
Micro-Mark Acrylic Paints: Precision Colors for Models!
- Our metallic paints are formulated with streamlined mica. simulating the appearance of real metal.
- Formulated for paint brush use. our pre-thinned Acrylic Paint ensures smooth application across various projects
- The metallic effect enhances armor. weapons. and mechanical parts. giving a sense of realism to the figures.
- Micro-Mark acrylic paints dry to a durable. smooth. matte finish. ensuring professional results every time
- Micro-Mark acrylic paints are proudly made in the USA
Our metallic paints are formulated with streamlined mica. giving each brush stroke a realistic shine and reflectivity that mimics polished metal. When dry. this paint delivers a smooth. durable finish with subtle sparkle—ideal for enhancing armor. weaponry. mechanical components. and other metallic surfaces.
Description
Micro‑Mark Metallic Silver is a mica-infused acrylic paint designed to replicate the look of real metal. Its blend of streamlined metallic flakes ensures a natural luster that catches light dynamically. elevating models with eye-catching realism. The paint’s even. matte-leaning finish dries clean and is crafted for ease of use with brush-on application.
Metallic Silver is in these sets:
Heavy Metal soon to come
Modeling Genres & Recommended Uses
|
Genre |
Typical Applications |
|
Military & Historical |
Uniform buckles. bayonets. rifle parts. vehicle frames. artillery barrels |
|
Fantasy & Sci-Fi |
Knight armor. wizard staffs. mech plating. space hero details |
|
Naval & Railway |
Hull trim. locomotive couplings. rail hardware. ship decks |
|
Industrial Dioramas |
Pipes. machinery. control panels. metal doors |
|
Miniatures & Figures |
Jewelry. knives. buckles. tools. ornamental trims |
- Fantasy Armor & Weaponry: Provides an authentic metallic shine on swords. chainmail. and plate armor—especially effective for TMM (True Metal Metallic) techniques.
- Vehicle and Railway Components: Ideal for detailing model train locomotives. couplers. and rolling stock accents to simulate polished metal.
- Sci-Fi & Mech Builds: Offers a futuristic gleam for sci-fi elements like robot joints. paneling. and retrofuturistic armature.
Why It Works Well
- Mica-Based Shine: The streamlined mica content reflects light naturally. mimicking the look and texture of real metals.
- True-Metal Visuals: Great for TMM painting approaches where the paint’s reflective qualities create dynamic realism with minimal shading complexity.
- Easy Application: Brush-on ready with pre-thinned consistency for smooth layering and streamlined detail control.
Pro Tips for Results
- Base Coat: Use a solid dark gray or black base for depth—enhances the metallic effect.
- Layering: Apply in thin glazes to build up reflective intensity.
- Weathering: Add edge highlights with lighter mica or drybrush with lighter tones to simulate wear.
- Fixing Flakes: If mica flakes separate. gently stir before use to maintain consistent coverage.
True Metallic Metal (TMM) techniques are a style of miniature and model painting that uses actual metallic paints—paints with mica or metal flake pigment—to create the illusion of polished. weathered. or battle-worn metal surfaces.
This is different from Non-Metallic Metal (NMM). where artists simulate metallic shine using only flat paints and careful shading.
Micro-Mark offers both True Metallic Metal and Non-Metallic Metal paints.
Core Concepts of True Metallic Metal
- Use of Real Metallic Pigments
- Paints contain mica powder or aluminum flake that reflect light naturally.
- Colors range from bright silvers and golds to steel. bronze. and copper tones.
- Contrast is Still Key
- Even though the paint reflects light. you still need dark shadows and bright highlights to make the surface pop.
- Good metallic work combines the natural sparkle of the pigment with painted-on contrast.
- Controlled Shine
- TMM requires precise brushwork so metallic particles align and reflect consistently.
- Over-thinning metallic paints can cause streaky or patchy sparkle.
Common TMM Techniques
|
Technique |
Description |
Example Use |
|
Layering |
Building up thin coats of metallic paint for smooth coverage. |
Polished sword blades. |
|
Edge Highlighting |
Using a lighter metallic (or pure silver) on raised edges. |
Armor edges. rivets. gun barrels. |
|
Glazing Over Metallics |
Applying thin transparent color over metallics to tint them. |
Gold-to-bronze shift on ornaments. |
|
Dark Lining |
Adding black or dark brown lines between metallic panels to create separation. |
Tank armor plates. |
|
Drybrushing |
Lightly brushing metallic paint over textured areas. |
Chainmail. grilles. mechanical parts. |
|
Weathering Over Metallics |
Using washes. rust effects. or chipping to age the metal. |
Worn vehicle tracks. corroded pipes. |
Modeling Genres Where TMM Shines
- Military Figures
Rifles. bayonets. buckles. medals. helmets. tank treads. ship fittings. - Fantasy Miniatures
Swords. shields. armor plates. enchanted weapons. - Sci-Fi & Mecha
Robot limbs. starship hull plating. cockpit frames. - Model Railroading
Hand tools. locomotive rods. couplers. mechanical housings. - Steampunk
Brass cogs. silver pistons. copper pipes.

