Duracoat: The Color Revolution in Miyuki Beads

When it comes to creating handmade jewellery, the choice of materials is fundamental. It's not just about choosing the beads we like the most, but also about ensuring that the pieces we create maintain their beauty and colour over time. This is where Miyuki's Duracoat colour range comes into play, a true revolution in the world of beads.

What is Duracoat?

Duracoat is an innovative range of colors developed by Miyuki , a Japanese brand recognized worldwide for the quality of its beads. What sets Duracoat colors apart is their special coating, which offers superior color durability. This thicker, higher-quality coating protects the original color of the bead, ensuring it stays vibrant and fresh for much longer.

The Importance of Duracoat in Jewelry

One of the main problems faced by lovers of handmade jewelry is the fading of beads. Dyed colors, although initially dazzling, can deteriorate over time due to external factors such as exposure to sea water, perfumes, cleaning products, and even continuous rubbing of beads against each other or other accessories. This can result in a loss of color, making our favorite pieces look dull and worn.

With Duracoat, this problem is virtually solved. Thanks to its protective coating, the beads maintain their original colour for much longer, even under adverse conditions. This means that you can use and enjoy your creations without worrying about fading or premature wear.

Duracoat and the Cost of Quality

There's no denying that Duracoat colors offer superior quality, but this quality comes at a price. Compared to traditional dyed colors, Duracoat beads are typically more expensive. However, it's important to consider that this additional cost translates into greater durability and strength, characteristics that can be crucial for certain types of projects.

But does this mean that we should always opt for Duracoat? Not necessarily. The choice of coating type depends on the type of creation you have in mind. If you are designing a piece that will be subjected to frequent use or will be exposed to factors that can accelerate color wear, then the investment in Duracoat is more than justified. On the other hand, if you are creating a piece that will not be in constant contact with damaging elements or is more ornamental, you might consider whether it is really necessary to invest in such a long-lasting color range.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Duracoat Colors

Advantages:

• Superior Durability: Thicker, high-quality coating ensures the color stays vibrant and durable over time.
• Resistance to External Factors: Duracoat beads are less likely to fade from exposure to water, chemicals and friction, ensuring greater longevity.
• Wide Variety of Colors: It offers a rich color palette, allowing you to create unique and lively pieces.

Disadvantages:

• Higher Cost: Duracoat's superior quality is reflected in its price, which is higher compared to traditional tinted colors.
• Not Always Necessary: ​​For projects that do not require high durability or will be under controlled conditions, the additional cost may not be justified.

Rate your Creations

Success in handmade jewelry is not only about creativity, but also about planning and choosing the right materials for each project. By considering the type of creation you are making, you can make more informed decisions about the materials you need. Ask yourself: Will this be a piece that will be worn daily? Will it be exposed to water, sun, or chemicals? If the answer is yes, then Duracoat is the ideal choice. However, if you are working on a piece that will be worn occasionally and under more controlled conditions, it may not be necessary to spend more on these colors.