Artistic Wire vs Parawire - Apples to apples comparison
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Original Post
I am trying do an apples to apples comparison of two brands of craft wire - Parawire and Artistic Wire. I personally have used Artistic Wire - but not Parawire yet.
After talking with the Parawire rep at the Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee, reading posts here and comparing prices I am ready to try Parawire. I would love to hear what others who have used these wire brands think.
First, let's compare prices. I just picked a few random colors/gauges of the silver plated wire to compare and did the math - these prices are based on the manufacturer websites - not a distributor. And please note each company sells different size spools, which is why I priced it by the foot. Obviously Parawire is cheaper - but is it as good?
Parawire Artistic
Color Gauge Price per FOOT
Gold 26 $ .04 $ .11
Silver 20 $ .14 $ .27
Fuschia 24 $ .06 $ .16
If nothing else, I hope this comparison will help someone looking to watch their pennies (as I am) in this economy - without sacrificing quality.
*Please note this is not a discussion of the virtues of craft wire versus ss or gf wire! This is just to compare craft wire brands - specifically Parawire vs Artistic Wire.
Posted at 12:16pm Jun 10, 2009 EDT
Responses
I decided to give parawire a try so I emailed Frank I received some free samples. I love the quality and the gold color is very close if not exact to real gold. It's a nice stiff copper and very nice to work with!!!! I will be ordering from him next month!!! I have used many other companies and parawire is by far the best quality. The enamel doesn't even chip off!!! :o)
Posted at 12:39pm Jul 26, 2010 EDT
I wrote to Parawire June 21st and on July 16th received a sample of the wire. In the meantime, tired of waiting and low on wire, I placed an order, which arrived before the sample!
I love Parawire! It is better than Artistic for several reasons. The silver is nice and shiny. I have always been frustrated that Artistic wire is too soft. This isn't. it's just the right hardness for wirewrapping links. The gold plated it outstanding and looks like real gold, unlike Artistic, which comes out like dull brass. The gunmetal is fantastic. It is actually a real gunmetal color. I created several projects withe the gunmetal wire. Some of the color rubbed off on my hands; however, the end product looked just like antiqued silver. and best of all you can't beat the price $6 for 100 feet of 22 gauge. Wow. Copper is also great. I do not work with "colored" wire so can't comment on that. very pleased.
Posted at 3:58pm Aug 4, 2010 EDT
I've used Artistic Wire and the 20g Non-Tarnish silver is a nice color. That's the only good thing I can say about it. It's far, far too soft, it doesn't feel like any other 20g wire I've worked with, it's even softer than those cheap spools you get at craft stores. I barely touch it with my pliers and it looks like I tried to (badly) hammer it or something. But I've also used the black 28g and it held up well to wire crochet. The 18g black is also okay, and I like that it isn't overly soft, but the color does come off very easily. I can't wait to try parawire after others have said it's stiffer than Artistic Wire, that's exactly what I'm looking for.
Posted at 9:03pm Aug 10, 2010 EDT
why does artistic wire not carry below 18 gauge wire? I like to use 16 gauge and 14 gauge?
Posted at 8:27pm Aug 29, 2010 EDT
Has anyone had experience with ordering from Parawire to ship to Canada?
What did you get charged for customs fees?
Posted at 12:57am Aug 31, 2010 EDT
I have used Parawire several times and have never had a problem with different colors of the wire. The reason why I use Parawire is because they have Half Hard. They also have Square and Half Round wire, which I have been unable to find in Artistic Wire. I have used gold and silver in the Parawire and I love the colors and they don't seem to fade or tarnish
I just got a batch of silver and gold Half Hard, Square/ half round, 18 GA. I am having a problem with the silver square, batch. There seems to be coating of some kind on the wire that comes off when I bend it. Very annoying. It is not happening on the silver half round or the gold square/half round. I am going to contact them and see what they have to say. I have always gotten the 21 GA this is the first time I have gotten the 18 GA. I wonder if it is something that is specific to the 18 GA Square Parawire only.
Posted at 12:06pm Sep 17, 2010 EDT
I give Parawire my vote. I bought it at a bead show at Valley Forge convention center to use for viking knit. I'm please with the results. I've ordered online and received my order in a couple of days. Only other wire I've used was the little spools from the craft store and it's too stiff.
Posted at 2:15pm Sep 17, 2010 EDT
I've used both artistic and parawire and so far they are both about the same...however i don't do a lot of heavy duty wire work all the time. Linda
Posted at 11:28am Oct 24, 2010 EDT
I had never heard of Para wire before now. It looks like there are many pros and cons on either side. Worth a try...
Posted at 11:40am Oct 24, 2010 EDT
I have a question on which wire to use for the viking stitch. The piece has to go through a draw plate.. I've tried artistic not good wire to use for this.. I want to use color wire... Darice wire forget it. Out of the package it has problems... HELPIf you've done the vking stitch and know what eill work help please As for copper silver wire tarnish resistance the bes to use is Geramn Wire.. Love this wire...
Posted at 9:07pm Dec 4, 2010 EST