Metallic paint adds drama to any decor, from subtle shimmers to a bold statement. Some paint manufacturers have water-based metallic paints available not only in classic metallic colors such as silver and gold, but in silvery blues, greens and even pink. Mixed with faux glazing medium, they add soft highlights. Applied full strength, you can make them look like burnished metal with ragging or brushing, or add Asian feng shui flair to a wall with a patterned or fabric faux technique.
Color and Effect
Metallic paint is available in almost any color in a regular paint color deck. The base is thousands of tiny metallic flakes that catch the light. While it can be applied with a brush and roller like regular wall and trim paint, it's extremely difficult to get a completely opaque, flawless effect that way, even with the special roller sold for applying it. The only sure way to achieve a glass-like smooth metallic finish is by spraying it. Although a little more time consuming, using faux techniques to apply metallic paint gives you a huge variety of different effects. Metallic paint can be used for any faux or decorative painting technique, either as a base coat so it shows through the finish, or as part of the finish paint. Most faux painting techniques require you to mix the paint with clear glazing medium, which slows the drying time of the paint and makes it easier to work with. The more glaze you add to the paint, the more translucent and subtle the effect.
Metallic Looks
Make the paint look like hammered metal by applying a base coat of your chosen metallic paint with a roller. Once it's dried - usually about 4 hours - apply a second coat with a sea sponge or pouncing brush. Both are available in paint and craft supply stores. A pouncing brush is a wide round brush with short bristles that allows you to dab the paint on for a stippled effect. Introduce some small skeins of green or rust, blended in to give an aged appearance.
Burnished metal is an even easier finish. Apply the base coat with a roller. For the second coat, use a 3-inch paint brush. Apply the paint in short, choppy random strokes. Make the brush strokes straight in a cross-hatch pattern, or swirling and circular for a softer appearance. With any of these techniques, it's best if you practice on some scrap cardboard first, to get a feel for what appeals to you.
Faux Techniques
Metallic paint can be used for any faux technique of your choice. In a subtle faux silk or linen pattern, it can give an Asian feel to a room or focal wall. Metallic stripes are easy enough to do. For a subdued effect, choose the same color paint for the stripes but have one in metallic finish, and one in a flat or satin. Add metallics to ragging or color washing for a little extra gleam, or to one of the colors in a leather or granite faux finish so it picks up the light and sparkles.
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