Best Gold Spray Paint – Guide to Metallic Gold Spray Paints

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Metallic gold spray paint can add a touch of glamour and opulence to almost any object! Whether you are looking for gold paint for woodwork or the best spray paint for metal, the number of options available can be overwhelming. Metallic gold spray paint is a good option for small DIY projects such as painting door knobs, ornaments, or old lamps. However, if you are planning to paint a larger surface such as an entire wall, you may want to consider opting for metallic gold wall paint. Keep reading to find out more about the best metallic gold spray paint!

Considerations for Selecting Gold Spray Paint

Metallic paint such as gold, silver, and bronze are designed to replicate metals and are also referred to as metal flake paint or polychromatic paint. Metallic spray paint colors are commonly used within the automotive industry because of their ability to highlight contours in the bodywork that normal paint simply cannot.

Besides metallic spray paint colors being popular within the automotive industry, they are becoming even more popular within the DIY sector as handheld spray cans make the process of spray painting metallic colors simple.

There are a few things to consider before rushing out and slapping any old gold spray paint onto your project. Before we take a look at some of our top picks, let us take a look at some of the factors to consider when selecting gold spray paint.

Shimmer and Shine

The whole reason for opting for gold spray paint is to achieve that shimmer and shine that even the glossiest of high-gloss paint does not possess. The metallic shimmer and shine of gold spray paint are because it contains metal flakes or microbeads that reflect the light in a similar way that metal does.

Certain so-called metallic spray paint may not contain metal flakes or microbeads but will rather dry to a yellow color that is meant to mimic gold. However, these paints pale in comparison. It is best to select a high-quality metallic gold spray paint that contains these special pigments which will guarantee the shimmer and shine that you are after.

Color and Shade

When it comes to shade and color, not all metallic gold spray paints are created equal. Lighter shades of gold may resemble metallic silver paint, rich and yellow golds may resemble the color of pure gold, and gold spray paint with a pink or red hue may begin to resemble rose-gold or copper. It is best to take a good look at the sample colors under a few different lighting conditions to make sure the shade in question is right for you. Consider the rest of the decor in your room and which colors may compliment a rose-gold or a bronze-gold.

Ease of Use

Most metallic gold spray paints will work on a variety of different surfaces from metal to wood and even plastic. When searching for gold paint for woodwork, you will most likely find information on the spray can stating that it is suitable for use on wooden surfaces. Always refer to the information provided by the manufacturer if you are unsure about the surface compatibility of your metallic spray paint.

Applying a primer to the surface of your project is recommended for achieving better coverage as well as ensuring a strong adhesion of the paint. For ease of use, you can opt for gold spray paint that is self-priming. Self-priming spray paint is formulated with a built-in primer which does not require you to use a separate primer.

Larger projects may require you to hold down a nozzle for a longer period than smaller projects. This can lead to finger fatigue. Many manufacturers have taken your comfort into account when designing nozzles and triggers, some of which are wider and positioned in such a way that using the spray can be far more comfortable. These types of spray cans may be more comfortable to work with but they do tend to be more expensive.

If you are hoping to complete your project quickly you will want to choose a spray paint with a fast drying time. This will help you to get the job done a lot faster. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for an indication of the drying time but be aware that the drying time may be affected by the climate of your particular area.

Best Gold Spray Paint: Our Top Picks

Now that you know a bit more about what to look out for when selecting gold spray paint, you are well on your way to making the right decision. To make the process of choosing the best gold spray paint even easier, we have compiled a shortlist of our favorite gold spray paints. The following gold spray paints stand out from the rest as they are the most reviewed and highest-rated gold spray paints available today. This section aims to narrow down the options so you can stop deliberating and get straight to spray painting your project.

Best Overall Gold Spray Paint: RUST-OLEUM Universal All-Surface Metallic Paint and Primer

This Rust-Oleum gold spray paint is formulated with a built-in primer which means that there is no need to apply a primer to the surface of your project before applying the spray paint. Whether you are spray painting plastic, wood, vinyl, or fiberglass, you will be able to transform the dull and drab to dramatically opulent. This gold spray paint also bonds to brick and metal and it even prevents rust and protects both interior and exterior surfaces for years to come. Once cured, the durable finish will resist fading and chipping.

