Have you ever seen a watercolor painting that seemed to shimmer and glow? That magical effect often comes from metallic watercolors. These paints add a fantastic sparkle to your artwork. They make ordinary pictures look extraordinary!
But choosing the perfect metallic watercolor set can feel tricky. You see so many shades of gold, silver, and bronze. Some paints look dull when they dry, while others shine beautifully. It’s hard to know which ones will give you that true metallic pop you want for your next project.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore what makes a great metallic watercolor. You will learn how to pick the best colors for your style. By the end, you will feel confident choosing paints that truly shine.
Ready to add some serious sparkle to your palette? Let’s dive into the dazzling world of metallic watercolors and discover how to use them best.
Top Metallic Watercolors Recommendations
- 【Exceptional Shimmering Texture】: CraftyManor Pearlized Watercolors are formulated with premium, modified mica powder, resulting in a stunningly glossy finish. Free of acids and toxins, they are safe to use and will add a radiant touch to your artwork
- 【Beautiful and Practical Color Scheme】: We have handpicked 4 sets of commonly used color combinations, each with a unique charm. These colors can be mixed and matched to suit your needs, providing endless creativity. Plus, our pigments are resistant to fading, ensuring long-lasting vibrancy in your artwork
- 【Smooth Strokes, No Powder Off After Drying】: Our watercolor paints are fine powder with smooth strokes that won't clump. The powder will not fall off after drying, making the artwork shine forever
- 【Different effects can be achieved】: Our watercolors can be applied thinly for a transparent effect or built up for strong coverage. Additionally, they can be used in conjunction with other paints, offering endless creative possibilities
- 【Multi-Purpose Paint】: Art watercolor paint set dries quickly and stays on surfaces extremely well, suitable for most surfaces. It can be used to color clay dolls, do nail art, make beautiful cards, beautify decorations and more, perfect for art beginners, hobbyists, professional artists and more
- Cotman colours are made from fine art pigments rather than dyes
- All colours are permanent so more experienced artists can trust their work will last
- 8 metallic watercolours
- Offered in a pocket sized set
- Includes a travel brush and space for 4 more colours
- 28 Metallic Colors Best Watercolor Paints Set -- The watercolour paint set including 28 unique vibrant colors, fine pigment powder make them soluble in water easily. The color is saturated and beautiful, the effect of halo dyeing is good, the texture is light and thin, with high transparency, and create a natural blooming in your painting paper. You can play your imagination and talent more freely, easy to blend to create an endless range of colors
- Portable Watercolor Cake -- These watercolor pan set large capacity but lightweight, comes in a lightweight and sturdy plastic box makes it easy for storage and carrying. The removable cover design of case allows it not only works as a normal cover for pan, but also as a palette, to keep the watercolor paints organized and tidy. Profect for ield sketching, natural journaling or coffee-house painting, capture every beautiful moment by watercolor painting whenever inspiration strikes
- Upgraded Watercolors Set & Bright Art Paintbrushes -- Blablaovy Perfect and convenient water coloring paint set, including 28 Premium Colors, 1 paint brush and 1 water pen. Convenient for both beginners and professional artist to start painting just with few drops of water, ideal for home painting, indoors, countryside, beach, park, garden, city and anywhere you want. Bring this watercolour paint box and come to painting in suburbs on weekends ,Enjoy happy artistic creation time
- Perfect High-Quality Water Paint Supplies -- Blablaovy use elevated concentration of finely ground top permanence rating and durability pigments, make our solid watercolor paints will not crack. They are easy to blend colors, washable and dry fast , fading resistant and have excellent fluid, and there's no chalky or grainy feel to them after they are dry, is an ideal arts & crafts supply choice for outdoor sketching, scrapbooking, creative interactive classroom activities
- Safety and Quality Watercolor kit -- Blablaovy Washable Watercolors is 100% Non-toxic tested and certified for safe use. Conforms to ASTM D4236 & EN71. Makes it a perfect gift for Birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve. Best choice for encourage a passion for beginner arts and crafts
- [6 Colors] Golden pearl-tinted Gansai for professional artists and crafters. Ideal for calligraphy, illustrations, brush lettering and more! With excellent opaqueness, the deep colors embellish the paper and stand out boldly.
- The rich and intense colors of Gansai Tambi are handcrafted, professional-quality pigment inks. These high-caliber watercolors are blendable with a creamy-smooth feel that show up on dark paper.
- [Brush Dexterity] Gansai Tambi Pans are much larger than typical watercolor pans, giving you the ability to use both small or large brushes quite easily.
- [Beautiful Packaging, Ideal for Gift-giving] conforms to ASTM D 4236, ACMI-certified for safety, registered AP mark for sale in the United States. Perfect for gifts.
- Larger paint pans make it is easy to use ultra-fine, detail brushes, as well as wide-brushes to cover larger space without losing color. Each pan is carefully poured at our headquarters in Nara, Japan.
