Fire Brand Bubble Beads

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.