Bronze and Copper Metallic Acrylics: Warm Metal Effects

Gold and silver get most of the attention, but bronze acrylic paint and copper metallic paint give a warmer, richer metal look. They are perfect for faux antique finishes, steampunk craft, statues, frames and festive decorations. This Haanz Art Guide explains the bronze, copper and metallic sets we stock and how to paint convincing metal effects.

Metallic acrylics we stock

• Mont Marte Metallic Acrylic 50ml, Bronze: a warm metallic bronze that adds shine to any project.
• Mont Marte Metallic Acrylic 50ml (Premium), Bronze
• Mont Marte Metallic Acrylic 50ml (Premium), Copper: a warm, reddish metallic copper.
• Mont Marte Metallic Acrylic Intro Set, 8 x 18ml: eight shimmering metallic colours with a smooth consistency and good, opaque coverage on canvas, card and wood. A good way to try several metallics.
• Fevicryl Acrylic Colour 200ml, Silver: a large bottle of metallic silver for bigger projects.

See more in Acrylic Individual Colours. Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price.

Where to use bronze and copper

• Faux metal statues and figurines made from plaster or clay.
• Picture frames and mirror frames for an antique look.
• Steampunk and fantasy craft: gears, keys and masks.
• Lettering and borders on cards and certificates.
• Festive decor with warm, autumn and Deepavali colour schemes.
• Accents in paintings: autumn leaves, sunset reflections, copper pots.

Painting a faux bronze finish

1. Base coat: paint the object in dark brown or black and let it dry. A dark base makes metal look deeper.
2. Bronze layer: brush on bronze acrylic, letting a little of the dark base show in deep areas.
3. Highlights: dry-brush copper or a lighter metallic on the raised parts. Load a little paint, wipe most off, then flick lightly over edges.
4. Age it (optional): dab a little green and white mixed paint into crevices for a patina look, then wipe back with a cloth.
5. Protect: finish with a clear varnish.

Tips for metallic paints

• Shake or stir well; metallic flakes settle.
• Use smooth, even strokes in one direction for a clean metal look.
• Metallics look brightest on a smooth surface. Sand or seal rough surfaces first. See Acrylic Sealer and Gloss Gel.
• Mix a little metallic into normal acrylic for a subtle shimmer.
• Look at your work from different angles; metallics change with the light.

For gold and silver techniques, read our Metallic Paint Guide: Gold and Silver, and for traditional gilding see Gold Leaf for Beginners.

Project: an antique copper photo frame

Take a plain wooden or MDF photo frame. Lightly sand it, wipe off the dust and seal it. Paint the whole frame dark brown and let it dry. Brush copper over the top, leaving the brown showing in corners and grooves. When dry, dry-brush a little bronze along the outer edges so they catch the light. For an aged look, dab a tiny amount of teal into the corners and wipe most of it away. Finish with clear varnish. The result looks like an old copper frame, and it makes a thoughtful handmade gift.

Colour combinations

• Bronze with deep green: classic and elegant.
• Copper with teal or turquoise: a striking contrast, like aged copper.
• Bronze, copper and gold together: a warm, layered metal look for festive decor.
• Copper on black: dramatic for cards and lettering.

Frequently asked questions

Can I mix metallic acrylics with normal acrylics?

Yes. Adding a little metallic to normal colours gives a soft shimmer.

Will metallic paint tarnish like real metal?

No. It is paint, so it won’t tarnish. A varnish helps protect the surface from scratches.

Do I need the Premium version?

Both give a metallic finish. Try the intro set first if you want to compare several metallic colours.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose metallic paints.

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