- RADIANT, SHIMMERING COLORS – This metallic watercolor paint set features 24 brilliant hues, from Diamond White and Aztec Gold to Orchid Purple and Sky Blue. Each pigment is infused with fine mica for a luminous finish that shines beautifully on light or dark paper
- LUSTROUS, HIGH-PIGMENT FORMULA – Each half pan delivers rich, smooth color that activates instantly with water. Create gradients, highlights, or detailed strokes while maintaining the reflective metallic glow artists love.
- PORTABLE METAL TIN WITH BUILT-IN PALETTE – The sturdy storage tin doubles as a mixing surface and travel case, keeping your metallic paints protected and organized wherever inspiration strikes.
- WATER BRUSH & SWATCH SHEETS INCLUDED – Paint anywhere with the refillable water brush—no messy cups needed. Use the black-and-white swatch sheets to test and label every shade for easy reference.
- ART SUPPLIES FOR EVERY CREATOR - Arteza makes reliable tools for artists and hobbyists at every skill level. From paints and paper to drawing and lettering essentials, our supplies are designed to support a wide range of creative projects.
- HIGH QUALITY SET: Make your watercolor art come to life with these metallic watercolor paints. These watercolors have long-lasting metallic watercolor paint. Metalic water color paints high quality are great for pros or beginners.
- EVERYTHING INCLUDED: This metallic watercolor paint set has 12 metallic and 6 chameleon colors. This metalic watercolor set comes with a portable metal box, 5 sheets of white and 5 sheets of black 300g paper, a water brush pen, sponge, swatch sheet, silver paint pen, and flexible brush.
- CREATE ON-THE-GO: Paint at home or while traveling with this glitter watercolor set. This watercolor paint set has everything, from brush to paper. Plus, get a free e-book with this watercolor set!
- AMAZING EFFECTS: The chameleon colors in the watercolor paint set change under light. The metallic colors in the artistro watercolor paint set are great for shimmer effects. Use watercolor paint for coloring books, bullet journaling, sketching, lettering, and more.
- NON-TOXIC: Each metallic watercolor conforms to ASTM d-4236 & EN71 safety standards. The glitter watercolor paint is non-toxic and safe for children older than 3. Gift these water colors for adult or kid artists to anyone!
- 【High-Quality Watercolor Paints】 All Colors Of Color Shifting Watercolor Paint Are Finely Milled. The High-Quality Pigments Ensure Exceptional Light Fastness, Allowing Your Creations To Withstand The Test Of Time, Ensuring That Your Artwork Remains As Captivating As The Day You Painted It. Each Color Of Watercolor Painting Set Is Given A Shimmering Effect, Allowing Your Creations To Shine In This Watercolor Set
- 【20 Colors Watercolor Painting Set】 Giving Life To Watercolor, Refracting Through Light, Perfectly Displaying The Beauty Of Watercolor Painting! This Shifting Watercolor Painting Set Is Suitable For Beginners, Painting Enthusiasts And Artists. You Can Paint Absolutely Anywhere, And The Results And Demos Will Surely Show You Its Great Value
- 【Portable Watercolor Paint Set, Create On The Go】 This Shifting Watercolor Painting Set With A Compact Carrying Box, Gives You The Ability To Paint At Home Or While Traveling. The Mini Watercolor Paint Set Allows For Creative Fun When Out And About. The Watercolor Painting Set Is Easy To Pack And Take With You So If Inspiration Strikes You Are Ready
- 【Multi-Purpose Paint】Watercolor Painting Set For Art Dry Quickly And Stay On Surfaces Extremely Well, Permanent, Waterproof And Fade Resistant, Suitable For Most Surfaces Like Glass, Rocks, Nails, Walls, Canvas, Leather, Ceramic, Wood, Clay, Crafts And More, Great For Art Beginners, Enthusiasts, Professional Artists, Students, Etc.
- 【Perfect Gift For Art Lovers】 This Forestry Shifting Watercolor Painting Set Make A Great Gift For Both Beginners And Professionals. They Are Perfect Gifts Of Art Supplies For Birthdays, Christmas, And More. Awaken The Artist Within, Explore The Endless Possibilities Our Watercolor Offers
- Watercolor Paint Set 50 Metallic Colors to Luminate Your Idea: comes with 50 shimmering and shining metallic colors, 1 black color chart and 1 white color chart. Bottom ring for easy holding. Compact design for effortless portability
- Selected Material for Metallic Watercolor Paints: This shimmer watercolor kit was designed for both watercolor starter kit and water colors paint adult set. This water paint makes a great art supplies. The colors are strongly pigmented, rich, and clear. Easy to create an endless range of colors
- Portable Watercolor Paint Set, Create On The Go: This travel watercolor set with a compact carrying box and bottom ring for easy holding, gives you the ability to paint at home or while traveling
- Elegant Design: Excellent for Card Making, illustrations, painting, nail art, craft coloring and more. This metallic glitter watercolor is ideal for beginners and professionals
- Non-toxic: This water color conforms to ASTM D-4236 safety standards. Acid-free, washable, non-toxic and suitable
Your Guide to Sparkling Success: Buying Metallic Watercolors
Metallic watercolors add a dazzling shine to your art. They catch the light beautifully. Choosing the right set makes a big difference. This guide helps you pick the best metallic paints for your creative projects.
