Color brings many things to life, and that’s the gist of painting metal jewelry; to make it pop. But metal jewelry, like any other metallic surface, is kind of picky when it comes to accepting paint.
The greatest fear of painting metal jewelry is perhaps to have the layer of paint chip or crack after just a few uses leaving it looking ugly and cheap.
So what kind of paint do you use on metal jewelry? Any paint designed to work on metal surfaces will work on metal jewelry. No-bake enamel paint is the best paint among jewelers for complete coverage on metallic jewelry. Acrylic paint is an affordable alternative and alcohol inks are good for stained color effects.
As long as the metal surface is prepped right and primed, any paint designed for metal should work just fine. Still, it’s good to know what to look for so you can get the right effects.
If you are in the market for jewelry paint, you’ve landed on the right post. Our expert recommended list of the best paint for metal jewelry will help you lighten such a weighty decision. But first, here are some factors to consider when selecting paint for your jewelry.
5 Things To Look For In Paint For Jewelry
The quality of paint you choose determines its staying power and longevity of your jewelry’s aesthetics. Let’s take a quick peek at what factors to prioritize to select the best paint for metal jewelry.
1. Element Resistance
The best paint for metal jewelry is water-resistant and will not wash off. It forms a protective barrier that prevents the metal underneath from corrosion and rust. It will be excellent too if it is lightfast so the color won’t dull with regular UV ray exposure.
2. Drying Time
Professionals recommend more than one coating when painting such beautiful pieces. The first coating has to dry completely before applying another coat. A fast dry time makes the waiting period between the coats shorter. A long time, however, enhances the strength of the bond and is worth the wait.
3. Durability
To avoid constant repainting of the metallic jewelry after a short period, opt for durable paint. Paints labeled as suitable for metal surfaces or explicitly for metal jewelry have a high permanence level.
4. Toxicity
We wear metal jewelry on our bodies and anything harmful may pass through our permeable skin. The best paint for metal jewelry is certified to be non-toxic. It does not dissolve or react with the skin once dry.
5. Flexibility
Metals expand and contract rapidly, depending on the environmental temperature. The best paint for metal jewelry dries elastic – it has some give without forming cracks on the surface during thermal conductivity.
The 3 Best Paints For Metal Jewelry
If you’re looking for a good paint to use in your next jewelry-making adventure, you won’t go wrong with one of these:
| Rank | Product | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Krylon Premium Metallic Spray Paint | Metallic gold spray paint, high gloss finish |
| 2. | Jacquard Lumiere Metallic Acrylic Paint | Metallic gold acrylic paint, good coverage |
| 3. | Vintaj Patina - Gemstone Fair | Jewel tone color set of opaque inks |
Read on for more about each of these paints!
1. Krylon Premium Metallic Spray Paint (18K Gold)
If you are after a stunning look that mimics shiny, high-end metals for your jewelry, go with this Krylon metallic spray paint.
It provides complete coverage to your aluminum, steel, or other metal pieces, transforming them into a dazzling gold, silver, chrome, or copper look alike. With several stunning color options, you’ll be able to rely on these for many projects.
The premium paint is super easy to spray and comes in an 8 oz spray bottle, The spray nozzle provides a maximum coverage of 20 sq. ft.
Couple that with under 15 minutes drying time and you’ll be completing your paint job in a jiffy. Once dry, the finished look is sleek with a satin luster without being too shiny and overbearing.
For best results, use a primer, apply two coats, and seal the paint with a clear spray sealer.
2. Jacquard Lumiere Metallic Acrylic Paint (True Gold)
Not a fan of aerosol paints? Why not try this product by Jacquard. It is a light body metallic acrylic paint.
Although this is a ‘true gold’ color, there’s a range of fantastic bold and muted metallic tones that you can purchase individually or as a set of assorted colors.
The consistency is just right and spreads smoothly with a brush on metal surfaces. Once dry, the coat is sturdy yet flexible.
Made with high-quality water-based solvent and lightfast pigments, your jewelry will retain its pristine beauty for longer.
A primer coat and sealer finish is necessary for enhanced durability.
3. Vintaj Patina – Gemstone Fair
The Vintaj Patina line of metal paint products makes gorgeous inks specially formulated for metal jewelry.
What makes its palette unique is its focus on jewel tones. The ink doesn’t quite form a hard resin coat but rather gives the metal a natural stained look.
If you are a fan of the distressed look of vintage brass, bronze, or copper jewelry, then you’ll love this three-pack.
The paint is superb for staining metal charms and findings giving them a beautiful weathered yet vibrant look.
We particularly loved that Vintaj Patina creates a more durable finish resistant to scratch and scuffs, unlike enamel and acrylic paints. Also, it needs no special sealing to stay permanent.
There are many other color packs available as well.
Related Questions
Is It Better To Spray Paint Or Brush Paint Metal Jewelry?
The better technique depends on the jeweler’s preferences and the complexity of the design at hand.
Beginners may find it easier to control the amount of paint with a brush. You also get better accuracy with a brush when the metal parts are small and require detailing in different colors.
However, spray paint gets things done faster, is less demanding, and ideal for bold pieces or simple designs without sophisticated or intricate patterns. If you just want to coat your pieces with a single layer of color, spray painting may be just what you’re going for.
Can You Paint Metal Jewelry With Nail Polish?
The short answer is yes. Nail polish is a fast-drying, easily accessible, enamel paint that comes in unlimited colors and finishes. However, although it is a convenient and fun option, it may not last very long on metal jewelry.
The quality of the nail polish is the key thing to consider when it comes to durability. Also, without proper prepping and sealing, it will chip very fast. It may be an option for costume jewelry or a quick make-over but not for pieces you’d want to wear for a lifetime.
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