A Guide to Miyuki Bead Finishes
Miyuki beads are known for their perfect shape, vibrant colours, and variety of finishes. Each finish has its own unique look and durability, which can affect how well it holds up over time. In this guide, we’ll explain the different types of Miyuki bead finishes and their durability, helping you choose the right one for your next project.
| Bead Finish | Description |
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Ceylon
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Look: Ceylon beads have a pearly, almost soft glow, giving them a delicate and elegant appearance.
Durability: Ceylon beads are durable under normal conditions. |
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Duracoat
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Look: Duracoat beads feature an additional protective layer over their finish. They come in various finishes such as metallic, galvanised, and opaque.
Durability: Duracoat finishes are some of the most durable available, designed to resist wear, friction, and exposure to oils without fading or rubbing off. |
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Dyed
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Look: Dyed beads are bright and colourful, with the colour applied to the surface of the bead.
Durability: Dyed beads are more prone to fading, particularly when exposed to water, sunlight, or skin oils. It’s best to use these in designs that won’t see heavy wear. |
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Galvanised
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Look: Galvanised beads have a shiny, metallic coating that gives them a polished look.
Durability: Traditional galvanised finishes can wear off with time, and silver may become yellowed. Take care when using perfumes or hand creams. |
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Lined
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Look: Lined beads have a coloured or metallic core with a transparent or translucent outer layer, giving a distinctive glow.
Durability: Generally durable, but the inner lining can wear down over time with friction. More durable than dyed or galvanised beads. |
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Lustre
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Look: Lustre beads have a smooth, polished finish that gives them a soft, pearly shine.
Durability: Lustre beads are generally very durable, but the polished finish may lose its shine over time in heavy wear. |
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Matte
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Look: Matte beads have a non-shiny, flat finish that gives them a more muted and soft look.
Durability: The matte finish is fairly durable, although with heavy use, it may smooth out slightly over time. |
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Metallic |
Look: Metallic beads have a reflective, shiny surface that looks similar to metal.
Durability: These are relatively durable to colour off due to drying and curing of the coating film. |
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Opaque
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Look: Opaque beads have a solid, non-transparent colour that stays consistent.
Durability: Opaque beads are very durable and resistant to fading, making them ideal for high-use projects. |
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Plated
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Look: Plated beads have a coating of metal, such as gold, silver, or copper, for a rich, luxurious appearance.
Durability: Plated finishes can wear off with time, especially in high-contact areas. Plated finishes contain metal and may cause a reaction in those with a metal allergy. |
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Rainbow
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Look: Rainbow beads feature an iridescent coating that reflects a variety of colours depending on the light angle.
Durability: The rainbow finish is generally durable. |
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Semi-Frosted
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Look: Semi-frosted beads have a translucent, frosted surface, giving them a soft, velvety appearance.
Durability: These beads are durable, with the frosted finish holding up well over time. |
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Silk Satin
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Look: Silk satin beads feature a soft, silky finish, offering a matte, elegant look.
Durability: Despite their delicate appearance, silk satin beads are quite durable, resisting wear with minimal fading. |
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Silverlined
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Look: Silverlined beads have a shiny, metallic core that gives them a reflective, sparkling look.
Durability: Silver may be yellowed or discoloured due to time-related deterioration. |
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Transparent
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Look: Transparent beads allow light to pass through, giving them a glass-like appearance.
Durability: Transparent beads have the colour in the glass itself, so will not fade over time. |
Each finish of Miyuki beads offers its own unique look and level of durability. If you're looking for beads that will stand up to wear and tear, Duracoat, opaque, or metallic finishes are excellent choices. For designs that are more decorative, beads with silverlined, rainbow, or lustre finishes add extra sparkle and shine.