Always prime metal using a spray metal primer available online in most countries. I use Rust-oleum.
Spray paints: I tend to use platikote and rust-oleum but there are many other brands who sell similar products. In the UK you can pick them up in B&Q but also available in abundance online. The choices are huge but my all time favorite colour is Rust-oleum Hessian. It is a taupe and works well if you are looking for a old heavy brown cream finish.
Paints: use almost anything - emulsion (wall paint - sample pots are cheap), acrylic, oils (generally you will get a sheen). Alway use a fine brush and dont apply too much - you can always add layers which look better than clumpy thick layers.
Make your own paints using https://www.cornelissen.com/pigments-gums-and-resins.html then add a binder such as glue or wax.
Gold and silver: Gold leaf but also gold particles suspended in a medium suitable for painting etc. This is a huge area and so I will offer a few of my favorites:
- Spray gold - lots of choice online
- If you plan to use gold leaf or Dutch metal (a cheaper and easier to use alternative) then paint the item red or yellow. This will show through the cracks and add depth.
- You will need to use Gold leaf "size" when applying leaf - its a sticky glue that doesnt stop being sticky
- I like Polyurethane gold - its easy to apply and you can wash brushes in water but its hard to source and will go off after a few years. I buy mine from "Bristol paints" https://www.bristolpaint.com/metallic/polyurethane
Some links to gold and silver finishes that I would recommend -
- Connoissier https://www.jacksonsart.com/brands/connoisseur
- https://www.croberson.co.uk/product-sections/roberson-gilding-materials.html
- https://www.robersonliquidmetal.co.uk/
- https://www.tiranti.co.uk/Products/gold-leaf
- https://www.modernmasters.com/landing/homeowners/brands/mpc
- https://www.bristolpaint.com/metallic/acrylic
- https://www.bristolpaint.com/metallic/polyurethane
- for people in the USA: https://sculptnouveau.com/products/metal-coatings
Of course you can make your own! Use bronze powder which is available in silver, gold, brass, bronze etc colours. Add this to wax or a glue so that it has a binder. If there are any salts in the glue then you will see your gold oxidise!
Varnish?
- I love to use wax on some items as the sheen is soft and it gives a classic patina.
- Spray varnish - polyeurethane can go yellow!
- Brushed on varnish such as modge podge is great and comes in different sheen levels.