How to Make Paint Look Like Metal

Armor, weapons, and everything in-between.  Getting the right metal look is one of the most difficult things in creating a beautiful cosplay piece.  So how do the professionals do it?  What is the thing that sets their armor apart from everyone elses.  That tactic is called dry brushing!  

Dry brushing is a painting technique that leaves a weathering affect on your armor.  We are excited and privileged to walk you through the steps it takes to bring your cosplay to the next level.

Step 1. 

Base

The first step is to choose what you're painting (obviously).  After that adding a layer of primer is always a good idea (though not always necessary), it allows for your paint to have an easier surface to stick to.

Step 2.

Base Layer

Next step is to choose what color you want your base to be.  Whether it be gold, silver, bronze, or perhaps your character chose to paint their metal armor.  Than in that case pick from any color of the rainbow, have fun with it.  You don't always have to go by script of the character.

Step 3.

Dry Brush

Now this is the point where most amateur cosplayers stop and call their costume finished.  However, if you want to up your game.  Take a paint brush (large for bigger parts of the armor and smaller for the details.  Feel it out) and black paint and dip your brush in it.  After that, wipe most of the paint off of your brush and rub it into the nooks and crevices of the piece, making it look dirty and warn.  This technique mirrors dirt and grime that has gotten into the armor with ware and tear.  Be sure to be light on the brush so the paint doesn't cake on the the piece.

Step 4

Gloss

Last step is to go over your piece with a layer of gloss Plastidip to finish it off.  It leaves the piece with a nice protective layer over the paint and a beautifully glossy look.

But what do you do if you decided to go with the colored look?  Well than instead of using the black to brush in the crevices of the armor, use the same technique with silver paint over the corners and edges of the armor. 

Did you enjoy this tutorial?  Would you like to see us do more?  If so than let us know in the comments.  Catch you Kosplayers later!

Image Sources:

https://pm1.narvii.com/5846/f603e94accaa74a17c954a06d35bc3082d719d4d_hq.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/81/82/a6/8182a60a3d736b0a1b7ed6e19c0e8b98.jpg