How to Use Vallejo Liquid White Gold for Metallic Effects

Quick Answer

Vallejo Liquid White Gold delivers a bright, realistic metallic finish when applied in thin, even coats over a dark base. The alcohol-based formula dries fast, so work quickly and clean brushes with alcohol.

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting with Vallejo Liquid White Gold

1. Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace: Work in a well-ventilated area. The alcohol base has strong fumes. Have a bottle of isopropyl alcohol ready for thinning and cleaning. Do not use water to thin or clean this paint—it will ruin the finish and clog your brush.
2. Step 2: Shake the Bottle Thoroughly: Shake the Vallejo Liquid White Gold bottle vigorously for at least 30 seconds. The metal pigments settle quickly, and insufficient shaking leads to a dull, uneven coat. Check the bottom of the bottle for sediment; if you see any, keep shaking until it is fully mixed.
3. Step 3: Apply a Dark Base Coat: Paint the area you want to be gold with a dark brown or black acrylic paint. Let it dry completely. The dark underlayer makes the metallic gold pop and adds depth. Skipping the base coat results in a flat, less realistic gold that lacks contrast.
4. Step 4: Thin the Paint: Mix a small amount of Liquid White Gold with isopropyl alcohol on a palette. Aim for a consistency similar to skim milk. Thin coats build up smoothly and avoid brush marks. Paint straight from the bottle is too thick and will leave visible streaks. Always thin with alcohol.
5. Step 5: Apply Thin Coats: Using a synthetic brush, apply one thin coat over the base. Let it dry for 1-2 minutes (it dries fast). Apply a second coat if needed for full opacity. Two thin coats usually give the best result. Do not overbrush—the paint dries quickly, and going back over a partially dry area will lift the layer and cause clumping.
6. Step 6: Clean Your Brush Immediately: Rinse your brush in isopropyl alcohol immediately after use. Do not let the paint dry on the bristles. Once clean, wash with mild soap and water to condition the brush. If you wait, the alcohol-based paint will harden and ruin the brush. Clean promptly.

Product Facts

• Vallejo - Liquid White Gold: Manufactured with actual metal pigments in an alcohol-based formula for extraordinary realism and permanence. This gives a bright, reflective gold finish that looks like real metal on your miniatures, but requires alcohol for thinning and cleaning.