Bead Finishes

There are numerous finishes on beads as there are types of beads. Wooden beads are generally opaque, but can have different gloss finishes to add texture and light to the beads.

Following are the finishes that beads are available in:-

Transparent Beads

Transparent beads are clear and transmit light. They are available in all colors. Beads that are lined with silver or other colors begin their life as a transparent bead.

Opaque Beads

Opaque beads are solid-colored and do not allow light to pass through them. Opaque beads also come in matte finishes.

Iridescent, Rainbow or AB (Aurora Borealis)

This finish is applied while the bead is still hot. A rainbow effect is created with the base color creating a variegated surface of purples, greens, reds, blues, yellows. The beads can be clear, metallic or opaque.

Ceylon Beads

Ceylon beads are transparent beads that have been lustered, looking like satin on glass. These beads also look pearled.

Silver-Lined Beads

Silver-Lined beads are transparent beads that have been lined with silver. Silver-lined beads also come in a matte finish that creates a frosted look.

Matte Beads

Matte beads have a non-glare finish.

Galvanized Beads

Galvanized beads are plated with zinc. Be very careful with them because the metallic coating rubs off very easily. The beads may be coated with an acrylic spray to stabilize the finish.

Color-Lined Beads

Color-lined beads are transparent beads that have had an opaque color applied to the inside of the bead. A transparent overlay is then added.

Dyed beads

Dyed beads are transparent beads that have been painted and baked.

Metallic Beads

Metallic beads that appear to be copper, brass, gold, or silver, accomplished through a coating over glass beads.

Luster

Luster beads have a shingy finish on an opaque bead. The beads have a pearled finish look.

Gold Lustered

Gold Lustered beads are transparent beads that have been lustered with a gold finish creating a subtle gold highlight to the bead.