Retroreflective Glass Beads

These microbeads are retroreflective beads—tiny glass spheres designed to effectively reflect light back to the light source. They are commonly applied to wet paint to create reflective surfaces and markings. They work by allowing light to pass into one side of the sphere, reflect off the opposite side, and return to the source in the color of the paint used. The type of glass used is important for achieving a specific refraction index, the angle that light bends when entering and leaving the glass.

This tube contains 40mL of type III glass beads, the highest grade of retroreflective beads which are designed specifically for marking airport runways and taxiways. Use a salt shaker to apply a coating of beads to a freshly painted object to create an airport-grade retroreflective surface.