Metallic paints

[baronvonchaos]

I have been using Model masters paints forever and I like the chromatics, but the metallics leave something to be desired. I haven't been terribly upset with them until I saw my friend's warpigs. He was using GW boltgun Metal and it looked FAR better than my metals. It reminded me of a Handcannononline vid where he talked about micah (sp?) filings.

Long story short, What are the best 2-3 paint companies for metallics?

[Pulse-Czar]

While I heartily enjoy P3's line of paints, I'm not wild about their metallics. Even when watered down they seem thick and somewhat dull. I've always had great success with
Citadel's metal colors, they're my go-to paints for metallics, well at least as Boltgun/Chainmail/Mithril Silver are concerned, I haven't tried any of their latest line yet.
I've only used one copper color from Vallejo's range, but it's worked wonderfully, so I'd recommend giving their range a look as well.

[Utgartha]

I have to say. After using P3's Solid Gold and Quicksilver and then using one of Citadel's brassy metals, can't remember which exactly, the Citadel metals are MUCH better and I'll be using them from now on. I might use the P3 gold and silver for drybrushing and possible highlights just to get some fun things going on the model, but for basing, my pick is for Citadel. P3 just doesn't have it quite figured out just yet.

[PG_Ghool]

I have to say. After using P3's Solid Gold and Quicksilver and then using one of Citadel's brassy metals, can't remember which exactly, the Citadel metals are MUCH better and I'll be using them from now on. I might use the P3 gold and silver for drybrushing and possible highlights just to get some fun things going on the model, but for basing, my pick is for Citadel. P3 just doesn't have it quite figured out just yet.

It's my assumption you've used the white label metals?
If you get the black label metals, they are vastly superior to GW's new line.

I used to use the old GW metals, and if you can find them still, all the power to you. But, the new line doesn't quite match the older colours, and the mica is extremely coarse compared to the old line. The mica in the P3's isn't quite as coarse as the new GW.

If you're having trouble getting shine from your metals, then it's more probable you're dulling them with some sort of matte sealer. It doesn't matter what brand you use, they all have nice shine and luster.

P3 Metals:




GW metals:

[Patryn]

I like Vallejo Model Air Silver for basic steel/iron/silver. It goes on insanely smooth and covers really really well. I mix inks with it to get different color tones like gunmetal or what have you.

[Valander]

I like Vallejo Model Air Silver for basic steel/iron/silver. It goes on insanely smooth and covers really really well. I mix inks with it to get different color tones like gunmetal or what have you.

Agreed here. Those VMA metallics are great, though their yellow metals (gold, brass) are a bit too pale for my tastes. For that, the Vallejo Liquid Gold alcohol-based are pretty excellent.

[baronvonchaos]

I don't use an air brush will Model Air paints do okay?

[Utgartha]

It's my assumption you've used the white label metals?
If you get the black label metals, they are vastly superior to GW's new line.

I used to use the old GW metals, and if you can find them still, all the power to you. But, the new line doesn't quite match the older colours, and the mica is extremely coarse compared to the old line. The mica in the P3's isn't quite as coarse as the new GW.

If you're having trouble getting shine from your metals, then it's more probable you're dulling them with some sort of matte sealer. It doesn't matter what brand you use, they all have nice shine and luster.

P3 Metals:




GW metals:

I didn't see any black labelled metallic P3 colors at my LGS. Are they new or???

[PG_Ghool]

I didn't see any black labelled metallic P3 colors at my LGS. Are they new or???

They are reformulated, and actually don't explode, or turn into semi-solid sludge.
The black labels are new, yes.

[skyline7]

Haven't seen anyone mention Vallejo's Liquid Gold line yet. Just picked up the whole set and they're amazing. Best gold I've ever used, but a bit of a pain to work with, as you have to have a set of brushes devoted to them and you can't use water for cleanup. Coverage is amazing and they go on very smooth, though.

http://www.acrylicosvallejo.com/gb/liquid-gold-gb.html

[Crusader85]

As Ghool mentioned, the new black label P3 metals are excellent. I used molten bronze on my Khador and loved the outcome. The paint went on smooth with some water mixed in and the amount of shine was perfect. I haven't tried any of the others but I will be soon as GW screwed me over again with the paints.

[MadJack]

I don't use an air brush will Model Air paints do okay?

You'll definitely be able to use a regular brush to apply them. The Vallejo Model Air paints (and, presumably, other specially-formulated airbrush paints) are designed to be thinner and have finer pigment than ordinary acrylics so that they don't clog the airbrush. Just don't thin them like you might with normal acrylics, and keep in mind that you may need to do more than one coat to get good coverage.

[Dacian]

I used to use gw metalics, tried a coupl p3, the white kabel as I knew no better, and settled on vallejoof which I am very happy with, good coverage, dropper bottles!

[Valander]

I don't use an air brush will Model Air paints do okay?

Totally. I use a brush with them probably more often than I airbrush them. They are already thinner than other metallic paints, so you don't need to dilute, but they cover really well in my experience.

[PG_ICleadpeople]

Thanks Ghool. I was looking at my old Boltgun metal and getting worried. I will have to keep an eye out for the Black label paints now.

[hmk17]

In comparison for the old GW Boltgun Metal... Vallejo Game Color's Gun Metal & Army Painter's Gun Metal are nearly spot on.

Honestly, this is one of the places where its better to pull the best from multiple lines than just one. But go with what works for you in the end.

For golds, PP has some of the best. Blighted Gold is great.

For Gun Metal, I prefer Vallejo Model Air Gunmetal. The metallic flakes are tiny and designed for an airbrush, giving a great effect. Great thinness out of the bottle and awesome coverage.

[baronvonchaos]

Who sells Formula P3 Black Label? I can't seem to find it on the websites I usually haunt. It doesn't even show on PP's website. It just shows "Formula P3" Is that the black label stuff?

[@ndreas]

... I use Vallejo Game Color and Model Color metallics and find them smooth and easy to paint (using silver, copper and gold/brass-tones). I can recommend these.

No experience in other brands, though.