Acrylic BeadsWHY ACRYLIC BEADS?
As my other “articles” discuss there are many materials used in bead making. I have only recently become acquainted with acrylic beads. Acrylic is a type of plastic, but is superior to other plastics, and even glass for a few reasons. It all depends on what you are looking for in a bead, and what kind of jewelry or other project you are working on. There are pros and cons to every substance, you need to decide what you want and how that fits into the individual item, and how it will affect the final result.
Acrylic comes in many forms and has many applications, but we will be sticking with how acrylic fits into the world of jewelry making and beading. Let us start with some manufacturing pros. Acrylic is easier to cut than glass, with less chance of it shattering. Acrylic can be bent into fantastic shapes, and 2 pieces can be joined by “melting” them together and polishing the seam, which then becomes virtually invisible.
When used in bead making, acrylic beads are half the weight of glass! And unlike glass that can break, shatter, or be scratched, acrylic is quite durable, and if scratched, they can be buffed out.
Clarity? High quality acrylic can be very clear. Almost more so than thick glass. Glass can have a greenish tint to it as it is made thicker, while the acrylic stays clear. And unlike cheap plastic, acrylic does not get brittle or yellow with age. Acrylic that is over one inch thick is even bullet resistant.
One disadvantage to acrylic, like any plastic, is it will melt and eventually scorch if exposed to flame. So don’t wear your acrylic jewelry if you are planning on a campfire!
Another advantage to acrylic is the cost. Acrylic beads are priced to easily fit into your jewelry making costs. Check out some of the pretty acrylic beads below:
Check out the acrylic, stone, and crystal jewelry here!
Acrylic Beads
Beautiful assortment of acrylic beads
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Note: All prices in US Dollars
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