As we see the explosion in popularity of DIY home decor combined with a renewed appreciation for antique and vintage finishes, the appeal of gold paint for furniture projects has never been stronger. From infusing spaces with antique charm to revitalizing modern pieces, gold paint is extremely versatile. Whether you’re seeking to faux-age a piece with the richness of gold buff or brightening up a contemporary item with a sleek gold spray paint, professional-level results are achievable with a little preparation and the right product.
A Flawless Finish Requires Preparation
Like any paint, achieving impeccable results with metallic gold begins long before the first brushstroke or spray. Here’s a breakdown of essential prep work to ensure you don’t end up with a patchy piece, and gold fakes all over your living room for the next decade:
Before reaching for your paintbrush or spray can, take the time to prepare your furniture piece properly. This may involve thoroughly cleaning and wiping down your dusty light fixtures or mirror frame, sanding down wood, filling in any cracks or imperfections, and degreasing your surface. Smooth, clean surfaces provide the ideal canvas for a shiny finish.
At the very least, give it a good scuff sanding if not a full high grit sanding job before going in with some primer. Applying a coat of primer not only helps the paint adhere better to the surface but also ensures uniform coverage. Opt for a high-quality primer specifically formulated for use with metallic paints to enhance the vibrancy of the gold hue. Even if a paint or product states that it is a paint and primer in one, don’t believe it! Always use a real primer if you want the best gold finish.
In the realm of metallic gold paint, less is more. Instead of slathering on thick layers of paint, layer several thin coats. Not only does this approach promote smoother application and quicker drying times, but it also minimizes the risk of unsightly drips, runs, or brush marks. Remember, patience is key—allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next to achieve the best results.
Best Gold Spray Paint: Rust-Oleum
My favorite gold spray paint, and the one currently adorning my kitchen cabinet hardware, is Rust-Oleum metallic gold spray paint. Renowned for its durability and versatility, Rust-Oleum offers a range of metallic gold paint options suitable for different projects. Outside of metallics, they have a large range of color and finish options, including a gorgeous matte rose gold option that I’m addicted to using for small projects around my home.
Design Master Spray Paint in Gold Medal also offers a beautiful finish, though it’s hard to come by here in Canada. Rust-Oleum is available at Home Depot in both Canada and the US.
Spray paint is the best option for very small projects like furniture and kitchen hardware, though you’ll want to be sure to finish it off with a high quality top coat like polyurethane if you expect it will be touched and used a lot.
Best Metallic Paint: Fusion Mineral Paint Metallics
For those seeking to infuse their space with an antique-inspired shimmer, Fusion Mineral Paint Metallics offers a distinctive range of gold hues including a beautifully neutral “champagne” gold:
Made with pure mica pigments, Fusion Mineral Paint offers some of the best gold paint options available. It’s easy to achieve an aged patina look with this paint, and I think it would be the perfect choice for a mirror makeover project. I also highly recommend their ultra grip solvent to use as a primer, it basically allows you to paint on a variety of surfaces. I’ve used Fusion Mineral Paint on an entire kitchen makeover in my home and I can personally stand by its durability, great coverage and easy application. It’s also low odor (actually no-odor), so you can safely use it indoors.
Best Liquid Gold Leaf: Plaid Liquid Gold Leaf
If you want the look of opulent gold leaf without the messy application, look for Plaid Liquid Gold Leaf at Michaels. It’s a high quality gold leaf paint in a brilliant yellow gold hue. It’s a small jar and best used for highlighting, detailing and smaller projects. It’s intended for use on wood, metal, glass, ceramics, paper, plaster or plastic, and when applied properly it looks exactly like the real thing. Having used a lot of gold leaf for art projects in the past, liquid gold leaf is a huge time saver and still results in that beautifully textured, real gold look.
Best Gold Wax: Rub n’ Buff
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use alternative to traditional metallic gold paint, Rub n’ Buff is an excellent recommendation. This wax-based formula offers a unique approach to achieving a luxurious gold accent on furniture and decor. You simply apply it directly with your fingers or a soft cloth, rubbing it onto a nearly finished piece for precise detailing and buffing it out to a brilliant shine. I love the look of rub n’ buff applied to picture and mirror frames for an aged, worn gold leaf look. You could use it to highlight ornate carvings on an antique dresser or add subtle accents to a more modern piece. They also offer a few different shades, my favorite being their coppery warm Autumn Gold.
Application Techniques
Achieving flawless results with metallic gold paint requires more than just choosing the right product—it also involves the art of application. Here are some essential techniques to ensure a smooth finish and great durability:
Multiple coats: It’s essential to apply metallic gold paint in multiple light, thin coats. Avoid the temptation to apply just one or two thick layers of paint, as this will leave you with a distinctly gunky, paint-looking texture when we want our pieces to look like real gold. For that real antique look, use multiple coats for depth. Each additional layer adds richness to the color, enhancing the vibrancy of the finish. Just don’t overdo it and end up obscuring intricate details, especially on ornate frames and carved wood. Aim for three to four very light coats to ensure adequate coverage without hiding the structure of the surface.
Always use a top coat: To protect your newly painted furniture and enhance its longevity, it’s crucial to apply a top coat once your paint has dried completely. A clear polyurethane or acrylic top coat not only seals the paint and provides added durability but also imparts a glossy finish that enhances the shine and brilliance of the gold. Be sure to select a top coat specifically formulated for use with your selected paint to ensure compatibility and optimal results.
Ideas For Your Next Project
Beyond frames and cabinet hardware, there are tons of ways you can incorporate a little sophisticated shimmer into your space. The next time you’re flipping old furniture, consider using a little metallic gold to transform it into a statement piece. Experiment with different techniques, like distressing and stenciling to add a little bit of warmth and luxury.
For projects with a small turnaround time but big impact, metallic gold paint can breathe new life into a wife range of smaller decor accents. Look at your decorative trays, candle holders, light switch and outlet covers. Hit them with some gold metallic spray paint and add a sense of cohesiveness to your room.
My current obsession, if you’re not afraid of a large surface area and bold design choice, is gold ceilings. A textured gold ceiling with some stenciling can mimic the look of a classic nineteenth century tin ceiling. I’m confident fusion paint could do the job with this, though I’m not as confident in my own skill with a brush!
Metallic gold paint offers endless possibilities for transforming ordinary furniture into something extraordinary and sophisticated. By selecting the right paint, learning essential application techniques, and drawing a little inspiration from history, you can easily transform your home decor into a reflection of your unique taste. Don’t be afraid to unleash your inner Versailles courtier and embrace the transformative power of a little shimmer.
Tags: decor, DIY, furniture, gold, paint
