Top 5 Best Metallic Watercolor Paints for 2026 – Expert Tested
Adding a touch of shimmer and sparkle can transform ordinary artwork into something extraordinary, and that’s exactly what the best metallic watercolor paints do! Whether you’re a seasoned artist looking to expand your palette or a beginner eager to experiment with dazzling effects, choosing the right set can make all the difference. These unique paints infuse your creations with an iridescent glow, perfect for highlighting details, creating celestial scenes, or adding a luxurious finish to your projects. We’ve delved into the world of shimmering pigments to bring you a curated list of top-performing metallic watercolor sets, ensuring your art shines brighter than ever.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Metallic Watercolor Paints Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Best Metallic Watercolor Paint Set for Artists, with Brush Pens and a Travel Case.
This metallic watercolor paint set is a dream come true for artists who love variety and portability. With a massive selection of 100 unique shades, it combines regular watercolors with dazzling metallics, providing endless creative possibilities. It’s designed to deliver exceptional quality and performance, making it a reliable choice for various artistic endeavors.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 100 Unique Shades: Features 50 regular and 50 metallic watercolors for an extremely wide selection.
- ✓ High-Quality Pigments: Precisely formulated paints offer good transparency, excellent tinting strength, and smooth flow.
- ✓ Non-Toxic & Certified: Conforms to ASTM D-4236 and EN71 safety standards for safe use by all ages.
- ✓ Complete Travel Set: Includes brush pens and a convenient travel case, perfect for painting on the go.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend this set because it offers an incredible value with its vast color range and included accessories. The paint quality is impressive, providing vibrant hues and a beautiful metallic sheen. Its non-toxic certification also makes it a safe option for all artists, from beginners to professionals.
Best For
This set is best for artists seeking extensive color options, including a significant number of metallics, and who appreciate a comprehensive, portable kit for studio or travel use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wide selection of 100 colors, including many metallics.
- Good transparency and strong tinting power.
- Includes practical brush pens and a travel case.
- Non-toxic and safe for all users.
Cons:
- The sheer number of colors might be overwhelming for absolute beginners.
- Brush pens may not meet the quality standards of experienced artists.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great colors and good quality paint. I got this as a beginner watercolor kit but can see my self using it for the long haul. Easy to use, color card really helps and just the right size for on the go painting. Works well!!”
Customer Review: “Run, don’t walk, to add this gorgeous collection of watercolors to your collection. The colors are stunning and the quality is outstanding. Don’t miss out in these.”
2. Best Metallic Glitter Watercolor Paint Set for Artists, Includes a Detail Brush.
For those who love a refined sparkle, this metallic glitter watercolor paint set is an excellent choice. It features ultrafine grinding pigments that deliver brilliant, transparent, and particle-free colors. The compact set is perfect for artists who value quality and portability, allowing you to create shimmering masterpieces anywhere.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Hyperfine Grinding Pigments: Ensures bright, rich, transparent colors that dissolve easily with no particles.
- ✓ Quick-Drying & Durable: Dries quickly and adheres well to most surfaces, ensuring lasting artwork.
- ✓ Compact Travel Set: Includes 30 vibrant 1ml colors, a detail brush, three pieces of paper, and a color card.
- ✓ Multi-Purpose Application: Stays on most surfaces extremely well, making it versatile for various projects.
Why We Recommend It
We selected this set as an Editor’s Choice because of its exceptional pigment quality and the stunning shimmer it produces. The colors are incredibly vibrant, and the quick-drying formula means less waiting and more creating. It’s a fantastic small set for detailed work and on-the-go artistry.
Best For
This set is best for artists who prioritize high-quality, finely ground pigments and desire a portable set for detailed work with shimmering, glitter effects.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Superb pigment quality for vivid, transparent colors.
- Delivers noticeable glitter and shimmer effects.
- Convenient, compact size with essential accessories for travel.
- Paints are fast-drying and resistant to flaking once dry.
Cons:
- Small 1ml pans might be quickly depleted with heavy use.
- Limited to 30 colors, which might not be enough for some artists.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’m an experienced watercolor artist. Most of the metallic, iridescent, color shift, etc watercolor paints I’ve tried are gimmicky disappointments. These paints are so amazing that after trying the Realm of free-spirited palette, I immediately ordered two other palettes in the series. I want a full “
Customer Review: “Absolutely gorgeous paints with incredible shimmer! I love how smoothly they apply and how vibrant the colors remain even after drying. Perfect for adding those magical touches to my illustrations.”
