REFLECTIVE POWDER
Retro-Reflective Glass Micro-Spheres
High performance retro-reflective powder designed to reflect light back to its source.
A range of light-reflecting powders / additives, made using high-index microscopic glass beads, which when hit by a beam of light, reflect the light back at the source to sparkle back like thousands of tiny cats-eyes. This ‘frost-like’ characteristic also makes this product suitable for other more creative artistic uses.
Reflective materials have traditionally been used mainly in products like traffic signs and safety clothing, but as people have become more craft orientated and resourceful, Starglow Reflective Powders are now being used for many new and innovative applications.
So what are Reflective Powders?
Starglow Reflective Powders are microscopic glass spheres (beads) which act as tiny parabolic reflectors and reflect light directly back to its source. This effect known as retro-reflection is most commonly used in road safety signs and reflective strips on safety jackets.
Reflective Powders are suitable for use in hundreds of safety, commercial, artistic and craft applications. Starglow Reflective Powders are safe and non-toxic and will last many years.
Will this powder do what I want?
Its almost impossible to answer this question with absolute certainty as every situation is different from the next and every customer has different expectations and needs.
The only way to know for sure is to try it and see. To this end we do have small sample packets available to buy on this web site.
Please note: Due to the simple nature of this product, it can never equal the performance of manufactured reflective materials, such as those used on safety jackets and metallised multi-layered reflective traffic signs, but its still good, and as close as you can get in a powder form! (particularly Ultra Reflective).
Reflective coatings work best when reflecting from a distance rather than close up. In much the same way as a distant road sign reflects when driving towards it at night.
Under normal light conditions the powder coating should be clear and unobtrusive, so to see the reflective effect yourself, try taking a flash-photo from around 4 – 5m away and you’ll see the reflection in the photo. The end-result will depend on light / flash strength and relative distance etc, but you get the idea.
Reflective powders are not to be confused with commercial ‘powder-coat paints’ and are not suitable for use with high temperatures. Please contact us if you have any queries before purchasing.
Reflective Powder at a glance
Whilst it is the more reflective of the two, ultra reflective being semi metalised for better performance, will tend to slightly darken a white / light surface making appear light grey. Use clear reflective where ‘colour neutrality’ is paramount (ie: the background colour should be clearly visible under normal lighting conditions.
Instructions for surface powder-bond coating…
- Prepare the surface to be coated by cleaning to remove all traces of dust, dirt, grease, oils and wax etc.
- Apply a THIN and EVEN coating of STARGLOW Powder Bond to a water based (non-solvent) primed surface.
- Whilst the Powder Bond is still wet, dust-coat with Reflective powder until the surface is fully and evenly covered.
- Leave to dry for 1 hour then tap away the excess powder to be re-used.
- If required, a second coat may be applied after 8 hours curing.
A simple way to test if you have applied the powder correctly is to take a ‘FLASH’ photo with your smartphone from at least 3m (10 feet) away. When you look at the photo you should see a bright reflection from the coated surface. The flash and the lens of the phone are ideally (closely) positioned to get the best effect from the retro-reflective effect. The overall effectiveness is very much dependent on light / flash intensity and distance.
Do NOT apply any kind of top coat as this will prevent the powder from working.
Do NOT mix into ordinary paints or any other coloured / solid medium.
Do NOT grind or mill the powder as this will damage its structure and prevent it from working.
This powder is NOT suitable for use in high temperature applications or use in extreme conditions.
Reflective powders are very durable and long-lived making them suitable for many indoor and outdoor uses.
Reflective powders are non-soluble in water and solvent mediums. Avoid use with acids and strong alkalines.
Starglow Reflective powders are eco-safe and non-toxic.
We are so convinced our powders are the best reflective powders you can buy, we guarantee* them for 10 years.
* Guarantee excludes external use and wear and tear. Click icon for details.