Absolutely loved the products! The quality exceeded my expectations and shipping was incredibly fast. Will definitely be ordering again.Sarah Johnson
Description
This lustrous reflective glass pigment reflects brightly when a light source is directed onto its surface.
A glass microsphere is a scaled-down micro version of the cat's eyes that separate the lanes of a highway (motorway) in the dark. The bright reflection can only be seen if viewed from directly behind the light source (headlamps). You may recognise this effect from the strips seen on high visibility vests.
This white reflective powder is composed of tiny microspheres of solid soda-lime glass. The white micro beads are manufactured from the same glass but without the aluminium coating. The white spheres have a particle size of 45-55µm. The 95% sphericity of these microbeads allows for an even particle distribution with a uniform and bright reflection that can be achieved when a light source is directed at the beads.
Use as an additive in non-tarnish, water and solvent-based systems including clear varnishes, or print binders.
The original application for glass microspheres was a simple coating that was applied to theatre and cinema screens almost 100 years ago. The microspheres were added to a clear medium and were then applied by hand to the screen material. The microspheres reflective properties allowed the movie watchers to enjoy a brighter projection of the film they viewed.
Glass microspheres are now widely used in thousands of applications and are used by a wide range of industries including fashion, aerospace, automotive, marine, road markings, health & safety, military, fashion, screen printing inks, paints, varnish, art and print, and design.
You can mix 10-20% of this powder with our glitter binder. This coating is ideal for screen printing onto fabrics and textile.
Trade pricing is available on orders of 2kg+. Please contact us if you require larger volumes.
Please view the MSDS and TDS before use.
The information supplied in this product description is for guidance only.
Please fully test our products before print runs, projects, installations and production.
Colours and packaging may vary.
What Our Customers Say
Great customer service and even better products. The team went above and beyond to make sure I was satisfied with my purchase.Mike Chen
I've been shopping here for over a year now and the quality is consistently excellent. Highly recommend to anyone looking for reliable products.Emma Davis
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is SFXC ?
SFXC is a family-owned UK-based business specialising in innovative and creative materials for commercial, domestic, and educational projects. Since launching in 2008, we’ve grown into a trusted brand for special effects and smart materials worldwide.
What makes SFXC different ?
As smart material specialists, we not only source, manufacture, and distribute unique pigments, coatings, and plastics — we also offer expert advice, extensive testing, and a passion for pushing the limits of creativity.
What industries do you work with ?
We work with everyone — from artists and universities to automotive giants, film productions, fashion labels, printers, space exploration, and even the military! If your project needs a creative spark, we’re here to help.
What special effect materials do you offer ?
Our technologies include Liquid Crystal, Thermochromic, Photochromic, Hydrochromic, Glow in the Dark, Fluorescent, Pearlescent, Colour Changing, Holographic, Conductive, Reflective, Scented, Invisible, and Infrared materials. We also offer a range of additives and binder systems.
Do you offer project support ?
Absolutely! Our full Design Service can help with R&D, material sourcing and consultancy, product design and manufacturing, direct marketing, print and design, and installations. We love helping our customers bring their ideas to life.