Disposable pens are surely handy but they are usually boring to look at. If you want to turn your pens into something that is significantly cooler-looking that you will always look forward to using, you need to learn how to make glitter pens.
No, this is not a guide on how to make pens that write with glittery ink. That is way too complicated for most regular folks who do not have access to complicated manufacturing technology.
This is a guide on how to bedazzle your ordinary-looking pens using different colors of glitter. Don’t worry. It is not that difficult at all. It can even be a great project to do with kids.
Using Double-sided Tape
This is the easiest way to create glitter pens. You might even have everything you need right at home except perhaps the spray varnish.
What to Prepare:
- Regular ballpoint pens
- Fine-grit sandpaper (100 to 180-grit will do)
- Different colors and sizes of glitter
- Double-sided tape
- Masking tape (optional)
- Spray clear varnish
Step 1 – Prepare the pens
Lightly sand the barrel of the pen, and you can include the cap if you plan to put glitter on it, too. The sanding will give the double-sided tape a rough surface to adhere to. Also, if you will be working on free pens that you got from the bank or other businesses, sanding will remove the logo.
Don’t use too much pressure when sanding as you might make deep gouges in the plastic pen barrels.
Step 2 – Apply the double-sided tape
Cut enough length of double-sided tape to cover the barrel of the pen. Wrap the tape around the barrel of the pen, making sure that you do not leave any spaces on the surface.
Remove the backing paper to expose the thin layer of adhesive stuck on the pen’s surface.
Step 3 – Apply the glitter
With the adhesive exposed, you can then proceed to sprinkle glitter all over it. However, I do find it easier to pour a bunch of glitter on a flat surface, and then roll the pen over it.
When rolling the pen over the glitter, put enough pressure on the barrel. This ensures that the glitter will stick firmly to the adhesive.
If you are thinking of using different colors of glitter, you can use some masking tape to cover the parts that you want to have a different color.
Remove the tape and then put additional masking tape over the glittered surface. Let the glue dry completely before going to the next step.
Step 4 – Seal the top using clear plastic varnish
Once satisfied with how the pen turned out, you can seal the deal by spraying the surface of the pen with clear varnish. This will prevent the glitter from flaking off the surface. It will also give the pen a glossy surface that’s easier to hold.
It is better to do this step outside as spray varnishes usually have strong odors. Wear a mask and eye protection before doing the following:
- Hold the pen away from your face using one hand.
- Hold the spray can around 8 inches away from the pen.
- Press the nozzle away from the pen and gradually go across it.
- Make sure to cover the entire surface of the pen with a light coating of varnish.
- Repeat if necessary.
Step 5 – Let the pen dry
Spray-on varnish typically dries after 6 hours or so, but just to be on the safe side, let the pen dry overnight.
Get a small Styrofoam block and then use a bit of Glue tack to secure it on a table or any work surface. Insert the writing tip of the pen into the Styrofoam. This will serve as a holder for the pen while you are waiting for it to dry.
Using Epoxy Resin
This method is a bit more complicated than the first method, but you will end up with a finish that is stronger and more resilient to damage.
What to Prepare:
- Regular disposable pens
- Fine-grit sandpaper (100 to 180-grit will do)
- Different colors and sizes of glitter
- Resin epoxy
- Popsicle sticks or anything that you can use to apply the epoxy
Step 1 – Clean and sand the pens
Since epoxy resin will bond to any surface, the sanding step is mainly for removing any branding or writing that is on the pen. After erasing the corporate logo, wipe the pen down using a damp cloth or paper towel.
Step 2 – Prepare the epoxy resin
This step will require you to move quickly as you will only have a limited time to work with the resin. Ensure that you have everything within arm’s reach and do the following:
- Squeeze out equal amounts of resin adhesive and hardener. Mix both parts thoroughly.
- While mixing the epoxy resin, sprinkle the glitter into the mixture. Continue mixing the epoxy until the mixture is ready.
- Take a popsicle stick and scoop as much of the epoxy as you can. Spread it all over the barrel of the pen.
- You will only have around 5 minutes to finish this step, so you need to work fast.
Step 3 – Let the epoxy dry for at least 24 hours
Continue spreading the epoxy until you feel that the epoxy has started hardening. When it reaches this point, stop spreading the resin and glitter mixture as you might create uneven streaks on the pen.
You can stop at this point if you want. However, if you want to give your pen a smoother finish, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 4 – Sand and polish the pen
If the epoxy resin is cured and it is a bit too bumpy for your taste, you can smooth it further using increasingly fine-grit sandpaper.
Take off the ink cartridge and tip of the pen. You will only be needing the barrel. After that, grab a couple of sheets of medium to fine-grit sandpaper. You can start at 80-grit and then work down to 180-grit.
Dunk the pen barrel and sandpaper in some water and proceed to sand down the entire length of the pen barrel. Don’t dwell too much on the medium grits, stop when there are no longer bumps.
Once you finish with the finest grit sandpaper, the finish should be smooth enough. However, if you are still not satisfied, you can polish it even further using a bit of rubbing compound and a rag.
Reassemble your pen and you’re good to go.
Helpful Tips
- Avoid using heavy glitter – To prevent the glitter from settling at the bottom of the epoxy resin, do not use heavy glitter. However, if you want to use the big glitter pieces, you will need to time the application carefully.
- Ensure that all the needed materials are within easy reach – The reason is that you only have 5 minutes of working time with epoxy resin.
- Remember that it would be better to mix a bit too much epoxy rather than having to mix another batch because you came up short – This will result in uneven resin application.
- Do wet sanding – Wet sanding is preferable to dry sanding when it comes to resin because it does not produce as much heat. You can also control how much material gets removed.
Conclusion
Knowing how to make glitter pens will help you turn your otherwise boring pens into aesthetically pleasing works of art. In addition, if you know how to make glitter pens at home, it can be a fun activity for the entire family.
This activity is a fun and easy way for you to unleash your creativity and get a functional writing tool afterward. If you don’t mind having to clean up a bit of glitter, you’ll love making your glitter pens.