I have often been asked if the colour coating on the seed beads will wear off over time. The answer is unfortunately a YES. No matter what brands or types, the coating does come off or fade after a long period of time, though the better brands will probably take a longer time than its inferior counterparts. Other factors include the technology used in coating the beads, e.g. baked on or dyed, the types of finishes, e.g. galvanised or opaque, and etc.
Recently, I enquired through a seed beads supplier on protecting the coating and this is what she said:
"The metallic color of the glass seed beads may chip or wear away when handled for long periods of time or left in direct sunlight. Like our galvanized silver Delica seed beads, you may be able to extend the life of the bead's color by applying an artist's fixative, such as DesignaSeal."
Another advice came from an editor from Bead & Button Magazine.
"You can temporarily string the beads, spray them with fixative, and then remove them from the strands. You'll want to turn the beads or roll them around and use a couple coats of the fixative to make sure the beads are evenly covered. Make sure to let the fixative dry between each coating."
Personally, I have not tried the artist's fixative spray yet and will probably give it a try sometime later. My tips are:
- Avoid exposing your seed beaded jewellery or seed beads under direct sunlight.
- Clean your jewellery after each wear.
- When working with the seed beads, make sure your hands are clean as sweat can react with the finish on the beads.
- Keep them in cool, dry areas.
- Use good quality/branded seed beads.
Beady Girl carries two main brands of seed beads at her online store. The Czech Rep. seed beads are mainly from Jablonex, which is the world number one company in the production seed beads and elite in their categoary. The Supra seed beads range is from another company and I was informed the finish is a baked-on metallic finish which is more durable than sprayed on metallic finish. The Japanese seed beads are from the renowned Miyuki, the first Japanese seed bead maker. Its online site provides information on the colour durability of its seed beads.
Although I cannot guarantee the colour durability of the seed beads, but I hope the information and tips provided can help to prolong the lives of your masterpieces.
Recently, I enquired through a seed beads supplier on protecting the coating and this is what she said:
"The metallic color of the glass seed beads may chip or wear away when handled for long periods of time or left in direct sunlight. Like our galvanized silver Delica seed beads, you may be able to extend the life of the bead's color by applying an artist's fixative, such as DesignaSeal."
Another advice came from an editor from Bead & Button Magazine.
"You can temporarily string the beads, spray them with fixative, and then remove them from the strands. You'll want to turn the beads or roll them around and use a couple coats of the fixative to make sure the beads are evenly covered. Make sure to let the fixative dry between each coating."
Personally, I have not tried the artist's fixative spray yet and will probably give it a try sometime later. My tips are:
- Avoid exposing your seed beaded jewellery or seed beads under direct sunlight.
- Clean your jewellery after each wear.
- When working with the seed beads, make sure your hands are clean as sweat can react with the finish on the beads.
- Keep them in cool, dry areas.
- Use good quality/branded seed beads.
Beady Girl carries two main brands of seed beads at her online store. The Czech Rep. seed beads are mainly from Jablonex, which is the world number one company in the production seed beads and elite in their categoary. The Supra seed beads range is from another company and I was informed the finish is a baked-on metallic finish which is more durable than sprayed on metallic finish. The Japanese seed beads are from the renowned Miyuki, the first Japanese seed bead maker. Its online site provides information on the colour durability of its seed beads.
Although I cannot guarantee the colour durability of the seed beads, but I hope the information and tips provided can help to prolong the lives of your masterpieces.
It's important to note that not all seed beads have non-permanent finishes. When the glass itself holds the color, then there is no finish to wear off.
ReplyDeleteDear Anon,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your input to the post. Do you have any suggestions on which type/brand of seed beads would have permanent finishes?
I know Toho recently launched its new "permanent galvanised metallic finish" which I am tying it out.
Regards, Cynthia