3. Best Metallic Watercolor Paint Set with Brushes and Portable Travel Case for Artists.
This metallic watercolor paint set provides incredible value, especially for beginners or those on a budget. Boasting 100 vibrant colors, including a rich assortment of metallics, it comes complete with brushes and a portable travel case. It’s an all-in-one solution for artists looking for variety without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 100 Vibrant Colors: A huge selection including 51 regular, 4 fluorescent, 35 metallic, and 10 macaron/candy colors.
- ✓ Portable & Travel-Friendly: Designed for easy transport with a sturdy metal case and a velvet bag.
- ✓ Includes Brushes: Comes with a set of brushes, making it a complete kit ready for immediate use.
- ✓ Elegant Design: The metal case and velvet bag add a touch of sophistication to your art supplies.
Why We Recommend It
For its price, this set offers an unbeatable range of colors and accessories, making it our Best Budget pick. It’s particularly appealing to new watercolor enthusiasts who want to explore different color types, including vibrant metallics, without a hefty investment. The portability factor is also a huge bonus for art on the go.
Best For
This set is best for beginners and students who want a wide range of colors, including various metallic, fluorescent, and unique shades, in a portable and affordable package.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely large color palette with diverse finishes.
- Very affordable for the number of paints and accessories included.
- Comes with brushes, a metal case, and a velvet bag for storage.
- Great for experimentation and trying out new techniques.
Cons:
- Metallic effects might be subtler compared to professional-grade paints.
- Brush quality may be basic and might require an upgrade for advanced users.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’m new to watercolor so this is really my first adult pan set. I love the variety of colors and find the pigments to be very pleasing. The metallic are a bit lighter than I’d like but the rest of the colors are very nice. They work for my amateur purposes. I’m a beginner but would say that the qual”
Customer Review: “Get on painting! This beautiful set comes with flat and sparkly watercolor paint, easy to use and great colors. Also comesWith a pencil, a brush and an amazing eraser.My first buy as a watercolor beginner, it provides me with great and refreshing colors! What a beautiful set!”
4. Best Metallic Watercolor Paint Set with Glitter Colors, Metal Case, and Palette for Artists.
If you’re looking for an artist-grade metallic experience, this metallic watercolor paint set with glitter colors delivers. Crafted with Arabic gum and Italian pigments, these paints boast exceptional gloss and transparency. The pre-mixed iridescent medium ensures a dazzling glitter effect, making your art truly stand out. It comes in a sturdy metal case, perfect for both studio and field use.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Artist-Grade Quality: Made with Arabic gum and Italian pigments for superior gloss and transparency.
- ✓ Intense Glitter Effect: Pre-mixed with an iridescent medium to provide a special, noticeable shimmer.
- ✓ Comprehensive Travel Set: Includes 48 glitter colors, a built-in palette, and a durable metal box.
- ✓ Versatile Application: Ideal for adding shimmer, highlights, and unique effects to any watercolor project.
Why We Recommend It
This set stands out for its professional-grade formulation and the vibrant, glittering results it achieves. The pigment quality is excellent, allowing for smooth application and rich color saturation. Its robust metal case and integrated palette also make it incredibly practical for artists who travel or paint outdoors.
Best For
This set is best for experienced artists and enthusiasts who seek artist-grade metallic watercolors with a strong glitter effect, housed in a durable and portable metal case.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-quality pigments for professional results.
- Very pronounced glitter and iridescent effects.
- Excellent color saturation and smooth application.
- Comes in a sturdy metal tin with a mixing palette.
Cons:
- May be a higher price point compared to student sets.
- No brushes are included, which might be inconvenient for some.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “When I ordered this I was already half-kicking myself for not saving up and splurging on the more-expensive identical Paul Rubens set, but I am so glad I saved $50 and bought these instead.First. the presentation is beautiful. The metal palette, which is fabulous quality, came in a nice sturdy box, “
Customer Review: “These paints are absolutely beautiful. I have had them for a few years and just recently started using them. The color saturation is excellent and they glide on the paper smoothly. I can’t stop using them.”
5. Best Metallic Watercolor Pan Paint Set with Brush for Artists and Students.
For artists and students who appreciate dependable quality, this metallic watercolor pan paint set from a reputable brand is a solid choice. The Cotman colors are known for being made from fine art pigments rather than dyes, ensuring vibrancy and permanence. This set specifically offers 8 shimmering metallic watercolors, perfect for adding those special touches to your artwork.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Fine Art Pigments: Cotman colors are crafted from fine art pigments, not dyes, for superior quality.
- ✓ Permanent Colors: All colors are formulated to be permanent, ensuring your artwork lasts over time.
- ✓ Reputable Brand: Backed by the trusted quality of Winsor & Newton Cotman, known for reliability.
- ✓ Essential Metallic Shades: Features 8 core metallic colors to enhance your palette.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this set for its reliable quality and permanence, hallmarks of the Winsor & Newton Cotman range. Even with a smaller selection, these 8 metallic shades deliver consistent results and a beautiful sheen, making them a great addition to any watercolor artist’s collection, especially for students learning about quality materials.
