Introduction
Epoxy resin art has exploded over the past five years — from hobbyist craft tables to full-scale commercial production of furniture, flooring, jewellery, home décor, and custom pieces. And at the heart of most resin art projects is glitter.
But glitter in resin isn’t as simple as it sounds. Pour the wrong type of glitter into your resin mix and you’ll end up with bleeding colours, clumping particles, or a finished piece that looks nothing like the vibrant effect you planned.
This guide covers exactly which glitter types and sizes work best in epoxy resin, what properties to look for, and how to source them in bulk.
Why Not All Glitter Works in Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is a harsh chemical environment during the curing process. The resin undergoes an exothermic reaction (generates heat) and contains chemical compounds that can:
- Dissolve or bleed the colouring from non-resistant glitter
- Cause glitter to clump or sink before curing is complete
- React with metallic coatings, causing oxidation or discolouration
- Interact with glitter adhesives or binders, causing haziness in the resin
This is why solvent resistance is the most critical property when selecting glitter for resin applications.
The Most Important Property: Solvent Resistance
Solvent-resistant glitter is manufactured with coatings specifically designed to withstand exposure to chemicals including:
- Epoxy resin components (hardener and base)
- Polyester resin (which is even more aggressive than epoxy)
- Acetone and alcohol (used in cleaning and surface prep)
- UV resin systems
When purchasing glitter for resin in bulk, always ask your supplier for solvent resistance test results. At American Glitters Inc., our industrial and polyester glitter range is batch-tested for solvent resistance as a standard quality control step.
Best Glitter Types for Epoxy Resin
Polyester Glitter — The Industry Standard
Polyester (PET) glitter is the most widely used type in resin applications. It is chemically stable, solvent-resistant (when properly coated), and available in the widest range of colours, effects, and particle sizes. Our industrial polyester range is the most popular choice for resin artists and manufacturers.
Holographic Glitter
Holographic polyester glitter works beautifully in clear resin — the rainbow light diffraction creates a stunning visual effect. Use fine holographic for a subtle sparkle or chunky holographic for a dramatic statement piece. Note: not all holographic coatings are solvent-resistant — verify before use in resin.
Chunky Glitter Flakes
Irregular chunky flakes (0.040” to 0.094”) create a multi-dimensional, almost three-dimensional effect in clear resin. Particularly popular for resin coasters, trays, and jewellery. The larger the particle, the more it tends to sink to the bottom of the resin — factor this into your pouring technique.
Chameleon / Colour-Shift Glitter
Colour-shifting glitter that changes between two or more hues depending on the viewing angle. Creates exceptional visual impact in resin art. Works well in both clear resin jewellery and large-format resin table tops.
Glitter to Avoid in Resin
Avoid metallic aluminium glitter (will oxidise in resin), craft-grade glitter without solvent testing, and glitter with paper backing (will dissolve in the resin). Avoid PVC-based glitters in any skin-adjacent application.
Particle Size Guide for Resin
| Particle Size | Effect in Resin | Best Resin Application |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra Fine (0.004”) | Smooth metallic shimmer, glassy effect | Resin jewellery, nail art, subtle shimmer pieces |
| Fine (0.008”) | Classic sparkle, suspends well | Jewellery, small pours, ornaments |
| Medium (0.025”) | Bold sparkle, slight sinking in deep pours | Coasters, trays, medium-depth pieces |
| Chunky (0.040”) | Dramatic visible flakes, sinks in resin | Statement art pieces, table tops — stir frequently |
| Extra Chunky (0.094”+ | Individual sequin-like flakes, strong sinking | Surface application before resin layer, not mixed in |
Tips for Using Glitter in Resin
- Mix your glitter into the resin before adding the hardener to allow even distribution
- For chunky glitter in deep pours, stir periodically during the first 30 minutes of curing to prevent sinking
- Use a heat gun or torch lightly over the surface after pouring to pop bubbles without disturbing the glitter pattern
- For layered effects: pour a clear base layer, add glitter while tacky, then pour your coloured resin layer on top
- Test your glitter in a small resin sample batch before committing to a large production run
Bulk Ordering Glitter for Resin Production
If you are a commercial resin artist, furniture manufacturer, or craft kit brand, bulk ordering significantly reduces your per-gram cost and ensures colour consistency across production runs.
At American Glitters Inc., we supply resin artists and manufacturers with:
- Industrial polyester glitter in bulk bags (1kg, 5kg, 25kg)
- Holographic, chameleon, and colour-shift glitter in all particle sizes
- Custom colour matching for branded product lines
- OEM packaging for retail resin kits and product ranges
- Free samples for all qualified wholesale buyers
Source resin glitter in bulk — Request free samples