How do you make gold acrylic paint shiny?

You can make gold acrylic paint shiny by either mixing a gloss medium or varnish directly into the paint or by applying a gloss varnish as a topcoat once the paint is dry.

Here's a breakdown of the methods to achieve a shiny finish with your gold acrylic paint:

Method 1: Mixing with Gloss Medium or Varnish

• During Painting: Adding a gloss medium or varnish to your gold acrylic paint while you're painting is a straightforward way to increase the shine.
• How to do it: Mix a small amount of acrylic gloss medium or varnish into your gold acrylic paint on your palette. Experiment with different ratios to achieve your desired level of gloss. Be careful not to add too much medium, as it can dilute the pigment and reduce the gold color's vibrancy.
• Benefits: This method integrates the shine directly into the paint layer, creating a more uniform and durable finish.

Method 2: Applying a Gloss Varnish Topcoat

• After Painting (and Drying): Applying a gloss varnish as a final layer after the gold acrylic paint has completely dried is a common and effective technique.
• How to do it:
  1. Ensure your gold acrylic paint is completely dry. This may take several hours or even a day or two, depending on the thickness of the paint.
  2. Apply a thin, even coat of acrylic gloss varnish over the dried paint. Use a soft brush specifically designed for varnishing to minimize brushstrokes.
  3. Allow the varnish to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  4. Apply additional coats for increased shine and protection, if desired, allowing each coat to dry fully before applying the next.
• Benefits: This method provides a protective layer over your gold acrylic paint, enhancing its shine and protecting it from scratches, dust, and UV damage. You can also control the level of gloss by applying multiple coats.
• Considerations: Ensure the varnish is compatible with acrylic paint to prevent any adverse reactions.

Considerations for Both Methods:

• Quality of Paint: The inherent quality of the gold acrylic paint also influences its shine. Paints with higher pigment concentrations tend to have a richer and more reflective appearance.
• Surface Preparation: Preparing the surface properly before painting is important. A smooth surface will enhance the shine of the gold acrylic paint.

By employing either of these methods, you can effectively enhance the shine of your gold acrylic paint and achieve a professional-looking finish.