Gold is a symbol of magic, wealth and glamor, which makes it a very popular color for painting and other works. It is, however, one of the most difficult shades to blend, due to its both warm and cool undertones. Fortunately, by learning the theory of mixing colors, you will be able to combine a variety of paints, to create the perfect gold for your needs! You can even add pigments or glitter, for a shimmering and metallic gold!
Steps
Part 1 of 2: prepare the basic walleye
Step 1. For a straw yellow, mix brown and yellow
If you have a tube of brown paint on hand, this will be the easiest way to achieve a gold tint. Simply mix equal doses of yellow and brown, in order to obtain a golden tinge towards a mustard hue, very classic.
If the shade is more beige or bland, add a drop of red or blue to bring out the undertones
Step 2. For a golden brown, mix blue, red and yellow
Start by combining equal amounts of red and blue, in order to obtain a green. Then mix equal doses of this green and yellow, to obtain a dark and warm golden. For a brighter gold, add yellow, until you create the desired shade.
- If the color is too yellow, add a drop of blue and a drop of red, to rebalance it with purple tones.
- For a brown tint, add more red than blue to the original mix.
Step 3. For deep gold, mix black, red and yellow
In a cup or on a palette, start by preparing a warm Bordeaux by combining black and red. Then add yolk to the mixture to lighten it and make it more lively. This will give you a shade that closely resembles real gold.
- For a warmer shade, incorporate a touch of red, magenta, brown or orange, depending on which shade you created in the first place.
- For a cooler undertone, add a touch of light blue.
Step 4. Adjust the color with yellow, red, blue or white
In general, if you are looking to adjust the gold you have prepared, stick to the primary colors and white. By incorporating red, you will warm the golden. The blue will cool him down. Yellow will balance out shades that are too hot or too cold and white will lighten the hue.
Advice:
if you are looking to darken a gold, add brown instead of black, to prevent the color from becoming bluish. Black should always be used sparingly, unless you are working with gray-based colors.
Part 2 of 2: add sparkle and shine
Step 1. Add white to bring out the glitter or pigments
When preparing a metallic or sparkle shade, the shine will be more pronounced if the shade is light. Add 2 to 3 drops of white to the walleye you have prepared, stirring after each drop. Once you have achieved a color 1 to 2 shades lighter than your original color, you can add the glitter or pigments.
If the shade suits you, it will not be necessary to lighten it. Most glitter or metallic colors tend to become more vibrant when drying than they are when applied
Step 2. Add a pinch of iridescent pigments
Buy an iridescent gold or pearl pigment, such as mica powder or matched pigments, at a hobby store or online. Start by adding a very small amount and mix thoroughly. With a brush, apply a swatch and hold it under the light, to make sure the shade is as shiny as you want it to be.
Use iridescent pigments
Wait for the paint to dry to assess the result
When you apply the gold paint, it might not be shiny. As it dries, its metallic look will reveal itself.
Use very small amounts of pigment to keep the shine subtle
Metallic golds are shiny, but you shouldn't be able to see the individual glitter in the paint. If you are looking for a brighter result, you can always add a pinch more.
Observe the painting at an angle to best assess the result
The shade of the metallic highlights will depend on the angle at which you view the painting. Try moving your head to one side or the other or lighting the painting from a different angle, in order to best assess the effect.
Step 3. Incorporate golden glitter
Buy a bottle of DIY gold or translucent glitter, or micro-glitter, at a hobby store. Mix a pinch into your paint. Use a paintbrush to apply a sample of the gold and let it dry. Then keep the sample under the light, to see the glitter as well as possible.
- Keep in mind that the big glitter will be less effective than the small ones, since the paint will cover the small pieces of plastic. Buy the smallest glitter you can find, so you get a nice sparkle effect.
- This option will be the most suitable for painting a wall or a piece of furniture, because the glitter will be visible from all angles.
Step 4. Apply the glitter over the paint, for a textured look
Once you have created the golden base, apply the paint to the canvas, pot, or other object. Then work with your hands or a brush to deposit the glitter on the still wet paint, for a beautiful 3D effect. Let the paint dry and apply a colorless varnish or filler, so that the glitter does not fall off.
This is a very suitable method for painting and other works, as it allows you to apply the glitter wherever you want
Advice
- Start by mixing small amounts of paint to determine the correct color ratios. Then work with larger quantities, keeping the same proportions.
- Try a few different methods to see which technique will give you the best walleye for your needs.