Vallejo Metallic Paints – Complete Painting Guide
Vallejo Metallic Paints – Complete Painting Guide
Vallejo Metallic Paints are widely regarded as some of the best acrylic metallics available for miniature painters, offering smooth coverage, fine metallic pigment, and consistent performance across a wide range of models. Whether you’re painting fantasy armor, sci-fi power suits, historical weapons, or vehicle panels, Vallejo’s metallic range makes it easier to achieve realistic, professional-looking metal without excessive effort. The key to success lies not just in the paint itself, but in how it’s prepared, applied, shaded, and sealed.
This Vallejo Metallic Paints painting guide walks through proven techniques used by experienced hobbyists to get the most out of Vallejo True Metallics. From surface preparation and primer choice to layering, shading, and highlighting, these steps will help you avoid grainy finishes, brush marks, and dull metallics—resulting in clean, convincing metal surfaces suitable for both tabletop play and display painting.
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1. Prepare the model surface properly
Metallic paints emphasize surface flaws more than standard colors. Remove mold lines, fill gaps, and wash the model to remove release agents. A smooth surface ensures the metallic pigment lays evenly without catching on imperfections.
2. Choose the right primer for metallics
Primer choice dramatically affects metallic results. Black primer creates deep, realistic metals; grey offers a neutral finish; white produces brighter but flatter metallics. For most Vallejo metallics, black or dark grey primer gives the best balance.
3. Shake and mix metallic paints thoroughly
Metallic pigment settles quickly. Shake the bottle vigorously for 30–60 seconds before use. Adding a mixing ball helps ensure consistent metallic distribution and prevents patchy or dull results.
4. Apply thin, controlled basecoats
Thin coats are essential for smooth metallics. Apply Vallejo metallics in two or three light layers rather than one heavy coat. This prevents streaking and keeps the metallic flakes aligned for a clean shine.
5. Let metallic layers fully dry
Allow each metallic layer to dry completely before applying the next. Painting over partially dried metallic paint can tear the pigment and create rough, uneven textures.
6. Shade metallics without dulling them
Use controlled washes or glazes instead of heavy all-over shading. Black or brown washes add depth, while colored inks can tint metallics. Apply sparingly to preserve reflectivity.
7. Highlight using lighter metallic tones
For best results, highlight metallics with brighter metallic paints rather than non-metallic colors. This maintains the reflective quality and creates realistic light-catching edges on armor and weapons.
8. Use drybrushing for texture and wear
Drybrushing lighter metallics over darker basecoats is ideal for worn edges and battle damage. Use a soft brush and build highlights gradually to avoid chalky buildup.
9. Seal metallics with the right varnish
Protect your metallic finish with a light varnish coat. Satin varnish preserves shine best, while matte creates a grimdark effect. Always apply varnish in thin layers to prevent clouding.
10. Maintain brushes and tools used for metallics
Metallic pigments can wear brushes faster. Clean brushes thoroughly after use and avoid mixing metallic and non-metallic paints on the same brush during a session to keep colors clean.