The relatively fast-drying formula dries in 30 minutes and can cover 15 square feet with just a single can. The nozzle shape and position are designed as a trigger spray for maximum comfort and can be used at any angle, which makes painting those tricky areas a lot easier. Rust-Oleum’s Universal All-Surface Metallic Paint and primer is convenient, comfortable to use, and provides a high-quality golden matte finish!

RUST-OLEUM All-Surface Metallic Paint and Primer

• Universal application ranging from wood and metal to plastics
• Long-lasting rust, fade, and corrosion proof formula
• Fast drying with excellent coverage at 15 sq ft per can

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Best Reflective Gold Spray Paint: RUST-OLEUM Speciality Metallic Gold Spray Paint

For an ultra-premium look that is bright, reflective, and shiny you will want to consider Rust-Oleum’s Speciality Metallic Gold Spray Paint. This product creates a rich, golden shine on a wide range of interior surfaces such as metal wood and plaster. The specialized formula contains real metal leafing flakes that contribute to its premium shine. A single can will cover around 12 square feet.

The quick-drying formula will be ready for a second coat within an hour! This gold chrome spray paint is ideal for interior accent pieces like picture frames, ornaments, candle holders, and fixtures. It may not be ideal for exteriors but it creates a rich and premium look for interiors. This Rust-Oleum gold spray paint is perfect for adding a touch of modern luxuriance to smaller interior items by creating a realistic and shiny metallic finish. Make the flashy choice and choose Rust-Oleum’s Speciality Metallic Gold Spray Paint!

RUST-OLEUM Speciality Metallic Gold Spray Paint

• For interior accent pieces made from wood, metal, plaster and so on
• Formula incorporates metal flakes for an ultra bright reflective finish
• Touch-dry in 15 minutes and recoat within an hour

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Best Fast Drying Gold Spray Paint: KRYLON Metallic Gold Fast Drying Interior Spray Paint

Krylon has been a trusted paint and sealer brand for decades and their metallic gold fast-drying spray paint offers great value for money and versatility. This spray paint offers a smooth and durable finish that is suitable for interiors. Its quick-drying formula dries to the touch in just 15 minutes which means rapid project completion. This metallic gold spray paint is ideal for interior furniture, picture frames, arts and crafts, and more!

It is easy to use and works on a variety of surfaces including wood, plastic, and metal. A single can of Krylon’s Gold Spray Paint can cover up to 25 sq. ft. There have been concerned customers complaining about the color of the paint not matching the color indicated on the can. One must bear in mind that the color and the porosity of the item that you are painting will influence the final color. It is best to expect slight variation when using this gold spray paint. This being said, Krylon’s Metallic Gold Spray Paint offers a radiant metallic finish!

KRYLON Metallic Gold Fast Drying Interior Spray Paint

• Produces a durable and brilliant metallic-like finish
• High performance and easy to use for craft projects
• Quick drying formula is touch-dry in 15 minutes

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Gold Spray Painting on Common Surfaces 

Now that you have selected a gold spray paint that suits your needs and your tastes you are ready to begin spray painting! But before we guide you through the process of applying metallic gold spray paint, it is best to take a look at a few of the common surfaces that you may be considering coating with spray paint.

Metal

It may seem redundant but spray painting metal with metallic colors such as gold spray paint is a fairly common practice. Metal is not nearly as porous as wood but it is still a good idea to apply a primer. A primer formulated especially for metal is ideal. This will ensure a strong bond of the paint to the metal and prevent chipping and peeling. It is also best to refer to reviews as well as the manufacturer’s instructions when searching for the best gold spray paint for metal.

As with plastic, it is best to wash the metal surface with warm soapy water to remove any traces of grease, oil, and dirt. A light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper is also recommended. This will create a slightly rough surface which will create a surface for the primer to bite onto. It is also recommended that you lightly sand the primer once it has dried. This will help create a proper bond between the primer and the gold spray paint.

