Metallic Gold Paint using Food Coloring?
by VanOaksProps
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What this video covers
VanOaksProps demonstrates a budget-friendly technique for achieving a convincing metallic gold finish, crediting prop maker Gordon Tarpley as the method's originator. The process uses an aerosol metallic basecoat combined with liquid food coloring to dial in a warm gold tone, finished with acrylic varnish for durability. The technique is demonstrated on a 3D-printed C-3PO hand prop, making it highly relevant for sci-fi cosplay and replica builds. The result punches well above its price point compared to off-the-shelf gold paints.
Key takeaways
- ◆Liquid food coloring is used as an affordable tint to shift a silver metallic basecoat toward a convincing gold hue
- ◆Rustoleum Bright Coat Metallic serves as the reflective foundation of the finish
- ◆An airbrush and detail spray gun help achieve smooth, even coverage on complex 3D-printed geometry
- ◆Steel wool is used to buff and refine the surface between stages
- ◆A high-gloss acrylic varnish seals and protects the final finish
Who this is for
Prop makers, cosplayers, and Halloween haunters looking for a low-cost method to achieve professional-looking metallic gold finishes on 3D-printed or fabricated props.
Tools mentioned
- • Iwata Eclipse airbrush
- • detail spray gun
- • lazy susan
- • steel wool (0000 ultra fine)
- • CA glue
Materials mentioned
- • Rustoleum Bright Coat Metallic Finish
- • McCormick liquid food coloring
- • Liquitex High Gloss Acrylic Varnish
- • Tamiya flat black acrylic paint
- • Tamiya red brown acrylic paint
- • Tamiya acrylic paint thinner
- • split wire loom
- • CA glue
⚠ Safety notes
Use airbrush and spray gun in a well-ventilated area; wear an appropriate respirator mask when spraying paints or varnishes.
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