Looking for the best paint with metallic finish to add shine and depth to your projects? This guide reviews five popular options ideal for beginners, students, hobbyists, and seasoned artists. Each pick highlights ideal uses, surface compatibility, and practical considerations to help you choose the right metallic acrylic for your next project.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| FolkArt Metallic Acrylic Craft Paint Set | Multi-surface crafting | Vibrant, varied metallic tones |
| DecoArt Americana Dazzling Metallics | Stamping, decorative surfaces | Wide color range |
| Liquitex BASICS Metallic Set | Fine art and blending | High pigment quality |
| milo Metallic Acrylic Paint Set | Education, classrooms, crafts | Large 4 oz bottles |
| FolkArt Metallic Assorted Colors | Starter projects | Compact 2 oz bottles |
FolkArt Metallic Acrylic Craft Paint Set
This set includes eight 2 oz bottles in a range of golds, rose gold, silver, charcoal black, and more. The paints dry to a shiny metallic finish and are suitable for wood, paper, canvas, Styrofoam, and paper mache. Best for beginner crafters and mixed-media artists seeking easy-to-use metallic colors.
Best for multi-surface craft projects and beginners who want a versatile starter kit with a bright metallic palette. Choose this if you need quick-drying, non-toxic acrylics that work across several substrates.
Caution: The bottle caps can leak if stored on their sides; ensure lids are tight after use to prevent drying out.
DecoArt Americana Dazzling Metallics (18 Colors)
This set offers eighteen 2 fl oz bottles in a shifting metallic color range. It’s non-toxic and water-based with a durable finish, designed for a broad array of surfaces. Best for decorative projects, signs, or canvases needing a rich metallic presence.
Best for users who want a large color selection in one kit for detailed craft work. Better for decorative pieces than for fine art blending. Avoid over-thinning, which can dull metallic shine.
Liquitex BASICS Metallic Paint Set
The set includes six tubes of 22 ml each, offering a satin finish with lightfast pigments. Liquitex BASICS are designed for student and emerging artists, blending easily and cleaning up with water. The metallic range supports blending and layering for depth.
Best for artists who want reliable pigment quality at a student-friendly price. Choose this if you plan to blend metallics with non-metallic colors. Limitations include a satin finish that may be less reflective than pure metallics in some lighting conditions.
milo Metallic Acrylic Paint Set (6 Colors)
Contains six metallic colors—Gold, Silver, Bronze, Copper, Brass, and Treasure Gold—in 4 oz bottles. The paints are AP non-toxic and made in the USA, with high pigmentation and fade resistance. Suitable for canvases, wood, posters, and craft projects, including acrylic pours.
Best for classrooms, parties, and hobbyists needing ample paint in larger bottles. Choose this if you want robust pigments in larger containers. Limitation: larger bottles may dry out if left uncapped for long periods in humid environments.
FolkArt Metallic Acrylic Paint in Assorted Colors (2-Ounce)
This compact set offers assorted metallic colors in 2 oz bottles. It provides a shiny finish on multiple surfaces such as wood, paper, and canvas. It’s suited for small projects and beginners looking to test a few metallic tones.
Best for starter projects or as a companion set to expand a basic metallic palette. Avoid relying on this one for large-scale works where more consistent bottle sizes improve workflow and consistency.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Metallic Finishes
When choosing metallic acrylics, consider finish, surface compatibility, pigmentation, and storage. The right choice depends on your project type, skill level, and whether you prioritize lightfastness or ease of use.
- Finish and sheen: Some sets deliver bright, reflective metallics, while others offer more muted or satin finishes. For high-gloss looks, choose intensely pigmented metallics with strong light reflection.
- Surface compatibility: Most acrylics work on canvas, wood, and paper. If you plan to paint on glass, metal, or ceramic, verify that the paint adheres well to those substrates or requires a primer.
- Pigment quality: Higher pigment concentration usually yields richer color and better opacity. In student-grade sets, expect more translucency and mixed colors.
- Drying time and clean-up: Quick-drying formulas speed up workflows, while water-based formulas simplify cleanup. Drying time may affect layering and blending strategies.
- Non-toxicity and safety: Most consumer metallic acrylics are non-toxic, but always check label details if the project involves children or food-contact surfaces.
- Container size: Larger bottles are cost-effective for frequent use, while compact bottles suit occasional projects or beginners.
How To Use Metallic Acrylics Effectively
Layer metallic colors over a solid base to maximize shine. Use dry brushing for subtle highlights or apply a gloss medium to intensify reflective properties. For best results, seal finished work with a compatible varnish to protect metallic finishes from wear and aging.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What surface works best with metallic acrylics?
Wood, canvas, paper, Styrofoam, and paper mache are common, but check each product’s guidance for adherence on glass or metal.
- Are metallic acrylics durable for outdoor use?
Most are suited for indoor projects. Exterior durability depends on sealants and exposure; choose products designed for outdoor use if needed.
- Do metallic paints require a primer?
Primers can improve adhesion on porous surfaces; non-porous surfaces often don’t require primer, but tests on a small area help.
- Can metallic finishes be mixed with other colors?
Yes, but you may reduce metallic brightness when blending with non-metallic colors.
- What is the best way to store metallic paints?
Keep lids tight, store upright, and avoid extreme temperatures to prevent drying out and pigment separation.
- Is non-toxic always means safe for kids?
Non-toxic indicates safety for general crafting, but supervise use and follow age-appropriate guidelines on the product label.