and moving on.
Working too slowly. Glue starts setting the moment it's applied, so if you're placing a large design, work in small sections so the glue doesn't skin over before the stone goes on.
If you've checked all four and stones are still loose, it's worth switching glue brands before you blame your technique — some formulas just don't hold up on certain surfaces. I broke down which glue works best for which fabric here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sharpen a wax pencil? Yes — a standard pencil sharpener works fine. Sharpening restores a clean point, which picks up stones more reliably than a rounded, worn tip. This is the main reason a wax pencil outlasts a wax pen.
Can you use a regular colored pencil instead of a wax pencil? Not really. Wax pencils use a specific soft wax formulated to grip stones without leaving residue. A standard colored pencil's graphite core doesn't have the same tack, so stones won't lift consistently.
What's the deal with white tip pencils? White tip wax pencils look and sharpen just like a regular pencil, which makes them easier to hold for some people. They work the same way as any wax pencil, touch the tip to the sparkly side of the stone and lift. They're popular for nail art, and if you're searching for one, add "wax and rhinestone" to your search so you don't end up with an actual colored pencil.
Should you put a clear coat over finished rhinestone work? I don't recommend it. A clear topcoat dulls the sparkle and can trap moisture underneath the stones, which weakens the glue bond over time. If you want extra hold, use more glue or press longer instead.
Can you use rhinestone tools for nail design? Yes, and it's one of the best uses for a wax pencil. Nail techs typically reach for a picker and quality rhinestones, often pairing it with UV gel instead of traditional glue since it's stronger and easier to work with. If you're doing nail art, these favorite nail art tools are worth picking up alongside your wax pencil for detail work.
Where I Get My Rhinestones and Supplies
I get some of my rhinestones from Amazon (linked above), but I get the bulk of my rhinestones from this incredible rhinestone online store. Use coupon code artbeat for 10% off all purchases!
Check out my Amazon Storefront for my must-have art supplies. Delivery times will vary but you can't beat the free shipping!
Conclusion
Once you've got the technique down, a wax pencil is one of those tools you stop thinking about, you just reach for it. If you want to go further and build out full rhinestone designs, that's exactly what I walk through inside Bling It On, from stone selection to finished pieces.
Affiliate disclaimer: Although I stand by all of the products I use, I can receive a small commission from any products purchased via my affiliate links.
