Metallic Paint Guide: Gold and Silver Acrylics, Pens and More

A touch of gold or silver lifts a painting, card or craft project instantly, and metallics are a favourite for Vesak, Christmas and wedding decorations. This metallic paint guide compares the gold and silver paints, markers and pens we stock, explains which suits canvas, school work and craft, and shares tips for a rich, even shine.
How metallic paint works
Metallic paints contain fine shimmering particles that reflect light, so the colour changes as you move around the piece. Because they reflect rather than cover like ordinary colours, they look different on light and dark backgrounds, and they look richest when applied smoothly in thin, even coats.
Gold and silver acrylic paints
- Mont Marte Metallic Acrylic 50ml (Premium) Gold: a rich metallic gold that catches the light.
- Art Ranger Acrylic 75ml Gold and Silver: warm gold and cool silver with a metallic shimmer, at a student-friendly size.
- Camel Acrylic 10ml Metallic Gold and Metallic Silver: small bottles for school and craft.
- Fevicryl Acrylic Colour 200ml Gold: a large, economical bottle for regular painters and classes.
- Gold and silver are also among the colours in the Mont Marte Acrylic 100ml and 300ml tubs.
Other metallic paints and pens
- Art Rangers Tempera Paint 500ml: comes in Gold and Silver as well as other colours, for school posters and classes.
- Flash Gold Leaf Paint 50ml: a ready-to-use paint that gives a gold-leaf look, applied with a brush.
- Paint Marker Pen 3mm in Gold or Silver: opaque metallic lines on paper, glass, wood, metal and plastic.
- Sakura Gelly Roll Metallic Gold and Silver: gel pens for fine metallic details on dark and light paper.
Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price. Browse all acrylic colours.
Which metallic paint should you use?
- Canvas and wall art: metallic acrylic. See our acrylic paints guide.
- School posters and decorations: gold and silver tempera or small Camel bottles.
- Lettering, borders and cards: metallic paint markers or gel pens.
- Frames and ornaments with a gilded look: gold leaf paint.
Tips for a rich, even shine
- Stir or shake metallic paint well before use, as the shimmering particles can settle.
- Paint over a dark or warm base. Gold often looks richer over a red, brown or black layer, and silver over grey or black.
- Use a soft brush and smooth strokes in one direction, and build two thin coats rather than one thick one.
- Avoid mixing much other colour into metallics, which dulls the shine. Glaze colour over the top instead, once dry.
- For outdoor-style or handled pieces, protect the dry paint with varnish. Our varnishing guide explains how.
Simple metallic project ideas
- A gold-rimmed canvas: paint a simple flower or abstract, then add thin gold outlines and dots once it is dry.
- Festive decorations: paint wooden or card shapes in gold and silver for Vesak, Christmas or weddings.
- Greeting cards: write a name in a metallic marker on dark card and add dots of white gel pen.
Metallics on black paper
Gold, silver and white really stand out on black. The Black Card Paper Marker Pad (A5) is made for gel pens, metallics and white pencil. Pair it with a white pen from our white gel pen guide for striking cards and drawings.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix gold paint with other colours?
You can, but it dulls the metallic shine. It’s usually better to paint the metallic separately and glaze colour over it once dry.
Why does my gold paint look streaky?
Metallic paint shows brush marks easily. Thin it very slightly, use a soft brush, and apply two thin coats in the same direction.
Is metallic acrylic water-resistant?
Like other acrylics, it becomes water-resistant once dry. Clean brushes with water while the paint is still wet.
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 the right gold and silver paints.
More Haanz Art Guides
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Watercolour Techniques for Beginners: 8 Exercises to TryRead the guide →
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Watercolour Paper Guide: GSM, Cotton and Which Paper to ChooseRead the guide →