Key Features to Look For
Pigment Load and Shimmer Intensity
- High Pigment Load: Good metallic paints pack in lots of color and shimmer particles. This means you need less water to get a strong, shiny color.
- Shimmer Particle Size: Smaller particles give a subtle, elegant sheen. Larger, chunkier particles offer a bolder, more noticeable sparkle. Decide what look you want.
Lightfastness
Lightfastness means how well the color resists fading when exposed to light. Look for paints labeled with high lightfastness ratings (often numbers or stars). This keeps your shiny art looking bright for years.
Binder Quality
The binder holds the pigment together. High-quality metallic watercolors use natural gum arabic. This binder helps the paint flow smoothly and stick well to the paper.
Important Materials and Setup
Paint Formats
- Pans: These are dry cakes of paint in small containers. They are portable and last a long time. You activate them with water.
- Tubes: These contain moist, creamy paint. They offer intense color immediately and are great for mixing large washes of metallic color.
Paper Choice
Metallic paints look best on smooth paper. Rougher papers (like cold press) can sometimes hide the shimmer. Use watercolor paper that is at least 140 lb weight. Heavier paper handles the extra water metallic paints sometimes need.
Brushes
Use soft synthetic or natural hair brushes. Avoid very stiff brushes. Soft brushes help spread the metallic particles evenly across the surface.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes Quality Better
- Smooth Consistency: Quality metallic paint mixes easily with water. It should not feel gritty or clump up in your palette.
- Vibrant Base Color: Even the metallic shine should sit on top of a rich, clear base color (like a true gold or a deep bronze).
What Reduces Quality
- Excessive Extenders: Some cheap paints use too much filler material. This thins out the metallic effect, making your paint look dull or grey instead of shiny.
- Poor Adhesion: Low-quality paint might flake off the paper once it dries completely. This is frustrating, so check reviews for comments on flaking.
User Experience and Use Cases
Ease of Use
Beginners should look for sets that rewet easily from the pan. If you have to scrub hard to get color, the experience becomes frustrating. Professional artists often prefer the control tubes offer for mixing custom shades.
Ideal Use Cases
Metallic watercolors are perfect for specific tasks. Use them to highlight details in landscapes. They add magic to lettering and calligraphy. Artists often use them for holiday cards or fantasy illustrations where a touch of luxury is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Metallic Watercolors
Q: Can I mix metallic watercolors with regular watercolors?
A: Yes, you absolutely can! Mixing them deepens the base color while adding a subtle shimmer. Start by mixing a small amount to see how the shimmer integrates.
Q: Do metallic paints fade faster than regular paints?
A: Not necessarily. If you buy high-quality, lightfast metallic paints, they will last just as long as good quality standard watercolors. Always check the lightfastness rating.
Q: How do I make the metallic paint look extra shiny?
A: Use less water! Too much water dilutes the metallic particles, making them spread out and look less intense. Apply the paint when it is slightly thicker.
Q: Are metallic watercolors safe for children?
A: Most artist-grade metallic watercolors are non-toxic. Always check the packaging to ensure they meet safety standards, especially if very young children use them.
Q: Will metallic paint ruin my good watercolor brushes?
A: No, they should not. The metallic particles are very fine. Clean your brushes thoroughly after use, just as you would with any other watercolor pigment.
Q: Is there a difference between ‘shimmer’ and ‘metallic’ paint?
A: Often, the terms are used interchangeably. However, ‘metallic’ usually implies a look similar to metal (like gold or silver). ‘Shimmer’ can sometimes refer to iridescence—colors that shift depending on the angle of the light.
Q: Can I use metallic watercolors on black paper?
A: Yes! Black paper makes the metallic colors pop dramatically. Lighter metallics, like silver and gold, look fantastic against a dark background.
Q: How long do metallic watercolor pans last?
A: If you keep the lids on and store them away from direct sunlight and humidity, dry pans can last for many years.
Q: Should I use special paper for these paints?
A: While any watercolor paper works, smooth (hot press) paper often shows off the metallic sheen better than very textured paper.
Q: How do I remove metallic paint stains from my palette?
A: Since the particles are durable, sometimes a little scrubbing is needed. Use a damp sponge or a soft brush with a tiny bit of soap to clean the palette surface.