Best For
This set is best for students and artists who seek reliable, permanent metallic watercolors from a trusted brand to complement their existing palettes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-quality pigments known for permanency and lightfastness.
- Consistent metallic sheen.
- Produced by a highly respected art supply brand.
- Compact and easy to integrate into an existing kit.
Cons:
- Limited color range with only 8 metallic shades.
- The included brush may be basic for advanced techniques.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The media could not be loaded.Several years ago, I decided to follow some tutorials from my high school art book and take watercolors more seriously. I bought quality paper (Strathmore, cellulose 300 gsm; at the time, I wasn’t aware of the difference between cotton and cellulose) and a decent waterc”
Customer Review: “These metallic colors are fantastic for adding shimmer to my celestial art. They activate easily and lay down beautifully. Perfect for small details and adding that magical sparkle.”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Metallic Watercolor Paints
Choosing the perfect set of metallic watercolor paints can feel exciting, but with so many options available, it’s helpful to know what to look for. Think of this guide as your personal assistant, helping you navigate the shimmering world of iridescent pigments.
Essential Factors We Consider
When we evaluate metallic watercolor paints, several key factors come into play. Firstly, pigment quality is paramount; high-quality pigments mean more vibrant colors, better lightfastness, and a smoother application. We also scrutinize the metallic effect itself – how strong is the shimmer? Does it catch the light beautifully without looking chalky? The color range is another important consideration; a broader palette offers more versatility, allowing you to achieve diverse artistic visions. For artists on the move, portability (the design of the case, included brushes) is a significant plus. Finally, we look at ease of use, making sure the paints activate easily with water, and their non-toxicity for safe creative sessions.
Budget Planning
Your budget will often guide your choice, but remember that value isn’t just about the lowest price. Generally, student-grade metallic watercolors are more affordable and an excellent starting point for beginners or those experimenting. They offer good performance and a decent color range. On the other hand, artist-grade metallic watercolors, while more expensive, typically feature higher pigment concentration, superior lightfastness, and a more pronounced, refined metallic sheen. Consider how frequently you’ll use them and for what purpose. A small, high-quality set might be a better investment than a large, lower-quality one if you’re serious about long-lasting artwork.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best metallic watercolor paints for you will depend on your personal artistic style, experience level, and specific project needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands and color ranges to find what truly inspires you. Reading customer reviews, as we’ve highlighted, can also provide valuable insights into real-world performance. Remember that a good set should be a joy to use, adding that special sparkle to every stroke of your brush.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are metallic watercolor paints?
A: Metallic watercolor paints are watercolors that contain finely ground mica particles or other reflective pigments, giving them an iridescent, pearlescent, or shimmering effect when applied to paper. They create a unique sparkle that catches the light.
Q: How do metallic watercolors differ from regular watercolors?
A: The main difference lies in their composition. Regular watercolors are transparent and rely on pure pigments for color. Metallic watercolors incorporate reflective additives that give them a distinctive shimmering quality, making them opaque to semi-opaque and adding a lustrous finish not found in standard paints.
Q: Can I mix metallic watercolors with regular watercolors?
A: Yes, you absolutely can! Mixing metallic watercolors with regular watercolors can create custom shimmering shades or add a subtle sparkle to your existing colors. However, be aware that mixing might dilute the metallic effect, so it’s always a good idea to test your mixes on a scrap piece of paper first.
Q: What paper works best for metallic watercolors?
A: For optimal results, a heavier, cold-press watercolor paper (140lb/300gsm or more) tends to work best. The texture of cold-press paper can help the metallic particles adhere and show off their shimmer effectively. Darker papers can also make the metallic effect pop even more!
Q: Are metallic watercolors lightfast?
A: The lightfastness of metallic watercolor paints varies significantly by brand and the specific pigments used. Some artist-grade metallic watercolors are formulated for excellent lightfastness, while others, especially in student-grade sets, may be less permanent. Always check the product’s specifications or packaging for lightfastness ratings if permanence is crucial for your artwork.
There you have it – our comprehensive guide to finding the best metallic watercolor paints to ignite your creative passion! We’ve explored top picks from various categories, offering something for every artist, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Remember, the right set of metallic watercolors can truly elevate your artwork, adding depth, sparkle, and a touch of magic that traditional paints can’t quite replicate.
So, whether you’re dreaming of shimmering landscapes, dazzling portraits, or intricate card designs, we hope this roundup helps you choose the perfect palette. Don’t hesitate to click through to explore these fantastic options further and bring a new dimension of sparkle to your next masterpiece. Happy painting!
