How to Apply Metallic Paint for a Smooth Finish on Plastic Models
How to Apply Metallic Paint for a Smooth Finish on Plastic Models
Achieving a smooth, realistic metallic finish on plastic models is one of the most common challenges in miniature painting. Metallic paints can easily become grainy, streaky, or uneven if applied incorrectly—especially on flat armor plates, vehicle panels, or weapon surfaces. With the right preparation, paint choice, and technique, metallics can look clean, reflective, and professional straight out of the bottle.
This guide focuses on proven methods used by experienced hobbyists to get consistent results when painting plastic models using high-quality acrylic metallics like Vallejo True Metallic Paints. Whether you’re painting fantasy armor, sci-fi power armor, vehicles, or scale models, these steps will help you avoid common mistakes and achieve a smooth, even metallic finish that holds up on the tabletop and in display cases.
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1. Clean and prep the plastic surface
Before painting, remove mold lines and wash the model with mild soap and warm water to eliminate release agents. Metallic paints highlight surface imperfections more than standard paints, so smooth prep work is critical for a clean finish.
2. Choose the right primer color
Primer color dramatically affects metallic results. Black primer creates deeper, richer metals; grey primer gives a neutral finish; white primer produces brighter, shinier metals. For most smooth metallic finishes, black or dark grey primer works best.
3. Shake metallic paints thoroughly
Metallic pigment settles quickly. Shake the bottle vigorously for at least 30–60 seconds before use. For older paints, adding a stainless steel mixing ball helps fully reincorporate the metallic flakes.
4. Use the right brush or airbrush setup
For brush painting, use a soft, high-quality synthetic brush with a good point. For airbrushing, Vallejo True Metallics can be sprayed straight from the bottle or lightly thinned. Avoid worn brushes, which cause streaking.
5. Apply thin, controlled coats
Thin coats are essential. Load your brush lightly and apply smooth strokes in one direction. Two to three thin layers will always look better than one thick coat and help prevent visible brush marks.
6. Let each layer dry fully
Metallic paints need time to level out. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Painting over partially dry metallics can tear the pigment and create a rough, uneven surface.
7. Avoid overworking the paint
Once metallic paint is on the model, leave it alone. Over-brushing disrupts the metallic flakes and causes patchiness. Apply the paint, smooth it gently, and move on.
8. Shade carefully to preserve smoothness
Use controlled washes or glazes rather than heavy all-over washes. Thin black, brown, or colored washes add depth without dulling the metallic shine. Apply sparingly and wick away excess.
9. Highlight with lighter metallic tones
Edge highlight with a lighter metallic shade instead of non-metallic paint. This maintains the reflective quality while creating sharp definition on edges, armor plates, and raised details.
10. Seal the finish correctly
Protect your work with a light varnish. Satin varnish preserves metallic sheen best, while matte varnish reduces shine for grimdark styles. Always apply varnish in thin coats to avoid clouding the finish.