Yes, you can usually use parchment paper for Perler beads, provided that it’s heat-resistant, non-stick parchment paper rather than wax paper.
The paper forms a protective barrier between the iron and the plastic beads, and therefore stops the beads from sticking to the iron, while still allowing enough heat through to fuse them together.
Perler bead kits normally include special ironing paper, but baking parchment can be a practical substitute when the original sheet is missing or damaged.
What Type of Baking Paper Can You Use?
Choose paper labelled as:
- Baking parchment
- Parchment paper
- Non-stick baking paper
- Oven-safe paper
In the UK, this is usually called baking paper or baking parchment. In the US, it is more commonly just called parchment paper.
Do not use wax paper; the wax coating can melt under the heat of the iron and may stick to the beads or to the iron.
You should also avoid trying to use things like ordinary printer paper, aluminium foil and paper with a plastic coating.
How Do You Iron Perler Beads With Baking Paper?
Place the completed Perler bead design on a flat, heat-resistant surface.
Then, cover the entire design with a piece of baking paper. Make sure none of the beads are exposed before applying the iron.
Move the iron gently over the paper using small circular movements. Do not leave the iron resting in one place, as this can melt the beads unevenly or damage the pegboard.
Check the design regularly. The beads should begin to fuse together while their individual shapes remain visible.
Allow the design to cool before carefully lifting it away from the pegboard. Ironing should always be completed by an adult.
Can You Use Greaseproof Paper for Perler Beads?
Greaseproof paper and baking parchment are not the same thing; whilst parchment tends to be coated with silicone, greaseproof paper is usually non-coated and not non-stick.
Greaseproof paper will therefore probably not withstand heat from an iron well. It may stick, scorch or fail to protect the iron properly.
Check the packaging carefully. Only use it if the manufacturer states that it is heat-resistant and suitable for baking. As a rule, baking parchment is generally the safest option.
Can You Reuse Baking Paper?
You can often reuse baking paper for several Perler bead projects if it remains clean, flat and undamaged.
Replace it when it becomes:
- Torn or heavily creased
- Brown or scorched
- Covered with melted plastic
- Less effective at preventing sticking
A fresh sheet can help the heat spread more evenly across the design.
Is Perler Bead Ironing Paper Better?
Official Perler bead ironing paper is the most predictable, sure-fire option because it’s made specifically for fusing plastic beads. The paper often comes in a set, or can be bought separately.
Are Perler Beads the Same as Hama Beads?
Perler and Hama are separate brands of fuse beads, but they work in a very similar way. The beads are arranged on a pegboard and then fused together using heat and protective ironing paper.
The names people use often depend on where they live. Perler beads are the more prominent brand in the US, while Hama beads are widely recognised in the UK and Europe.