Material and Texture
High-Gloss Velvet Thread: Typically made from synthetic fibres, high-gloss velvet thread has a very high level of sheen. This level of shine can sometimes appear excessively bright and unnatural, even creating a "blinding" visual effect in certain situations.
Silk Thread: Made from natural silk, silk thread features a warm, natural sheen, with a soft and elastic texture.
Cost and Price
High-Gloss Velvet Thread: Made from synthetic materials like polyester, high-gloss velvet thread has relatively low production costs, making it more affordable. Its price is about one-sixth that of silk thread.
Silk Thread: As a natural material, silk thread is more expensive to produce, resulting in a higher price. However, the superior quality and effect of silk thread offer greater artistic and collectible value.
Difficulty of Production and Suitability
High-Gloss Velvet Thread: The texture of high-gloss velvet thread is usually very slick and lacks elasticity, which can lead to challenges during production. For example, when clamping copper wires, the slickness of the thread can make it difficult to secure the copper wires to the velvet thread. Additionally, when cutting silk ranks, the thread’s slick texture can cause the ranks to slip or become loose. The high sheen of this thread may also appear overly bright and unnatural in certain contexts, making it less harmonious in some settings.
Silk Thread: Silk thread maintains its shape better during production and is less prone to slipping. Its moderate sheen enhances the three-dimensionality and layering of ronghua flowers, making them more vivid and lifelike while also highlighting their delicate and elegant qualities. The softness and elasticity of silk thread make it easier to handle during the crafting process, allowing better control over shapes and lines. The natural sheen of silk thread also makes it versatile, suitable for a wide range of occasions and styles.
Health and Safety
When trimming ronghua flowers, a significant amount of fine particulate dust is generated. Since silk thread is a natural protein with a soft texture, its fibers are easy to clean, and there is minimal risk of inhaling too much silk thread dust, posing little harm. On the other hand, high-gloss velvet thread, made from polyester (essentially plastic), has a hard texture and does not biodegrade naturally. Its fibers are prone to flying around and are difficult to clean up. If inhaled into the lungs over time, they may cause harm. It is recommended to wear a mask when trimming ronghua flowers made with high-gloss velvet thread to protect your lungs.
