Creating luxurious metal finishes with paint

Creating the illusion of a metal finish is now as simple as painting a surface with a reactive metal paint that ages naturally in the same manner as a solid metal. In terms of design options, the ability to specify a paint that performs in this way creates an exciting new opportunity for designers.

“Reactive metal paints contain filings of metal, which is what allows them to behave in the same way as the solid version of that product,” Porter’s Paints’ Shontelle Croswell says.

The range encompasses finishes including liquid bronze, gold, copper, iron, tin and zinc, each of which behaves slightly differently. “Any of the paints in the reactive metal range can be applied to any substrate, and they’re suitable for both interior and exterior applications.”

Liquid iron is currently the most sought after in the range, with its ability to create an authentic rusted iron effect. “Any object or surface can be instantly aged and given a weather-beaten, rustic iron finish,” Shontelle says. “It’s particularly popular for garden elements, architectural features and gates at the moment.”

Because the paint contains iron shavings, it will continue to rust over time. “If the client wanted to ‘freeze’ a look or level of rust, a clear sealer can be applied over the paint to stop any further ageing.”

Downpipes are another popular element currently being favoured for reactive metal paints, as well as sectional timber garage doors and front doors. “We’re constantly seeing innovative uses of these paints.”

Liquid bronze is another of the most popular tones in this range. “With this, the beauty of ancient bronze can be created across broad wall areas, door frames, architectural mouldings, pots and ornaments.”

Liquid bronze dries naturally into a matte mid-brown. It patinas when it is burnished with a product called bronze verdigris, revealing a patination that is predominantly blue and green in tone, but can vary through shades of green, brown, blue and lighter shades depending on the use. “Liquid bronze has a beautiful matte finish, unlike a lot of the metallics that have been around lately,” Shontelle says.

Porter’s Paints specialises in handmade paint, wallpaper and flooring. Porter’s products are available nationwide from a network of retailers.

If you’re looking for a unique design solution for your next project, make sure you visit Porter’s Paints on ArchiPro to peruse the latest in handmade, reactive metal paints.