How to Paint with Metallic Paint? Detailed Guide for Beginners in 2023

Don’t we all love the effect that metallic paint has on rooms and cars? Metallic paint showcases unique and vibrant colors, and brings excitement to wherever they’re used. Knowing how to paint with metallic paint will help us in our everyday lives to a great extent. It will also make us rich in skills and give us something to do in our leisure time.

What is metallic paint?

Metallic paint is also known as polychromatic paint. Metallic paint has tiny bits of metal mixed to give a shiny effect. Metallic paints are usually used on metal bodies such as cars to add a shiny effect. However, they can also be used for arts and crafts, furniture, walls, and clay jewelry. In short, metallic paint can be used for almost anything and everything.

Metallic paint comes in different variations for different objects. Knowing these different types of metallic paints will allow us to understand better how to paint with metallic paint.

Pearlescent metallic paint produces subtle shades in different lights and angles. It is mostly used on cars.

Flamboyant metallic paint has a metallic base coat and is used on electric guitars and motorcycles.

Hammer metallic paint, just like its name suggests, is mostly used on machinery.

Metallic paint also comes in different forms for other uses, such as arts and crafts, wall and furniture painting, and jewelry painting. These include inks, watercolors, acrylics, powder, spray, oil pastels, markers and pens, wall paint, furniture, and wood paint.

How to paint cars with metallic paint

Metallic paint is applied to cars to get a two-tone effect in different lights and different angles. It also gives the car a shine that no other paint can achieve.

Step 1:

The car needs to be prepared for metallic paint first. For this reason, we ensure that any dent or scratch that the car might have is fixed. The car is given a washing to ensure that any grease or silicone from the first layer of paint is applied. Cleaning the car is important for the metallic paint to sit properly on the parts we want to paint. Then we mask the car.

Step 2:

We prime the car using the primer or sealer provided by the metallic paint brand we are using. A primer paint gun and a sealer are used for this. It is important to use the technical data sheets of the manufacturer as each brand may have slightly different application techniques. Following the guidelines of the manufacturer will give us the best results.

Step 3:

We wait fifteen minutes for the sealer to dry. Then we apply the base coat with another spray gun. Using a slow or extra slow reducer will result in paint drying slower, which is better for the metallic coat. A good quality gun is important for a great texture.

Step 4:

We remove the masking ten minutes after applying the base coat. Then we blend the paint onto the whole color in case we’re painting only part of the car for a smooth finish. A spray gun is used for this too. We must ensure that we do not over-spray.

Final Step

We apply the third coat after fifteen minutes. We may use the reducer and metallic paint in a 1:1 ratio this time. It is important for the third coat to be applied as it ensures that the finishing is even and the car has a glossy metallic look. For the final touch, we add shine using a spray gun.

How to use metallic paint on walls

Step 1:

Metallic paints give glaze and depth to walls. First of all, we must ensure that the surface we want to paint is clean. This is so that the paint can be set smoothly without any dirt stuck beneath the layer of paint.

Step 2:

Next, we need to stir the paint properly in its container. We must ensure that we stir the paint at the very bottom of the container as well. This is necessary so that the tiny metal particles that give the paint its metallic look are not at the bottom. Use wooden equipment for stirring.

Step 3:

Next, we paint the wall. The standard application is two coats of paint. When applying the first coat, we apply the paint both vertically and horizontally to give a rich look. We may use a brush for painting the wall. However, a roller will give a smoother finish to the wall.

Step 4:

The first coat will take about three to four hours to dry. Then we apply the second coat. We may paint in a vertical, horizontal, or criss-cross motion, depending on the look we want to get. We may use a sponge to dab on the wall to ensure that the corners are covered. It all depends on what our creative thoughts are!

Final Step

After the application of the final coat, a glaze coat can be applied after six hours of drying. This will enhance the look of the wall. Using water-based metallic paint on walls will make cleaning easy and drying time fast.

How to apply metallic paint on wooden furniture

Step 1:

In order to apply metallic paint on wooden furniture, we need to ensure that the furniture is not damaged. If there are broken or uneven parts or even scratches, we need to fix the damage. Next, we clean the furniture to ensure that no dust or dirt is stuck to the object. This is to ensure that the metallic paint does not get applied unevenly.

Step 2:

Before applying the layer of metallic paint, we need to paint the furniture with a base color. The base color should be similar to the metallic color we want to use. For a smooth finish, we need to sand in between the coats of paint. We can use good quality fine grit sandpaper for this.

Final Step

Next, we apply the first coat of metallic paint. We may use a brush or a roller. If the metallic paint is too thick, we can mix it with water properly until it is evenly mixed. The first coat will take a few hours to dry, depending on the size of the furniture. We then apply the second coat. After the second coat has dried, we may use metallic spray paint as the finishing touch to achieve a glossier look.

Conclusions

Whether you’re thinking of becoming a professional painter or want to take it up as a hobby, knowing how to paint with metallic paint is a useful skill-set that we should have for our regular household chores. It is a great investment for a lifetime as well.

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