4 Easy and Cheap Ways to Make Anything Metallic

I never expected how to mix metallics to be one of the hottest topics in the Color Flow Challenge.

One of the things people went crazy for was simple ideas for making any decor metallic.

Have a mirror frame that needs a fresh look?

Vases in a color you no longer like?

Want to give your thrift store find a quick and easy makeover?

Then you’re going to love my tricks to turn anything metallic.

• Knobs and handles
• Light fixtures
• Decorative accents
• Trays
• Furniture
• Frames

But you don’t have to buy metallic objects to get the metallic look. Here are four easy and cheap ways to make anything metallic:

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1. Rub ‘N Buff

Rub ‘N Buff is a super cool wax finish that can work on almost any surface. I’ve used it before to add a metallic touch to picture frames just by rubbing it on the raised edges of the frame. It also works really well on odd shapes, like figurines.

2. Spray Paint

Some metallic spray paints don’t work well. But over the years I’ve found two favorites that look amazing like you’d never know it was spray paint. For a great gold finish, I love the soft look of Krylon ShortCuts Gold Leaf. Now, don’t be confused…this will look nothing like gold leaf (for the real deal, see below). The finish is more satin than shiny, which I like because most of the shiny metallic spray paints come off really fake looking.

The ShortCuts cans are just enough for a small project. I used a full can on the base of this accent table.

I also like to keep a can on hand for odd, small jobs. I loved the shape of these vases that I found at the thrift store, but they weren’t a good color. So I turned them gold.

I’ve also used the ShortCuts spray paint to give old tarnished brass dresser handles a sleek makeover. These handles have held up really well.

Another great metallic spray paint is oil-rubbed bronze. Again, because you’re not trying to fake a shiny metallic look, you can get a really nice finish.

3. Gold Leaf

This is the trickiest of the three suggestions here, but the result is so worth it. You need a special adhesive, so I recommend getting this starter kit for your first project. Gold leaf works best on flat surfaces. If gold isn’t your favorite metal, it also comes in silver leaf and copper leaf.

My favorite gold leaf decor to date are these stars. They are inexpensive paper maché stars I found at a craft store. I used gold leaf on each triangular section, not minding if some parts didn’t get covered. The result is a slightly distressed metallic look.

You can also use gold leaf to pull off some pretty amazing tricks.

Try this technique to apply gold leaf to vases or glass candle holders. Or try “stenciling” with gold leaf.

It also works on glass table tops like this herringbone end table I made. This would be a fun project on a glass coffee table.

Also, try writing in gold leaf. It’s a fun way to embellish greeting cards or to make DIY art.

Lastly, just for fun try gilding leaves. So delicate and gorgeous.

4. Metallic Paint

For everything else, there’s metallic paint. I love the Modern Masters line of metallic paints. They have a beautiful iridescent quality and they have every metallic finish imaginable. You can get small 6-ounce jars or full gallons. The Modern Masters finishes can also be used on walls or ceilings…maybe to stencil a metallic design.

I used Modern Masters Brass to give this basket turned light fixture a metallic makeover. The paint applies really smoothly and covers well.

I also used it to give this big square tray a DIY brass monogram.

I hope you have fun with these ideas to give some of your decor a metallic makeover. If you have a space that feels a little flat or lifeless, try adding a metallic element. It will instantly brighten up any space with a little shimmer and sheen.

Want some help choosing colors and metallics for your home?

Ever wish someone could just tell you what colors look best together? You’re in luck.

Join me for Color Flow – a free five-day decorating challenge that will show you how to unify your home with accent colors.  You don’t need any past decorating experience. And you won’t need to paint a single wall to give your home a color makeover.

This free five-day challenge starts on October 16, 2017. Although this challenge is free, you won’t be able to join after the challenge starts. Click here to sign up now.