Spray Painted Glass Beads for Jewellery and Decoration

Spray painted glass beads are glass beads with an added colour, engraving or decorative coating on the surface. The result is glass beads with a bright metallic effect, graduated shades or multicoloured patterns.

The category is mostly rounds, but there are ovals and cylinders too, in a range of sizes and colours. They come as ready-made strands, with the count, pattern and bead size varying by model.

Types of Spray painted glass strand

• Dyed and spray-coated — colour applied over the glass, giving two-tone or graduated effects on some models.
• Galvanised and electroplated — the glass surface has a metal coating for a gold, silver or other metallic effect.
• Painted and engraved — an added design, symbols or outline detail that gives the bead more character.
• Rainbow effect — a surface coating that shifts shade with the light and the angle you view the bead from.
• Crackle beads — beads with a crackle effect resembling crushed ice. They are created through thermal shock.

On some models the decorative effect sits on the surface, so keep the finished piece away from heavy rubbing, perfume and solvents. If you’re after the natural look of glass with no added finish, take a look at the plain glass strands.

Shapes, colours and sizes

• Rounds. The most common shape here — models at around 6, 8, 9, 10 and 12 mm.
• Ovals. The longer shape changes the rhythm of a strand and sits well between round beads.
• Cylinders. The larger cylindrical models can act as a central element or pair with smaller beads.
• Colours and combinations. You’ll find white, black, red, blue, green, purple, pink, yellow, orange, plus two-tone and multicoloured options.

What they’re used for

• Bracelets and necklaces. Use one colour for an even strand, or mix several for a more colourful design.
• Earrings. The smaller beads are handy for dangly earrings and colourful accents.
• Scrapbooking and craft projects. The small beads can be glued to cards, boxes, frames and other decorative surfaces with the right glue.
• Festive decoration. Use the colourful models for Christmas and Easter projects, gift wrap, decorating objects and small souvenirs.

What else you’ll need

Painted beads already bring a strong colour or decorative effect, so the other materials can stay simple. For jewellery, combine them with cords and elastics, metal spacers or a leather cord.

With busier models, pick one colour from the bead itself and repeat it through the other elements. That ties the colours together without the strand turning too busy.

For decorations you’ll want a suitable glue; for jewellery, a base to string on and parts to finish:

Cords and elastics

for stringing

Metal spacers

for contrast

Clasps and parts

for finishing

Glues

for decorations

Frequently asked questions