Insul-Shine Reflective Batting
Insul-Shine is the metallic reflective sibling of Insul-Bright — where Insul-Bright absorbs and blocks heat, Insul-Shine uses a metallic reflective layer to bounce heat back, making it ideal for lunch bags, wine totes, cooler bags, and any project where you want to keep cold things cold and reflect heat away. The shiny metallic surface also adds visual interest visible through mesh or open-weave outer fabrics. Available in 45" x 10 YD and 22" x 30 YD rolls. For structured bag panels without the thermal layer, see Warm Fleece and Fusible Fleece, and for a lofty washable polyester quilt batting from the same maker, Soft & Bright is the go-to.
Available Formats
- 45" x 10 yards
- 22" x 30 yards
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Insul-Shine and Insul-Bright?
Both are thermal battings from The Warm Company, but they work differently. Insul-Bright hides its metalized fibers inside a needle-punched polyester layer, while Insul-Shine puts a visible metallic reflective surface on one face. Insul-Shine is the choice when you want maximum reflectivity for cold-keeping projects like cooler bags and lunch totes, or when you want the metallic sheen as a design element.
Which way should the shiny side face?
Point the reflective surface toward whatever you want to preserve. For a lunch bag or cooler tote, the shiny side faces inward to reflect the cold back at the contents. For a project shielding against outside heat, face the metallic layer toward the heat source so it bounces the energy away.
Can I sew Insul-Shine on a regular sewing machine?
Yes. Insul-Shine cuts and sews like a standard stable batting — a universal or sharp needle in size 80/12 to 90/14 handles it easily, and it layers cleanly with quilting cotton, laminated fabrics, and mesh. It does not fray, so raw edges inside a bag lining are not a problem.