Metallic paints by their very nature act differently than other model paints. Instead of pigment suspended in a fluid medium, metallic paint actually consists of tiny metal flecks (think finely ground glitter) suspended in a fluid medium. This means that metallic paints have different properties and certain techniques that work really well with pigmented paints, don't work at all with metallic paints. So in this article I will try and describe some basc tips and tricks for working with metallic paints.
Blending
Blending Metallic paints is never easy and largely depends on the brand of the paint. Watering down metallic paints can end in disaster if too much water is added so be careful. Nonetheless, it is entirely possible to blend metallic paints. Definitely check out a wet palette though as metallic paints tend to dry at a faster rate and when doing so become chunky as the metal flakes lump together.
Washing
Most people know that, in order to make metals look really good a wash should be applied. This gives the metallics depth which they otherwise lack. However, the common thought with washes is that if the metallic color is gold, use a brown wash and if the color is silver or steel, use a black wash. I'm going to try and fix that idea.
Why do people use black and brown? The simplest answer is that they are quick and easy. Black is a more neutral color while brown is usually a warmer color that compliments gold pretty well, even if it makes it look dirty. So how do I deviate from these norms? I suggest using colors that compliment the color palette of the miniature. I also advocate for the use of multiple layers of multiple shades of washes.
What do I mean by complimenting the color palette of a model? Take a look at your model. Is the paint scheme primarily composed of warm colors like red, yellow, orange, or warmer browns? Then try and use colors and washes that incorporate the warmer aspects. Did you choose a cooler palette or blues, deep purples, dark greens, or cool browns? Use those colors in your wash!
The first example I give is the above Void Knight Chaplain. I wanted a color for the gold that would bring out the purple that appeared sparingly on the rest of the miniature (Void Knight colors are halved Purple/Black). So I chose to water down some GW purple wash and applied the wash. The effect? The Gold compliments the purple and doesn't work against it by adding warmth to an otherwise cooler tone model.
The second example of creative washes is the scribe shown below. I wanted the bronze to look aged and add a patine to the surface. For this I actually used Hawk Turquoise watered down and with the dulling tips provided below. The result is a really dull and worn looking bronze.
Dulling
Sometimes the metallic paint will appear too shiny. How do you dull a metallic paint down without changing the color too much? The best technique that I've found, incorporates standard PVA glue (ex. Elmer's) into the washing technique. How does this work? Follow the steps below.
1) Paint your metallic paint on the surface of the model in question. I usually do any blending or layering BEFORE washes.
2) Mix up your wash and put a hefty amount on the palette. Water down the wash even further.
3) A single, moderate sized drop of PVA glue should be suitable. Mix this into the wash. When finished, the wash should have the consistancy of milk. If it is too runny, add a little more wash or glue as needed. If the wash is too thick, add more water.
CAUTION: DO NOT simply put standard GW washes on a palette and continue to the next step. If you do not water the wash down, it will be incredibly thick and can obscure detail, create a haze on the model, or look like you just laquered your model with milk.
4) Apply the wash to the metallic areas following the usual rules for applying shading. This means that you should apply the wash to the raised surfaces and push it into the recesses and areas that require shading. Make sure that the wash isn't pooling on any flat surfaces.
5) Let the wash dry completely before assessing whether or not it needs another wash.
One last note on dulling, this technique can actually be used on pigmented paints as well to receive a toned down color. I find this works really well for parchment and the like as the technique softens the paint and the parchment, book pages, etc actually look more like paper.
So what tips do you have for working with metallic paints?
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