How to Mix Metallic Gold

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Content

Mixing the Base Yellow Color

Enhance the sparkle or glossiness

Metallic gold represents magic, wealth, and charm. This is why it is widely used in painting and crafting. It is one of the trickiest colors to mix, as it incorporates both warm and cool tones. Thankfully, with some knowledge of color mixing, you can blend various paints to achieve the exact shade of gold you're aiming for. You can even add pigment powder or glitter to the paint for a shimmering metallic gold effect.

Steps

Mixing the Base Yellow Color

Combine brown and yellow in a 1:1 ratio to create the goldenrod shade of yellow. If you already have a tube of brown, this is the easiest way to mix metallic gold. Just blend the yellow and brown together to create the traditional mustard yellow.

If the color appears too beige or dull, try adding a few drops of red and blue to intensify the hue.

Mix red, blue, and yellow to create a brownish yellow color. Start by blending red and blue in a 1:1 ratio to form a greenish shade. Then, mix this green with yellow to achieve a warm, dark yellow. If you desire a lighter yellow, continue adding more yellow until you reach your preferred shade.

If the color turns too yellow, add a drop of blue and a drop of red to balance it with a purple tone.
To make the yellow more brownish, use more red than blue in the initial mix.

Blend black, red, and yellow to create a deep yellow color. Begin by mixing black and red to form a warm brown-red shade in your mixing cup or tray. Then, add yellow to lighten and brighten the mixture. This will yield a color that closely resembles true gold.

To warm it up further, add a drop of red, magenta, brown, or orange, depending on the desired tone.
For a cooler hue, you can add a drop of light blue.

Adjust the tone by adding yellow, red, blue, or white. Typically, if you want to fine-tune your yellow mix, simply add the primary colors and white. Red will warm up the yellow, while blue adds a cooler touch. Additional yellow balances out overly warm or cool tones, and white will lighten the mix.

Tip: To darken the yellow, use brown instead of black to prevent the mixture from turning blue. Black should be used sparingly, unless you're aiming for a grayish shade.

Enhance the sparkle or glossiness

A few drops of white will make the pigment or glitter more glossy. When mixing metallic or shimmering shades, the brighter the color, the more noticeable the gloss. Add 2-3 drops of white to your yellow mixture, stirring thoroughly after each drop. Once the mixture brightens by 1-2 shades, you can add pigment powder or glitter.

If you're satisfied with the hue, there's no need to add more brightness. Most glittery or metallic colors tend to brighten once they dry.

Sprinkle some gold glitter powder to create a metallic sheen. You can purchase gold or pearl mica glitter powder (or craft glitter) from craft stores or online. Start by adding a very small amount, then mix well. Test the color on paper or another surface under direct light to see if the desired shimmer has been achieved.

Using glitter powder

Wait for the paint to dry to achieve the full effect. Initially, the yellow may not appear as shimmering. As the paint dries, the metallic gold effect will become more visible.

Use only a tiny amount of glitter powder to maintain a subtle shimmer. Metallic gold is quite glossy, but you won't see individual glitter particles in the paint. If you want a brighter shine, you can add a pinch of glitter powder.

View the paint from different angles for the most comprehensive effect. The metallic sheen will change depending on the angle. Try tilting your head or shining light at a different angle to fully appreciate the effect.

Mix yellow glitter into the paint for a sparkling finish. Purchase small or transparent yellow glitter from craft stores. Add a small pinch of glitter to your paint, then test it with a brush. After the paint dries, shine a direct light on the surface to evaluate the level of sparkle.

Note: Larger glitter particles won’t give the same effect as smaller ones. Opt for fine glitter to achieve a delicate, shimmering effect.
This is a great option for wall and furniture painting, as the glitter will catch the light from all angles.

Apply a layer of paint and sprinkle glitter on top for texture effects. After mixing your base yellow color, apply it to canvas, jars, or other items. Then, use your hands or a brush to sprinkle gold glitter over the wet paint to create a 3D effect. Wait for the paint to dry, then apply a coat of clear sealant or varnish to keep the glitter in place.

This is a fantastic idea for crafting or painting, as you can add glitter wherever you like.

Tips

Start with a small amount of paint to determine the right ratio, then gradually increase the paint in the same proportion.
Try a few techniques to see which one gives you the yellow shade that best suits your needs.

What You'll Need

Paint
Mixing tray or cup
Paint stirring stick
Pigment powder/glitter for mixing

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