Mixing & Using Arcadian Silver

Mixing & Using Arcadian Silver

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The Metallic Alchemy collection is a unique two-part system that lets you easily mix the exact shade and amount of metallic paint you need.

In this blog post, we’re focusing on Arcadian Silver - a versatile, shimmering silver, perfect for DIY projects, crafts and furniture makeovers. We’ll guide you step-by-step on how to combine your Metallic Alchemy Illuminator with the Arcadian Silver Concentrate to achieve a flawless metallic full paint finish. You’ll also see how using different chalk paint base colours can transform the depth, coverage, and overall look of your final results.

 Tools Needed:

Before you start, choose the chalk paint colour you are using as your base and paint in this first. Paint for full coverage (usually two coats) and let dry. 

For this post we have used River's Peak, Tahr & Clubhouse Grey as examples and you can see the finished results of these further down.

How To Mix Your Arcadian Silver to a full paint finish:

1 - Shake your Metallic Concentrate to redistribute all of the pigments.

2 - Using your Mini Measuring Spoons, decant your concentrate onto your glass beaker, petri dish or baking paper. 

3 - Stir your Illuminator well and add to the Metallic Concentrate.

For a full silver paint finish we used the ratio of 1 Tad of Illuminator (approx. 1/4 tsp) to 1 Dash of Metallic Concentrate (approx. 1/8 tsp). 

Depending on how large your project is, multiply this to get a bigger amount, remembering you can also make more if you need it as long as you keep track of how much you have used & the ratio to ensure it is the same.

4 - Use your stirring stick to mix your Illuminator and Concentrate together thoroughly. 

5 - Use your Spalter Brush to brush over your chalk paint base colour for a flawless finish.

Depending on what chalk paint colour you have used as your base colour, you will get different results. For this blog post we have used (from top to bottom in the picture below):

  • River's Peak - for a bright & light silver finish.
  • Tahr - for a warm silver finish.
  • Clubhouse Grey - for a deeper silver finish.

6 - Paint for the coverage you like. We did two coats for these examples.

7 - Wash your spalter brush with warm water and a gentle soap, like olive soap. This will keep your brushes clean and conditioned.

Top Tips:

  • Keep track of how much Illuminator and Metallic Concentrate you use so you can make more if needed.
  • For this blog post we did a full metallic finish by adding more concentrate. To create a softer paint finish, add slightly less concentrate. To create a glaze or metallic wash where you can see more of the chalk paint colour coming through underneath, add less concentrate - you can really play to create your own look!
  • You can mix your metallic concentrates to create your own unique colours.
  • You can layer your metallic finishes, e.g. with a solid base of Indie Gold, you can then add a glaze of Copper Rose for an ombre look.
  • We recommend using over a base of premium chalk paint. Not only does this change your final paint finish but your metallic will fully grip and give you a durable finish.
  • If using outside, seal with a top coat of premium gloss lacquer for added durability and UV protection.
  • For smaller projects, apply your metallic with the Fitch Angled Brush.
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