Wood

So you have found a beautiful shade of gold paint for wood and you are ready to spruce up that old wooden picture frame. Spray painting wood is a common DIY project and for good reason – it is fairly simple to do. However, surface preparation will go a long way in increasing the adhesion of your spray paint as well as achieving good coverage. Because wood is porous it tends to readily absorb the paint, which may mean that you will have to apply multiple coats to achieve the best coverage.

Choosing to apply a wood primer before you spray paint will help you to achieve better coverage as well as increase the adhesion of the paint to the wood. It is always best to lightly sand a wooden surface before applying the spray paint. Doing this will go a long way in creating the ideal surface profile, which will increase the adhesion of the primer and paint.

Plastic

Unlike spray painting wood, spray painting plastic is not a common DIY task. Most spray paints available on the market today are compatible with plastic. Before applying gold spray paint to plastic it is best to make sure that the surface is completely free from any dirt, oil, and grease. If the plastic is not clean and free from oils the paint may not form a proper bond to the plastic. This will lead to peeling and chipping. Warm soapy water will remove the dirt and grime and increase the adhesion – just be sure to allow the plastic to dry completely before applying the paint or primer.

As is the case when spraying painting wood, it is advised that you lightly sand the surface of the plastic before you apply the paint. Consider applying a primer to the plastic before applying the gold spray paint. Alternatively, you can choose spray paint that contains a primer.

Glass

Applying gold spray paint to glass can be very effective however applying a specialized glass primer is recommended for the best results. This is because glass is not porous and it is naturally very smooth, which is a less than ideal surface profile for the adhesion spray paint.

As is the case with other surfaces, it is a good idea to clean the surface of the glass with warm soapy water to remove any oils and grease that may prevent the primer and the paint from bonding to this already slippery surface.

Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before applying spray paint to glass to make sure that the product you have chosen is suitable for glass.

How to Apply Gold Spray Paint

You have selected the correct gold spray paint for your project and you are ready to get spraying! If it is your first time you may be feeling slightly apprehensive. Spray painting with an aerosol can is a fairly simple process but if done incorrectly you can end up with an uneven finish, which may require you to respray. To save your money and time we have created an overview of the process. Using a quality metallic gold spray paint along with the guideline below will reduce the margin for error and help you to achieve a glamorous premium finish!

Safety

Spray paint contains solvents and chemicals that can be harmful to your health. This is the reason that you should use spray paint in a well-ventilated area. If you can’t work outdoors then you need to open windows and doors to create an adequate flow of air. This will limit you from inhaling noxious fumes. To be safe wear a respirator and goggles.

To protect your floors and any furniture that may be in the vicinity of your workspace, you will want to lay down or drape a drop cloth or tarp. Painting with aerosol spray paint creates airborne paint particles that can easily carry themselves onto nearby items. An alternative to drop-cloth is old newspapers. Just be sure to tape it down with painter’s tape to prevent it from shifting and exposing areas you do not want to paint.

Preparation

If the item that you are painting can be disassembled, it is best to do so. This can help you to cover tricky areas as well as prevent you from spraying over parts that you would prefer not to such as door handles and other fittings. If you are unable to disassemble the project and there are areas of your project that you do not want to cover with gold chrome spray paint, you can use painter’s tape to cover these areas but before you do that it is best to prepare the surface of your project.

Prepare the surface of the item you have chosen to spray paint by making sure it is clean and free from grease and any oils that may interfere with the adhesion of the paint. Dish soap or a mild detergent should do the trick, however, if you are dealing with tough dirt and grime you may want to opt for something like a TSP cleaning solution. Before you proceed to the next step it is best to make sure that your project is completely dry.

If you are spray painting wood you will want to lightly sand the surface to create the ideal surface profile for the paint to bite onto. The same applies when working with metal and plastic. Use a tack cloth or a clean lint-free rag to remove any dust or grit that may have been left behind after sanding.

Choosing to lay down a primer is always a good idea! Make sure to select a primer that has been formulated to work with the surface you are working with. Metal primers are specially formulated to strengthen the adhesion of the paint to the metal. Wood primers are designed specifically for wood and are not ideal for use on metal. Applying a primer will also raise the quality of your finish. If you have chosen a spray paint that contains a primer or one that is self-priming then there is no need to apply a separate primer.

