I’ll start off by saying that I love paint, and have a deep-in-my-soul love affair with glimmer and shimmer. For those reasons, Precious Metal Colors by Viva-Decor is my new g0-to paint.
When the paints arrived in the mail, I couldn’t wait to try them out. The paints can be used for many surfaces, but for this review, I used them on paper, cardboard, glass, and a sealed wood surface. (I promise I’ll do a follow up review on polymer clay!)
My first project was to painta recycled-cardboard box with the pink color. To use the paint, you’ll need to shake the bottle  for 10 seconds or so to re-mix the mica particles that have settled to the bottom. The mica re-integrated easily into the paint, and when I poured it into my tray, the paint was smooth and creamy. It’s not as thick as some other mica-infused acrylics on the market, and I’d say the viscosity is somewhere between syrup and honey consistancy.
I put my first layer of paint on my recycled box with a foam brush. i found that it went on easily, but because my surface had printing on it, it needed two coats for sure. I even opted for a third, just using my finger to liberally spread around the paint. (Messy, but fun.) I found that applying the paint in this manner made it look almost like metal foil! The color was rich and vibrant.
Moving on to another “upcycled” craft, I used Precious Metal Colors in green to paint over a plain, glossy black frame. I did no prep to the surface, just brushed the paint on top. It covered the black frame beautifully, and again took 2 coats. Precious Metal Colors has a great “grab” to it, and even thought I didn’t sand, it adhered well. You can see the first coat as pictured in the first photo on this post, and the final project is here:
The packaging says it’s good for non-porous surfaces, so next I literally poured some of the paint in an old votive glass. I swirled it around and then smoothed it out a bit just jusing my finger. (I use my fingers to paint alot, as you can see.) Wow! This effect is impressive. the paint actually sticks to the glass, and gives the feeling of silvered glass. The mica flecks show through the glas as well, making it wonderfully glimmery!
To finish of my Precious Metal Colors playdate, I used some nice thick watercolor paper and just painted random swatches, occasionally blending with a water mister. Again, these colors are jam-packed with mica, and you could see them swirling around on the surface. Amazing. I could barely wait for the paint to dry so I could make a mixed-media art tag.
Friends, I have to tell you I was excited about these paints when I saw them on the shelf at CHA, and getting them at home in my studio didn’t disappoint….and I can’t wait to have time to check them out on fabric and polymer clay, too!
Fast Facts from the manufacturer:
- metal-look water-based “varnish”
- 1-3 hours to dry, depending on the surface and conditions
- use a synthetic or foam brush (or fingers)
- water clean-up
- high opacity
- 28 fabulous colors
I’d give you the “pros” and “cons” of this product…but really, there are no “cons”- unless it’s limited availability. If you love shimmery, glimmery, vibrant, metallic paint colors for your crafts, this is it!
- Spooky Spider Halloween Bookmark Craft - October 24, 2018
- Review and Demo of LDRS Hybrid Ink Pads - October 15, 2018
- Review and Demo of Nuvo Hybrid Inks - October 1, 2018
- Craft Studio Tour and Organization Ideas - September 20, 2018
- Wax Paper Resist Background Technique - March 20, 2018
- Comparison of Liquid Watercolor Markers/Pens - March 16, 2018
- SAI Japanese Traditional Watercolor Brush Markers- Review & Demo - February 23, 2018
- Rinea Metallic Foil Paper & Ghost Ink Review - February 21, 2018
- Jane Davenport debuts at Creativation 2018 & Watercolor Card - February 13, 2018
- Creativation 2018: New Product Showcase - January 20, 2018
Lori Paximadis says
Oooooo… those look like fun! Do you know where we can get them locally?
Annie says
Now that you’ve “silvered” the votive glass, can you burn a votive/tea without damaging the finish?
Jenny says
Annie-I’m not even gonna try. I’ll use those battery-operated LED tealights in it! -Jenny
cindy says
I just painted names of guests for a party onto wine glasses using this paint. The next morning I noticed one had a bit of a glob so in trying to smooth it out, with minimal pressure, the whole letter rubbed off. I am baking glasses in 275 oven for 30 minutes now hoping to have paint adhere. Any suggestions – have you painted on anything glass that would need to be washed? I’m afraid paint will wash right off the glasses!
Jenny says
Cindy- this paint is not indicated for using on glass that is anything but DECORATIVE. (No food/drink use!) For that, you need a porcelain paint or paint pen, as those are meant to be cured and then can be hand-washed and is food safe. PermEnamel paints by Delta have a good reputation! Hope this helps, Jenny
cindy says
That’s what I was afraid of! Thank you for your help! Guess I’ll redo them!