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This week is our final in our series of articles about different types of beads. If you missed any of them there will be links at the end so you can read them all.

This week we are looking at acrylic and plastic beads. There is a little snobbery about acrylic beads, with some thinking they are not as good as glass, metal or other materials. There are some acrylic beads that are very low quality, but there are also many that are exceptional quality and they certainly have a place.

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One group of beads in this group are Lucite beads. Lucite was used in the 40’s and 50’s to make hood ornaments, especially on Pontiacs. Vintage Lucite beads are highly sort after, but there are also contemporary Lucite beads available, especially in flower and leaf shapes. Lucite is very durable, whilst being very light, allowing for creations with large numbers of beads without it being unwearable. Lucite beads are also usually carved out of pieces of Lucite, unlike other acrylic or plastic beads which are pressed into moulds. For this reason Lucite beads do not have seam lines.

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Other group in this category are Resin beads, which have become very popular recently. Like Lucite, Resin is light and durable, and many have a lovely frosted finish. Resin beads are available in many shapes and sizes, as well has a multitude of different colours.

The manufacture of acrylic beads has improved greatly in recent times, leading to the development of durable and much higher quality beads being available. Acrylic beads also tend to be lower cost, making them an economical choice.
 
Photos courtesy of
PatchesDestash
EurekaEureka
matsbeads
 
Bead Types Series
Bead Types
Bead Types - Glass Beads Part 1
Bead Types - Glass Beads Part 2
Bead Types - Metal Beads
Bead Types - Gemstones
Bead Types - Pearls
Bead Types - Ceramic
Bead Types - Polymer Clay


Bead Types - Acrylic/Plastic
18 March 2010, 6:57 am
Source: Jennifer Mercer, Handmade News Columnist
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