Spray Painting

At last, the prep work is out of the way and we are ready to let rip with the spray can! Once your primer is dry you can apply your metallic gold spray paint to the surface of your project. When using the aerosol can it is best to use short controlled bursts while holding the can 8 to 12 inches away from the surface.

If you spray while holding the can too close to the surface it may create a thick and heavy layer of paint that may form a drip or deform, creating an uneven finish. As a rule of thumb, you should spray multiple thin coats instead of a single thick coat of paint. Wait for the initial coat of spray paint to dry before applying the second. If you are unsure whether or not the paint is ready for a second coat, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and bear in mind that these drying times may vary slightly depending on the temperature and climate of your area.

Once the metallic gold spray paint is fully cured you can reassemble your project and remove any painter’s tape. The great thing about using aerosol cans is that there are no brushes or painter’s trays to wash and clean!

Tips and Tricks

• Shimmer and shine is the whole reason why one would want to opt for metallic gold spray paint. Cheap metallic spray paint colors may not contain metal flakes or microbeads. Choose gold spray paint that contains these ingredients for best results.
• If you are looking for the best gold spray paint for metal you may want to consider using a primer for the best results. A metal primer can help the spray paint to achieve a strong bond and help you to create a professional finish.
• When spray painting wood, it is best to lightly sand the surface to create a rough texture that will help the paint bond properly. It is also recommended that you apply a primer that has been formulated for use on wood before you apply the spray paint.
• Whether you are working with plastic, glass, or metal, it is always best to clean the surface to free it from any first, grease or grime, which can impair the adhesion of the paint to the surface of your project.
• When spray painting with an aerosol can it is best to aim to apply several thin coats of paint rather than a single thick coat. This will result in a durable and premium-looking finish that you will be pleased with.

When it comes to the best gold spray paint it is always a good idea to refer to reviews as well as the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help you to decide which gold spray paint is ideal for your specific project. When selecting metallic spray paint colors it is wise to opt for a paint that contains metal flakes or microbeads. These types of paints will offer a superior metallic finish to those paints that do not contain metal flakes or microbeads. Choose a quick-drying paint and one that contains a built-in primer to complete the project in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Metallic Spray Paint Toxic?

The metallic flakes and microbeads are not toxic and will not make you sick like old-fashioned lead-based paints. As a rule of thumb, you should always paint in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling paint fumes, which can be harmful.

What is the Best Way to Apply Metallic Gold Spray Paint?

Aerosol Metallic Gold Spray Paint can be applied in much the same way as any spray paint. When spraying it is best to keep the can in motion while releasing short controlled bursts. Do this while holding the can around 8 to 12 inches from your project.

Do I Need to Apply a Primer Before Applying Gold Spray Paint?

Whatever the surface it is always best to apply a primer before applying spray paint. A good-quality primer will help create a good bond between the spray paint and the surface of your project. If you are using self-priming spray paint there is no need to apply a separate primer.

Will Gold Spray Paint Stick To Metal?

Gold spray paint will stick to metal. For best results, it is best to refer to product reviews like the one earlier in this article to find the best gold spray paint for metal. Applying a primer is also a good idea. This will create a strong adhesion, thus a durable finish.

What Items Can You Spray Paint with Gold Spray Paint?

You can spray just about anything with gold spray paint! From picture frames to glass ornaments and even wooden furniture. Consider the interior color pallet when selecting a shade of gold spray paint as shades may vary between manufacturers.

Larissa Meyer( Art Addict, Illustrator and Graphic Designer )

Larissa Meyer is a 32-year-old mother from Michigan and creative spirit since childhood. Her passion for painting and drawing has led her to an education as an illustrator and a career as a freelance graphic designer. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration and a degree in Graphic Design. Larissa is a talented artist who is able to master a wide range of styles and techniques to bring her artistic vision to life. Her greatest passion is currently fluid painting and epoxy resin art. Larissa’s love for art and her knowledge and experience in illustration make her the perfect Creative Director for our fluid-painting.com team. She is the creative head of our team and shares her passion and knowledge with our community through articles and tutorials.

As a mother of a 2-year-old daughter, Larissa also understands the importance of fostering creativity in early childhood. She uses her experience and knowledge to help other parents inspire their children and develop their artistic skills as well.

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