Have you ever seen a painting shimmer and shine, almost like it’s made of liquid metal? That’s the magic of metallic watercolors! They add a special touch to your art, making it sparkle and catch the light. But with so many brands and colors available, picking the perfect set can feel tricky. Where do you even start?
Choosing metallic watercolors can be frustrating. You might wonder which ones have the best shimmer, or if they’re easy to use. You might also worry about the price, and if they’re worth the money. This is why it’s important to know what to look for when choosing your watercolor.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about metallic watercolors. We’ll discuss the different types, what makes them special, and how to pick the best ones for your art. You’ll discover tips and tricks to make your art shine. Get ready to add some dazzling sparkle to your artwork! Let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of metallic watercolors!
Our Top 5 Metallic Watercolors Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Metallic Watercolors Detailed Reviews
1. CraftyManor Mini Forestry Shifting Watercolor Painting Set
Rating: 9.2/10
Unleash your inner artist with the CraftyManor Mini Forestry Shifting Watercolor Painting Set! This 20-color watercolor kit is packed with shimmering metallic and glitter paints, inspired by the DunHuang style. These solid watercolors promise to add a radiant touch to your artwork. They are perfect for artists of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Get ready to create stunning, eye-catching pieces with these unique paints.
What We Like:
- Exceptional shimmering texture with premium mica powder.
- Beautiful and practical color combinations, easy to mix.
- Smooth strokes that don’t clump or powder off when dry.
- Versatile effects, from transparent to opaque.
- Suitable for various surfaces and projects, like cards and nail art.
- Pigments are resistant to fading.
What Could Be Improved:
- Solid color blocks may crack during drying (but do not affect use).
The CraftyManor watercolor set is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves to paint. These paints are sure to bring a touch of sparkle and creativity to any art project.
2. Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set
Rating: 9.4/10
Shine with the Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set! This set is great for artists of all levels. It features eight shimmering metallic watercolors in a convenient pocket-sized case. The Cotman colors use fine art pigments. This means your artwork will have beautiful, lasting colors. The set also includes a travel brush, ready for your next adventure, and space for four more colors. This makes it super easy to customize your palette.
What We Like:
- The Cotman colors use fine art pigments.
- These colors are permanent. This means your art will last a long time.
- The set includes eight sparkly metallic watercolors.
- It comes in a small, pocket-sized case.
- There is a travel brush in the set.
- You can add four more colors to the set.
What Could Be Improved:
- The set only comes with eight colors.
- Some artists may want more color choices.
This Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set is a fantastic choice for artists who love metallic colors. It is a great way to add some sparkle to your paintings.
3. Artecho 28 Metallic Watercolor Paint Set
Rating: 9.3/10
Unleash your inner artist with the Artecho 28 Metallic Watercolor Paint Set! This set is packed with 28 shimmering metallic colors. The paints are semi-moist and pearlescent, making your artwork sparkle. This set is perfect for beginners and experienced artists. It is ideal for anyone who loves to paint and create beautiful art.
What We Like:
- The set has 28 beautiful metallic colors. They provide great transparency and saturation.
- It is easy to carry around. The set is perfect for painting on the go.
- The paints are easy to clean. They are washable and won’t stain clothes.
- The paint is safe for kids. It’s non-toxic and acid-free.
- You can use this set for many projects. Try card making, calligraphy, and more!
- It makes a great gift for anyone who loves art.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want a wider variety of included brushes.
Overall, the Artecho Metallic Watercolor Paint Set is a fantastic choice. It is a fun and easy way to create beautiful art with a shimmering finish. You are sure to love the amazing colors and ease of use!
4. ARTISTRO Professional Metallic Watercolor Paint Set for Adults – 6 Pigment-Rich Gold Colors
Rating: 9.5/10
The ARTISTRO Professional Metallic Watercolor Paint Set is a great choice for artists. This set has six shimmering metallic colors. They are perfect for adding highlights to your art. The paints are made for artists who want great results. The set is designed for both beginners and professionals. It is perfect for creating beautiful artwork with shimmering effects.
What We Like:
- The metallic colors look bright and shiny.
- The paints are easy to use and blend well.
- You can use different painting styles, like washes and layering.
- The set comes in a nice box, making it a great gift.
- It is small and easy to take with you when you travel.
What Could Be Improved:
- It may not have a wide variety of colors.
This ARTISTRO Metallic Watercolor Paint Set is a wonderful set. It is a good option for anyone who loves metallic art.
5. Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set 24 Glittery Colors – Metallic
Rating: 9.5/10
Unleash your inner artist with the Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set! This set has 24 dazzling, glittery colors. These professional-quality paints are perfect for artists of all levels. They are great for painting, sketching, and crafting. The paints are non-toxic and made in Japan. Get ready to create beautiful art with these amazing watercolors!
What We Like:
- The set has 24 metallic and pearlescent colors. There are also 5 new colors!
- Gansai Tambi watercolors are traditional Japanese paints. They are great for beginners and pros.
- The paint pans are big. You can use large or small brushes easily.
- The special ink makes flat washes easy. The colors blend well.
- You can use the ink like watercolor or gouache. The colors are bright and shiny.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some artists may prefer a wider range of colors.
- The price point may be a bit high for some beginners.
Overall, the Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI set is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for anyone who loves to paint with metallic and glittery colors. You will enjoy making art with this set.
Shine On! Your Guide to Metallic Watercolors
Are you ready to add some sparkle to your art? Metallic watercolors are a fun way to do it! This guide will help you pick the best ones for you.
Key Features to Look For
Choosing the right metallic watercolors is important. Here’s what to think about:
- Shimmer and Shine: How sparkly are they? Some have a subtle glow. Others are super shiny. Look for paints with a lot of pigment. This will give you the best shimmer.
- Color Range: Do you want lots of colors? Or just a few favorites? Some sets have many colors. Others have a smaller selection. Choose a set that fits your needs.
- Pigment Type: Metallic watercolors use different pigments. They can be made with mica or other materials. Mica gives a beautiful shimmer. The pigment type affects the shine.
- Transparency: How see-through are the paints? Some are more transparent. Others are more opaque (not see-through). Opaque paints cover better. Transparent paints let the paper show through.
- Lightfastness: Will the colors fade over time? Some paints are more lightfast than others. Lightfast paints keep their color longer.
Important Materials
You’ll need more than just the paints. Here are some other materials:
- Watercolor Paper: This paper is made for water. It won’t buckle or tear easily. Look for paper that is thick. This is usually measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm).
- Water: You will need clean water. This helps activate the paint.
- Brushes: You need different sized brushes. Get a variety. This helps you make different strokes.
- Palette: A palette is where you mix your paints. You can use a ceramic plate. You can also use a plastic palette.
- Paper Towels: Use these to clean your brushes. They will also clean up any spills.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all metallic watercolors are created equal. Here’s what makes a good set:
- High-Quality Pigments: Good paints use good pigments. This gives you a brighter shimmer.
- Binder: The binder holds the pigment together. Gum arabic is often used. A good binder helps the paint flow smoothly.
- Concentration of Pigment: More pigment means more shine. Look for paints with a high pigment load.
- Price: Usually, you get what you pay for. Higher-quality sets cost more. But they often perform better.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for quality. Research different brands before buying.
User Experience and Use Cases
Metallic watercolors are fun to use. They are great for many projects:
- Adding Highlights: Use them to make your artwork pop. Add shiny highlights to your paintings.
- Calligraphy: Metallic watercolors are perfect for calligraphy. They make beautiful lettering.
- Greeting Cards: Make stunning greeting cards. Add some sparkle to your designs.
- Illustrations: Illustrate books or create your own artwork. Metallic watercolors add a special touch.
- Experimentation: Try different techniques. Mix them with other watercolors. See what happens!
Metallic Watercolor FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between metallic and regular watercolors?
A: Metallic watercolors have shiny pigments. Regular watercolors don’t have this. Metallic watercolors add shimmer to your work.
Q: Can I use metallic watercolors on any paper?
A: Watercolor paper works best. It is made to handle water without buckling.
Q: How do I clean my brushes?
A: Rinse your brushes with water after use. Gently wipe them on a paper towel.
Q: How do I store my metallic watercolors?
A: Store them in a cool, dry place. Keep them away from direct sunlight.
Q: How do I get the best shimmer?
A: Use a lot of paint. Don’t add too much water. Let the paint dry completely.
Q: Are metallic watercolors good for beginners?
A: Yes! They are easy to use. They are a fun way to start painting.
Q: Can I mix metallic watercolors with other paints?
A: Yes! You can mix them with other watercolors. Experiment with different colors and effects.
Q: What is lightfastness?
A: Lightfastness is how well a paint resists fading. Good lightfastness means the color will last a long time.
Q: What is the best way to apply metallic watercolors?
A: Apply them in thin layers. Build up the color gradually. This gives the best results.
Q: What’s the main ingredient that causes the shimmer?
A: Mica is a common ingredient that causes the shimmer. It’s a mineral that reflects light.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.