Craft Glitter Dust - History, Production and Application

Objects, images and art works with craft glitter dust on them are much more interesting and easily appreciated compared to others that don't. Although this product has always been associated with an educational twist as part of school art supplies, it has gained relevance due to its use in other applications. Glitter has become so popular that it is now produced and readily available worldwide.

History attributes the development of glitters to an American farmer named Ruschman in the 1930s. Some traces of the Ruschman influence is still felt today such as in the Meadowbrook Inventions, which was also founded by Ruschman. In fact, it is the global leader in the production of craft glitter dust. Interested parties can order a wide selection of glitters available in different shapes, color and sizes.

How is it manufactured? Now forming part of various school art supplies materials, glitters is composed of tiny flecks of glass, stone, paper or plastic; although most manufacturers rely on polyester as the core material in its manufacturers even include commercial grade diamond dust into the composition to add more glitter. Crushing the raw materials into dust sized particles as a production process is a misconception because the commercial production of craft glitter dust utilizes dies of varying sizes, cut precisely to form squares, rectangles, hexagons, circles and into several arrays of color and styles, from normal polyester to metallic glimmer.

How is craft glitter dust applied? In most instances, glimmer dust is available in handy canisters with shaker tops containing gold, red, blue, green and multi-color glitters. Some school art supplies include the glitters into the craft glue, so it can be applied easily over images made on paper or perhaps over plastic. Moreover, others apply the special white craft glue on plastic surfaces before dusting the glitter over. In objects, glitters are applied together with final coat and finishing touches are made. Applications may vary depending on the extent of the finish but only one thing is certain, glitter dust is applied to accentuate surfaces.

Remember that glitters are typically sized at a diameter of 50 microns. The fine gold and silver particles work well to add zest to Christmas decors while green and blue glitters can be used as accents to Holiday candles. Use this school art supplies to add shimmer and sparkle to an drab and dull objects or surfaces, and see how your arts and crafts transform into a marvelous work of art.