Glitter vs Sequins vs Gilding Flakes: Which Embellishment Wins?

Quick answer

For a smooth, all-over sparkle, choose glitter. For controlled, dimensional accents, sequins are your best bet. For a luxe, metallic finish with texture, gilding flakes win. The right choice depends on the effect you want and how much time you're willing to spend.

Embellishments can make or break a handmade card or craft project. Glitter, sequins, and gilding flakes each bring a distinct look, but they behave very differently on paper and other surfaces. This comparison will help you decide which one to reach for based on your project's style, your patience for cleanup, and the finish you want to achieve.

Glitter: All-Over Sparkle with a Loose Grip

Glitter is the go-to for adding a uniform, sparkling finish to large areas. It comes in fine and coarse grades, and you can apply it with glue, double-sided tape, or specialized adhesives. The trade-off is that loose glitter can shed over time, especially if not sealed properly. It also requires a steady hand and a clean workspace to avoid stray specks. For card makers who want a quick, dazzling effect, glitter is hard to beat—but it demands a bit of patience and a good cleanup routine.

• Use a fine-tip applicator or a small spoon to place glitter precisely.
• Seal with a fixative spray or a thin layer of clear glue to reduce shedding.

Sequins: Controlled Shine with Dimension

Sequins offer a more controlled way to add sparkle. Because they're flat, round discs, you can place them exactly where you want them, and they won't scatter like glitter. They add a dimensional, reflective quality that works well for shaker cards, flower centers, and borders. However, sequins can be bulky and may need extra postage if you're mailing your cards. They also require a strong adhesive to stay put. If you want precise placement and a touch of glam without the mess, sequins are a great choice.

• Use a craft tweezer to pick up and place small sequins accurately.
• For a secure hold, apply a dot of strong glue or a glue dot to each sequin.

Gilding Flakes: Luxe Metallic Texture

Gilding flakes create a rich, metallic finish that looks like real gold leaf. They're applied with a specialized adhesive or size, and they cling to the tacky areas, creating a textured, reflective surface. Unlike glitter, gilding flakes are larger and irregular, giving a more organic, luxurious look. The trade-off is that they can be fiddly to work with and may require a sealer to prevent flaking. They're ideal for adding a high-end touch to focal points, but they're not the best choice for quick, all-over coverage.

• Apply gilding flakes with a soft brush to press them into the adhesive.
• Seal with a varnish or fixative to keep the flakes from rubbing off.

Comparing the Three: Which One Fits Your Project?

When choosing between glitter, sequins, and gilding flakes, consider the effect you want. Glitter gives you a uniform, sparkling background or accent. Sequins provide controlled, dimensional highlights. Gilding flakes deliver a textured, metallic luxury. Each has its own application method and cleanup requirements. For a quick card, glitter might be fastest. For a shaker card, sequins are ideal. For a special anniversary or wedding card, gilding flakes add that extra special touch.

• Test your chosen embellishment on a scrap piece first to see how it adheres.
• Consider the weight and bulkiness if you plan to mail your project.

Trade-Offs at a Glance

• Glitter: Offers all-over sparkle but can shed and requires sealing. Best for backgrounds and large areas. Choose glitter for quick, dazzling coverage if you don't mind a bit of cleanup.
• Sequins: Provides controlled, dimensional shine but can be bulky and needs strong adhesive. Ideal for accents and shaker cards. Choose sequins when you want precise placement and a touch of dimension.
• Gilding Flakes: Delivers a luxurious, metallic texture but is fiddly and may need sealing. Perfect for focal points. Choose gilding flakes for a high-end, textured finish on special projects.

Products That Work Well with These Embellishments

• Arden Creative Studio Premium Cardstock Lilac Purple 12" x 12" - 20 Pack: Each sheet features a smooth finish on one side and a linen-textured finish on the other, giving you added versatility for your papercraft projects. The smooth side is ideal for stamping and detailed die-cutting, while the textured side can add subtle interest under glitter or sequins. This dual finish lets you experiment with different embellishment bases.
• Crafters Companion 5” X 7” Linen Card Pad - Layered Florals: Includes 10 bright floral colours with a soft, linen-style feel, perfect for giving your cards a dimensional, natural texture. The linen texture provides a beautiful contrast to shiny embellishments like sequins and gilding flakes, making your sparkle stand out even more.

Which Embellishment Should You Use?

Best for

• Card makers who want a quick, all-over sparkle (glitter)
• Crafters creating shaker cards or needing precise accents (sequins)
• Special occasion cards that need a luxurious, metallic touch (gilding flakes)

Not for

• Projects that will be handled frequently or mailed without sealing (glitter)
• Very fine, detailed areas where bulk is a concern (sequins)
• Quick, large-area coverage on a tight deadline (gilding flakes)

There's no single winner—each embellishment shines in its own way. Match your choice to the project's style, your time budget, and the finish you want. With a little experimentation, you'll find the perfect sparkle for every creation.