Airport Grade -High Index Reflective Glass Beads (meets Federal Spec TT-1325)

$14.95

Shipping to United States: $3.50


Airport Grade -HIGH INDEX REFLECTIVE GLASS BEADS - TYPE 3 - Airport Beads

Beads are Type 3 with a refractive index of >1.93
(180-600 microns, sand like texture)

- Color: Beads are clear
- FAA and ICAO approved
- US Federal Spec. TT-B-1325D Type 3
- >1.93 Refractive Index
- Size: 180-600 microns, 30-80 US Mesh

Make your art really pop with High Index Reflective Glass Beads!!! All of our High Performance reflective glass beads made using a unique and revolutionary manufacturing process and meet federal and state specifications for size, reflection and roundness (TT-1325D)
Purest raw materials are melted into highly reflective materials and shaped to fine glass beads.

Sprinkle on top of wet paint, glue, paste or any adhesive medium.

These beads offer high performance and durability due to their extremely smooth surfaces, greater than > 98 % roundness and less than 1% air inclusions. Applications include reflective sheeting, signs, sculpture, arts, crafts, reflective paints and more.

$14.95 for 4 ounces
$21.95 for 8 ounces
$29.95 for 16 ounces

Shipping from United States

Processing time

1 business day

Estimated shipping times

  • Canada : 3 - 7 business days
  • United States : 1 - 5 business days

I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.

Customs and import taxes

Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.

Payment Options

Secure options
  • Accepts Etsy gift cards

Returns & Exchanges

I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations

Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery

Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery

  • Custom or personalized orders
  • Perishable products (like food or flowers)
  • Digital downloads
  • Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
  • Conditions of return

    Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.

    Questions about your order?

    Please contact me if you have any problems with your order.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I apply reflective glass beads?

    To apply reflective glass beads just sprinkle the beads on top of paint or the adhesive medium while that medium is still wet or tacky. Be sure not to push the beads down into the medium just sprinkle on top and let dry. If glass beads are pushed down too far into the medium, they will not reflect as well. After the medium dries brush off the beads that did not stick collecting them for later use.
    Applying to a vertical surface is tricky. The glamourous way is to use a gravity feed air gun or sandblaster. Most people do not have sandblasters or air guns laying around. Therefore, here is the easiest way we have found. Toss the reflective glass beads onto the wet medium (paint.) Be sure to collect beads using plastic sheeting.

    Will color come through from underneath the beads or Lightning Brand reflective paint?

    Yes, however reflective glass beads and Lightning Brand Paint are retro-reflective and will reflect back the color of the light source directly back to the source. When there is color underneath the color will show through however, usually lighter than original color depending on the light source.

    Can I mix beads into paint?

    No, beads need light in order to reflect back that light. It is important to note that even applying a clear coat over the reflective glass beads will greatly reduce or negate reflectivity. Mixing reflective glass beads into paint will only give you a nice texture but no retro-reflection.

    Custom and personalized orders

    The Department of Transportation recommends 5-6 pounds of reflective glass beads for every gallon of paint used. So 2 pounds of glass beads for every quart, 1 pound of beads for every pint. Do not mix beads into paint they will not reflect because glass beads need light in order to reflect light back to the source. A gallon of thick latex/acrylic paint will cover about 80-100 square feet

    What are people using reflective glass beads for?

    Reflective glass beads are typically applied to make an object or surface more visible and safe. Over the years we have had many clients use these glass beads in wonderfully creative and unusual ways. For instance, we have had Disney, Hollywood studios and Film companies use the beads for chromatography as well as special effects. Clients have used beads to mark weather balloons, sea buoys, hunting trails, trucks and more. One creative customer used our High Index Glass Beads to enhance the rims of a vintage Ford Model A. Artists use our glass beads in sculptures, paintings, prism light boxes, canoes, fashion, jewelry, signs, urban murals, screen printing and more. What creative idea will you have?

    What does retro-reflective mean?

    Retro-Reflection happens when light enters the bead finds the edge and is returned directly back to the source of that light only. Retro-reflection is directional. You only see the reflective glass beads reflect when your eyes are at the same level or in between the light source and the beads. Factors that affect the brightness (refractive index) are clarity, roundness and inclusions/air bubbles. The size of the reflective glass bead affects the angles that the bead can reflect.

    Can I put a clear coat over the beads to protect them?

    No, glass beads will not reflect properly because light cannot find the edge of the glass beads in order reflect.

    Reviews (8)

    Average:

    Excellent company. Answered all my questions. Perfect product for my application. Thank you.


    Great product! Arrived on time and worked perfectly on my sign!


    Received very quickly. Finally had opportunity to paint and use the beads - was easy and very pleased with reflective quality for outdoor house number sign. Found that a little of the glass beads go a long way but will be buying fro this seller again if needed.




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