I'd like to do some metallic finish on MDF. I don't want to use automotive finish. Have any of you done this? Who was your supplier? Thank you.
From contributor Ja
I've done a bit of that. You can have metallic powder or flake dumped into several different kinds of clear coat. For example, I've put aluminum powders in clear conversion varnish to get metallic silver, and also mixed up gold by adding the same powder to a yellowish/brown CV. One time I got some mica powder added to some white CV to get a really nice pearlescent. Most of the metallics we've sprayed have been suspended in polyurethane and acrylic, but CV works too. At that time we were using ML Campbell products, and they had a metallics brochure to help us select the right powders.
There's a technique to getting metallics to behave, and it took a lot of practice for us to get the flakes to stand up the right way and not lay down under too heavy a coat. Last metallic coat should be misted on from a ways away from the part, and then bury it under a clear topcoat.
From contributor ri
Here's an option. Very popular with artistic woodturners. The patina works great.
From contributor Sh
for solvent borne check out Crescent bronze. They make metallic in acrylic lacquers and you can buy it through Sherwin Williams product finishes divisions... tons of colors and they do custom matches for a minimum quantity
From contributor Ma
For smaller project you can use Jacquard Pearl Ex pigment, avaliable on Amazon
I use it in conversion varnish to simulate stainless steel and oil rub bronze.
Spray a base coat of paint (2 coats, needs to be smooth and clean). Paint color will HEAVILY influence final color. Pick a bronze color brown for bronze metal pigment, gray for silver, and so forth.
Mix the Pearl Ex into the final clearcoat. Use dull sheen for most projects but if you require a shiney metal look, use gloss (which is a massive headache and laborious).
Measure your Pearl Ex carefully and record it, spray even patterns, so you can replicate it later.
It behaves just like toning or spray stain. The more coats you shoot, the more intense.
