How to Apply Reflective Glass beads. Retro-reflection explained.

[@smol_yote]

I’m looking into ways to apply this to my carhartt raincoat to get it reflective like a hi-vis jacket would, but wanting to retain the mostly brown carhart look

[@B_Lammons]

Would the powder version be better for simulating the 3M reflective vinyl wrap? Spray painting car parts like brake calipers

[@boldkojak2734]

Thank you … this is informative 👍

[@robert5]

I am investigating these as a way to reduce heat loading on my house siding. Apply these to a clear coat sprayed on. This may reduce my need for air conditioning since the wall well reflect light thus less heat will be absorbed and reduce wall temperature. Going to test this idea with a OSB panel. Will paint it then ad these beads to 1/2 the panel then test the temperature on the back side and compare one side and the other un-coated side. All it has to do is reduce the temperature a few degrees and this will result in a lot less BTU's of heat being absorbed by the walls and lower the need for air conditioning and reduce electric cost. If it works my South facing walls will then get a clear anti UV type coating with the beads dusted on.

[@ColeSafetyProducts]

Great idea! Beads are also great insulators so that helps too.

[@MikeinSonoma]

All the video i’ve found show it done on a table, you can turn the work on the side the dump off the beds, how about people doing it on their driveway? If you’re on a budget how dense do the beads need to be can we use a pepper shaker carefully so it’s all used or do you need need to be over applied?

[@ColeSafetyProducts]

For a larger job we would recommend our High Index Standard Glass Beads. Use a thick Acrylic Paint then sprinkle on top while wet....Very Bright!

[@noxstella86]

Do you have to use traffic class paint, or can you use any kind of pain? I wish to use acrylic because it is cheap and easy. Would that work?

[@noxstella86]

Also, is there any kind of finish that can be used to protect the paint that won't ruin the reflectivity of the glass?

[@jamesnjjames4730]

Ok dumb question....since drivers are typically above their headlights if I use these on a bicycle trailer will they see the reflectiveness?

[@ColeSafetyProducts]

Yes...give or take a few feet drivers are pretty much in line (eye level) with the head lights...so definitely will reflect.

[@Hamish_A]

Will the beads also improve the slip resistance of the surface?

[@ColeSafetyProducts]

No in fact they can be slippery. You would need to add something like sand to the paint for Anti slip. The beads on top would be for reflectivity.

[@manman8998]

I wondering how to make this reflective paint in 1 layer, the paint mix up with reflective bead. Or it only can apply in 2 layer process.

[@ColeSafetyProducts]

Can not mix beads into paint..they will not reflect properly. Two Step Process...Sprinkle on beads while paint is still wet.

[@mincraftrules2]

Can a person use glass beads that they use in bead blasting to achive same reflective effect?

[@ColeSafetyProducts]

Depends on the type of bead

[@agoymusic2302]

Have you ever try to applied the glass beads on shoes ?

[@ColeSafetyProducts]

Yes would recommend High Index Micro-beads Type 23 ...use a stencil..paint the shoe then sprinkle on beads...let dry remove stencil.

[@celesteharmon-rk5zt]

I'll buy some if anyone will reflective bead me up a pair of shoes.

[@thistledewoutdoors3331]

Can you apply these reflective beads in automotive clear coat? I'm pretty sure I was told I could but after I did a spray out I can't hardly see any reflectivity. I am using it for making a sign

[@ColeSafetyProducts]

Can not be mixed into a paint even clear. Mixing in paint inhibits the glass beads from receive light.