Understanding the Different Glitter Types: Iridescent, Holographic, and Metallic Glitter

What's the difference in iridescent, holographic, and metallic glitter?

(Just want the bullet point highlights? There's a summary after the Bouji Panda Logo at the end of this under the section TL;DR)

When it comes to adding a touch of fun and flash to artistic projects, glitter is a perfect choice. However, not all glitters are created equal. Iridescent, holographic, and metallic glitters each possess their own unique properties, appearances, and applications. In this quick guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of these three glitter types, highlighting their distinctions and uses.

Iridescent Glitter: A Subtle Shimmer with a Multifaceted Elegance

Looking for some great iridescent glitters? Check out Bouji Panda's Iridescent Glitters for your crafting needs. Click the picture above to view that glitter.

Iridescent glitter exudes a soft, pearlescent shine, adding a touch of magic to any project. It's revered for its subtle, shimmering quality that emanates a soft, captivating glow. On crafts, it grants a gentle sheen that changes color as light hits it from different angles. This captivating effect is achieved by layering multiple transparent colors over a reflective base.

The process of making iridescent glitter involves depositing thin layers of metallic oxides onto a substrate, often a polyester film. These layers interact with light, causing interference and diffraction that results in the shifting colors. This type of glitter is made using precision coating techniques to ensure consistent layer thickness and optimal color play. The final iridescent glitter product consists of a polyester film coated with metal oxides, typically titanium dioxide or similar materials.

Due to its alluring appearance, iridescent glitter usually finds its niche in applications such as crafting, nail art, subtle makeup accents, and elegant event decorations. It's best use is where a delicate play of colors is desired without overpowering the overall design. 

When encased in epoxy resin, iridescent glitter retains its charm, reflecting light through the resin layer, which further enhances its color-shifting quality.

Holographic Glitter: Dynamic and Dazzling

Looking for some show-stopping holographic glitters? Check out Bouji Panda's Holographic Glitters for your crafting needs. Click the picture above to view that glitter.

Holographic glitter takes the brilliance of traditional glitter to a new level. On crafts, it creates a dynamic, multidimensional effect that resembles a mesmerizing play of rainbows. This striking appearance is achieved by embossing a fine layer of holographic material onto a substrate.

The creation of holographic glitter involves impressing microscopically fine patterns onto a reflective film. These patterns diffract light, splitting it into a spectrum of colors that shift as the viewer's perspective changes. Quality holographic glitter requires precision imprinting techniques to ensure intricate and consistent patterns.

The resulting holographic glitter comprises a reflective film with micro-imprinted patterns, usually made from materials like polyester. This type of glitter finds its forte in bold, attention-grabbing applications, such as festival makeup, vibrant party decorations, and eye-catching apparel embellishments. Its shine is intense and kaleidoscopic, creating a high-impact statement.

Under epoxy, holographic glitter maintains its vibrant, multidimensional quality, refracting light through the epoxy layer to produce a dazzling visual spectacle.

Metallic Glitter: Classic Elegance with a Solid Gleam

Looking for some jaw dropping metallic glitters? Check out Bouji Panda's Metallic Glitters for your crafting needs. Click the picture above to view that glitter.

Metallic glitter exudes a classic, refined gleam that mimics the appearance of metals like gold, silver, and copper, but in an infinite amount of colors. On crafts, it imparts a rich, lustrous shine that adds an air of sophistication to the design. This effect is achieved through a simple yet effective process of cutting extremely thin metal sheets into fine particles.

The manufacturing of metallic glitter involves shearing thin metal sheets into small, irregularly shaped particles. These particles are often coated with a protective layer to prevent oxidation and enhance durability. The result is a collection of reflective metal fragments with a consistent shine and texture.

The completed metallic glitter product is composed of these metal particles, offering a range of finishes resembling precious metals. Metallic glitter is a versatile choice, suitable for applications like tumbler cups, holiday-themed projects, elegant cardmaking, and adding a touch of opulence to various crafts. Its shine is bold and solid, making it perfect for designs that demand a touch of timelessness.

When embedded in epoxy, metallic glitter maintains its metallic gleam, adding a touch of richness to the epoxy resin surface.

As you can see, iridescent, holographic, and metallic glitters each bring their own unique charm to the world of crafting and design. While iridescent glitter offers a gentle color shift, holographic glitter dazzles with a rainbow display, and metallic glitter exudes classic elegance. These glitters can be skillfully applied to leave a distinctive and memorable impression.

TL;DR (Just the highlights)

Iridescent Glitter: A Subtle Shimmer with a Multifaceted Elegance

• Soft, captivating glow that changes color as light hits it.
• Created by layering multiple transparent colors over a reflective base and depositing thin layers of metallic oxides onto a polyester film.
• Final product: Polyester film coated with metal oxides (e.g., titanium dioxide).
• Applications: Crafts, nail art, makeup accents, event decorations.
• Best for: Delicate play of colors without overpowering the design.
• Shine: Soft, pearlescent glow.
• Reaction under epoxy: Retains color-shifting charm.
• Bouji Panda's Iridescent Glitters

Holographic Glitter: Dynamic and Dazzling

• Creates a dynamic, multidimensional effect resembling rainbows.
• Achieved by embossing holographic material onto a substrate.
• Produced by impressing microscopically fine patterns onto a reflective film.
• Resulting glitter: Reflective film with micro-imprinted patterns.
• Applications: Crafts, festival makeup, party decorations, apparel embellishments.
• Best for: Bold, attention-grabbing designs.
• Shine: Intense, kaleidoscopic.
• Reaction under epoxy: Maintains vibrant, multidimensional quality.
• Bouji Panda's Holographic Glitters

Metallic Glitter: Classic Elegance with a Solid Gleam

• Imparts a rich, lustrous shine resembling metals like gold and silver, but coming in countless color options.
• Created by cutting extremely thin metal sheets into fine particles.
• Manufactured by shearing thin metal sheets into small, irregular fragments.
• Glitter product: Reflective metal particles with protective coating.
• Applications: Holiday-themed projects, cardmaking, elegant crafts.
• Best for: Adding a touch of timeless elegance.
• Shine: Bold, solid metallic gleam.
• Reaction under epoxy: Maintains metallic sheen in resin.
• Bouji Panda's Metallic Glitters

In Conclusion:

• Iridescent, holographic, and metallic glitters each offer unique qualities.
• Choose based on desired effect: subtle color shift, vibrant rainbow, or classic metallic shine.
• Versatile uses: crafts, nail art, makeup, event decor, apparel embellishments, cardmaking.
• Epoxy interaction: Glitters retain their respective qualities when embedded in resin.