How many colors are there in total?

Hama has over 60 colors in Midi size. Artkal has over 200 colors. Perler has about 60 colors. In total there are hundreds of shades if you count all brands.

Which colors are hardest to find?

Skin tones, brown shades and certain midtones are often harder to find in stores. Special colors like glow-in-the-dark and metallic are often only sold online.

Does the color affect how easy it is to iron?

Yes! Light and neon colors often melt faster than dark ones. Translucent beads need less heat. Always test on a small piece first if you mix color types.

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Guide to Color Families

Explore all types of beads and their unique properties

Beads come in hundreds of colors and several different types. Each color family has unique properties that affect how your final result will look. Here we go through all categories so you can choose the right beads for your project.

Quick answer

Start with Basic and Extended colors for stable results. Add Neon, Translucent, and Glitter as accents when you want stronger contrast and visual impact.

The color families

Basic Colors

The most commonly used colors. Opaque, strong colors that work for any project. Includes classics like black, white, red, blue, green, yellow and brown.

Best for: All types of projects, especially beginners

Extended Colors

Pastels, shades and midtones that provide more variation. Includes colors like turquoise, peach, olive green, aubergine and the pastel series.

Best for: Detailed patterns, skin tones, nature scenes

Neon Colors

Extremely bright, fluorescent colors that stand out. Perfect for creating contrast and attention. Available in blue, green, yellow, orange, red and fuchsia.

Best for: Pop art, game characters, accent colors

Translucent & Glow

Translucent beads that let light through. Glow-in-the-dark beads glow in darkness after being "charged" with light. Fantastic for window decorations and night lights.

Best for: Window decorations, keychains, kids' projects

Glitter & Special

Metallic and glittery beads. Includes gold, silver, bronze and pearl. Gives a luxurious feel to your creations.

Best for: Jewelry, Christmas decorations, special details

Tips for Color Selection

Start with Basic colors and expand your collection gradually. Neon colors and regular colors melt at different temperatures, so be careful when ironing. Translucent beads give the best effect when ironed a bit less, and glitter beads may look different after ironing – always test first.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colors

Ready to create?

Test color families in your next design