Metallic Bronze | Matisse acrylic paint

Metallic Bronze | Matisse acrylic paint

Gilding: An Ancient Craft Unveiled

 

The use of metallic finishes in art traces back to antiquity, finding its roots in the revered technique of gilding. This encompassing term encompasses various methods of applying gold leaf or metallic powder to surfaces. Historically pioneered by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, gilding bestowed a luminous metallic lustre upon artworks, accentuating specific features. The allure of metallic finishes persists among modern artists, continuing a tradition that spans centuries.

 

Challenges in Gilding: Laborious Craftsmanship

 

While gilding proves effective, its inherent intricacies render it a time-consuming and expensive Endeavor. The versatility of the finish is somewhat limited, contributing to its laborious and time-consuming nature. Addressing these challenges, Matisse introduces a solution that marries tradition with innovation.

 

Matisse Acrylic Metallic Paints: A Contemporary Palette

 

In response to the complexities of gilding, Matisse presents a comprehensive range of acrylic metallic paints. The palette boasts Metallic Bronze, Metallic Copper, Metallic Silver, Metallic Light Gold, and Metallic Gold, each ensuring excellent permanency and a noteworthy BWS rating of 8. Notably, the metallic effect intensifies as the paint dries, adding a dynamic dimension to artistic creations.

 

Synthetic Brilliance: Consistent Metallic Finishes

 

Matisse metallic colours, akin to standard acrylics, dry to a glossy, metallic finish untouched by oxidation challenges inherent in traditional gilding. Their safe application adheres to directed usage guidelines, with brushes and containers easily cleaned using standard soap and water. The synthetic derivation of all metallic pigments aligns with economic and health considerations, guaranteeing consistent and reliable metallic finishes.

 

Crafting Gilded Aesthetics: Techniques and Mediums

 

For those aspiring to recreate gilded aesthetics, employing a soft synthetic brush minimizes texture marks. Matisse metallic paints seamlessly integrate with Matisse mediums, enabling the creation of transparent washes and glazes infused with a captivating metallic sheen. Beyond traditional brush techniques, these metallic acrylics can be rubbed into dried textured paint, fashioning alluring metallic highlights within the texture.

 

Harmony in Diversity: Blending Metallic Beauties

 

While each Matisse metallic paint possesses individual allure, their collective potential shines through when used together. Combining, for instance, Light Gold and Gold produces finishes with depth and captivating interest. The versatility of these acrylic paints invites artists to explore captivating amalgamations, sparking creativity.

 

Transcending Sheen: Final Flourish with Varnishes

 

All Matisse metallic paints culminate in a semi-sheen metallic finish, providing artists with flexibility. This finish can be further worked over or accentuated by applying water-based gloss or matte varnishes. A final touch that enhances and refines the metallic allure.

 

Navigating Limitations: Matisse MM24 Iridescent Medium

 

While these metallic paints boast a robust sheen, their compatibility with non-metallic paints for creating alternative metallic colours is limited. Attempting to mix, for instance, silver metallic paint with regular magenta yields subdued results. Enter the Matisse MM24 Iridescent Medium, a recommended companion that infuses standard acrylic paint with a metallic sheen, transcending limitations and expanding artistic possibilities.

Safety Data Sheet for Matisse Metallic Bronze (SDS)

To view or download a copy of Metallic Bronze SDS, please  CLICK HERE * (271kb)  
*The above link will open an external Dropbox window