One of the most common questions new beadable pen crafters ask is: should I use silicone beads or acrylic bubblegum beads? The honest answer is -- both! But they each have unique qualities that make them better suited for different situations. In this guide, we break down the differences so you can make the best choice for your next project.
What Are Silicone Beads?
Silicone beads are made from food-grade silicone -- the same material used in baby products and kitchen utensils. They're soft, flexible, and incredibly durable. Silicone beads come in a wide range of colors and are available in round, hexagonal, and other shapes.
Key characteristics of silicone beads:
- Soft and flexible -- won't crack or shatter
- Food-grade and non-toxic -- safe for all ages
- Matte finish with a slightly textured feel
- Available in hundreds of colors
- Lightweight and comfortable to hold
What Are Acrylic Bubblegum Beads?
Acrylic bubblegum beads are large, round beads made from acrylic plastic. They're named bubblegum beads because of their round shape and bright, candy-like colors. Unlike silicone beads, acrylic beads have a smooth, glossy finish that catches the light beautifully.
Key characteristics of acrylic bubblegum beads:
- Hard and rigid -- hold their shape perfectly
- Glossy, shiny finish that adds sparkle
- Available in solid colors, glitter, and metallic finishes
- Slightly heavier than silicone beads
- Great for adding visual contrast and texture
Silicone Beads vs Acrylic Bubblegum Beads: Head-to-Head
Durability
Silicone beads win here. They're flexible and virtually unbreakable -- they'll bend before they break. Acrylic bubblegum beads are hard and can crack if dropped on a hard surface, though they're generally quite durable for everyday use.
Appearance
This comes down to the look you're going for. Silicone beads have a soft, matte finish that gives pens a natural, tactile feel. Acrylic bubblegum beads have a glossy, eye-catching shine that makes colors pop. Many crafters love combining both for the best of both worlds.
Comfort
Silicone beads are softer and more comfortable to hold for long periods, making them ideal for pens used daily. Acrylic beads are smooth but slightly harder, which some people prefer.
Color Range
Both types come in a huge range of colors, but acrylic bubblegum beads have an edge when it comes to special finishes -- glitter, metallic, iridescent, and glow-in-the-dark options are more commonly available in acrylic.
Price
Both are very affordable, though acrylic beads tend to be slightly less expensive when bought in bulk.
When to Use Silicone Beads
- When making pens for children -- silicone is softer and safer
- For everyday use pens that need to be durable
- When you want a soft, natural aesthetic
- When pairing with silicone focal beads for a cohesive look
When to Use Acrylic Bubblegum Beads
- When you want extra shine and sparkle
- For glamorous or luxe-looking designs
- When you need glitter or metallic finishes
- As accent beads mixed with silicone for contrast
The Best Approach: Use Both!
Most experienced beadable pen crafters don't choose one over the other -- they use both! Combining silicone beads with acrylic bubblegum beads creates pens with depth, texture, and visual interest that neither type can achieve alone. Add bead spacers between sections for a polished, professional finish.
Shop Silicone and Acrylic Beads at Beadable Cat
At Beadable Cat, we carry a wide selection of both silicone beads and acrylic bubblegum beads in hundreds of colors and finishes. Whether you're team silicone, team acrylic, or both, we have everything you need to create beautiful beadable pens you'll love.
Browse our full collection today and find the perfect beads for your next project!