Vallejo Metal Colors Acrylic Paints - Realistic Metallic Finishes

January 17, 2026

Essential Weathering Techniques for 1/35 Scale Armor Models

Learn four essential weathering techniques—dry brushing, washes, pigments, and chipping—to bring realism and depth to your 1/35 scale armor models.

January 06, 2026

Airbrushing vs. Brush Painting: Choosing the Right Technique for Your Scale Model

Wondering whether to airbrush or brush paint your scale models? Learn the strengths of each technique, when to use them, and how combining both methods produces the best results...

Vallejo Metal Color

Vallejo Metal Colors Acrylic Paints for Scale Modeling

Achieve authentic metallic finishes on your scale models with Vallejo Metal Colors, the revolutionary acrylic paint range specifically formulated to replicate realistic metal surfaces without requiring polishing or buffing. This premium collection features 32ml bottles of highly pigmented metallic acrylics including Aluminium, Chrome, Steel, Copper, Gold, and Silver that deliver mirror-like finishes straight from the bottle. The range includes specialized tones like Burnt Iron, Jet Exhaust, Exhaust Manifold, and Gunmetal Grey for weathering effects. Complement your painting with Vallejo Paints, Tamiya Acrylic Paints, Mig Acrylic Paints, and ICM Acrylic Paints for complete modeling excellence.

Revolutionary Metallic Paint Technology from Vallejo

Vallejo Metal Colors represents a breakthrough in acrylic paint technology, specifically engineered to deliver authentic metallic finishes that rival lacquer-based paints without the associated toxicity or application complexity. Unlike traditional metallic acrylics that require extensive polishing to achieve realistic metal effects, Metal Colors utilize ultra-fine aluminum pigments suspended in an advanced acrylic resin base that self-levels to create mirror-like surfaces directly from the airbrush or brush. The range includes essential base metals like Aluminium, Duraluminium, Dark Aluminium, and White Aluminium for aircraft and armor modeling, while Chrome, Copper, and Magnesium provide options for automotive and mechanical details. The collection's weathering tones including Burnt Iron, Pale Burnt Metal, Jet Exhaust, and Exhaust Manifold enable realistic heat discoloration and oxidation effects on engine components and exhaust systems.

Application Techniques and Finishing Options

Metal Colors perform optimally when applied through airbrush at 15-20 PSI, though they can also be hand-brushed for smaller details with careful technique. The paints are ready to use straight from the bottle for airbrushing, though they can be thinned with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner for specific applications. For maximum realism, apply Metal Colors over a gloss black primer base, which enhances the metallic effect and provides depth to the finish. The range includes essential support products like Gloss Black primer and Gloss Metal Varnish for sealing and protecting finished metallic surfaces. Specialized tones like Dull Aluminium, Semi Matt Aluminium, and Gunmetal Grey provide varying sheen levels for different metal types and weathering states. Expand your painting capabilities with Vallejo Paints for comprehensive color options, Tamiya Acrylic Paints for additional modeling colors, Mig Acrylic Paints for weathering products, and ICM Acrylic Paints for specialized applications. Visit the official Vallejo website to explore their complete range of modeling paints and discover why Metal Colors has become the preferred choice for modelers seeking authentic metallic finishes without the hazards of solvent-based paints.

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