The highest-gloss metallic formula in the Vallejo range

Vallejo Liquid Metal is a distinct formula from the rest of the Vallejo range — alcohol-based rather than water-based, with a gloss metallic finish — meaning it is simultaneously metallic and gloss out of the bottle, without needing a separate gloss varnish coat. The genuine metal pigment suspension produces a realistic reflective sheen no standard acrylic metallic can match. The range covers eight colours spanning silver and multiple gold variants through to copper, mixing freely with each other to produce custom metallic shades.

Liquid Metal can be applied by brush or airbrush, though each has specific requirements — see the formula notes below before starting. It dries quickly and the alcohol base means it self-levels well directly from the 35 ml safety-cap bottle — the larger format reflects how the range is used: in larger quantities for metallic surfaces, armour highlights, and NMF effects rather than detail touches.

All bottles are 35 ml with Vallejo’s safety cap. Stock at Wheels & Wings rotates regularly — click any SKU to check current availability and add to your basket.

Using Liquid Metal — brush painting and airbrush notes

Thinner and cleanup: Isopropyl alcohol (96% or higher) only — do not use water or standard acrylic thinner. Water will break down the formula and can cause rust in metal airbrush components. Keep a dropper bottle of IPA on the palette to re-wet the paint as you work.

Brush painting: Possible but requires more care than water-based metallics. The alcohol base means a wet second pass over a drying first coat can reactivate and lift it — the same problem as Tamiya hybrid acrylics, though Liquid Metal cures faster once the IPA evaporates. The correct technique is to thin on the palette before loading the brush (not on the model), work in light passes, and let each layer set before returning. Use a dedicated synthetic brush — the heavy metallic pigments will damage sable bristles, and repeated alcohol cleaning is harsh on natural hair.

Airbrush: The large metallic particle size clogs more readily than standard paint. Dedicate an airbrush to the range if possible — or be prepared for a full strip-down and clean with IPA before switching back to water-based paints. A quick flush is not enough; metallic pigment residue left in the airbrush will contaminate your next water-based session, and any water-based residue left in will contaminate Liquid Metal. If you only have one airbrush, budget time for a complete needle, nozzle, and body clean between uses.

Primer base: A dark primer — black or a hue close to the metallic shade — is strongly recommended. The metallic particles need a dark ground to read correctly; over white or light grey the finish will look thin regardless of coat count.

Finish and varnish: Liquid Metal dries to a gloss metallic finish inherently — both properties are in the formula itself, no separate gloss coat needed or recommended. A matte or satin varnish will mute the gloss while retaining some metallic sheen but significantly reduces the effect. Vallejo advises against varnishing over Liquid Metal.

Mixing: Liquid Metal colours mix freely with each other. They are not intermixable with other Vallejo water-based ranges (Model Color, Model Air, Metal Color) — the alcohol and water carriers are incompatible. For NMF aircraft and polished armour, Liquid Metal Silver is an alternative to Vallejo Metal Color — higher gloss, slightly less fine particle size, preferred by some modellers for larger metallic surfaces.

Vallejo Liquid Metal at Wheels & Wings Hobbies

All eight Liquid Metal colours are stocked at our Toronto store at 1880 Danforth Ave and available to order online with shipping across Canada. The 35 ml format makes the range economical for any project requiring significant metallic coverage — armour, vehicle fittings, weapons, jewellery, or large NMF surfaces.

If you’re working on a build that needs both fine-detail NMF work and broader metallic coverage, Liquid Metal pairs well with Vallejo Metal Color — use Metal Color for fine airbrush NMF panel work and Liquid Metal for larger metallic surfaces and decorative gold and copper elements.

For the complete listing of every Vallejo paint line we carry, see our Vallejo Complete Colour Chart.