How to make gold paint
Many new artists wonder how to make gold paint. But when it comes to metallics, there’s really no straightforward wait to mix the paint from scratch like you would when you mix acrylic paint colors to make a new hue.
Sure, you could try to mix some yellows and browns with iridescent medium to try and achieve a gold look, but you’re never going to get as much sparkle as if you purchase a manufactured metallic art supply.
In this blog post, I want to share some of my favorite metallic art supplies for acrylic painting! It can be hard to find good quality gold paint with a vibrant shimmer, but over the years I’ve discovered a few tried and true metallic materials that make my pieces truly shine!
This post may contain affiliate links for some of my favorite products. I only recommend art supplies that I use and love! 😊
Gold Leaf
Gold leaf is the gold standard (pun intended) for adding gold to your work. Pure gold leaf is made with real gold, so it’s one of the best ways to get a pure, shimmering gold look in your artwork.
If you’re just starting out learning how to use gold leaf I recommend starting with the Mona Lisa composition metal leaf by the brand Speedball. You can find this in your local art store or online here! Composition leaf or metal leaf doesn’t use as much genuine gold, but still has the same visual effect of pure gold leaf!
The only downside to gold leaf is that it can be tricky to work with. But once you know a few key tips and tricks, using gold leaf in your paintings will be a breeze. I have a full-length class all about how to paint with gold leaf! In my Skillshare class, Mesmerizing Metallics, you’ll learn to work with gold leaf step-by-step through three fun hands-on projects.
And if you’re new to Skillshare you can try out the class for free with a one-month free trial - my gift to you!
Gilding Wax
Gilding wax is my secret weapon when it comes to adding gold to my paintings. It has a similar effect to gold leaf and it’s meant for the same purposes. The only difference is, you’re able to apply it using a brush instead of dealing with individual sheets of gold leaf!
It is essentially a super thick gold paint that you can brush onto your paintings for an intense shine. Careful though, it’s quite flammable! This is my favorite gilding wax to use for acrylic painting.
Gold Paint Pens
I adore gold paint pens! I use them to add gold details and pops of shimmer to my paintings. Gold accents can elevate a piece and take it to the next level. The best way to create precise gold accents and linework is with paint pens. I love using Posca pens and DecoColor pens!
Gold Acrylic Paint
Lastly, we have gold acrylic paint! This is my least favorite gold art supply, but it’s extremely accessible and works in a pinch. It won’t give you as much shine as gilding wax, gold leaf, or paint pens, but it can easily be found in your local art store. Try out a gold acrylic paint like this and see how you like it!
If you want to learn more about how to use gold in your artwork, check out this blog post where I share how to add metallic accents to your artwork with these gold art supplies!
And if you want to learn how to use my favorite gold art supply — gold leaf, don’t forget to check out my class, Mesmerizing Metallics!
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