Rose gold is a popular warm metallic paint color that has been trending in recent years. But what exactly makes up the rose gold color? The main ingredient is regular metallic gold paint, but mixing in additional paint colors gives it the pink or reddish hue that creates that soft rose gold look. The specific combination of paints required depends on the brand and type of paints used. Typically a metallic gold base is combined with various amounts of copper, red, pink, and sometimes white paints. Understanding what goes into making rose gold paint allows you to recreate the color yourself or buy the right premixed tone.
Metallic Gold Base
The base of rose gold paint is a regular metallic or pearlized gold paint. This provides the underlying gold tone. The metallic particles in the paint reflect light to give it that shimmery gold appearance. Any standard brand of gold metallic craft paint, automotive paint, or spray paint can be used as the gold base. The gold base paint you choose as your starting point impacts the final hue. Brighter yellow golds will result in warmer rosier tones, while more subdued old gold bases will create more subtle pinkish rose golds.
Adding Copper
The essential ingredient used to transform basic gold paint into rose gold is the addition of copper. This is usually in the form of a copper metallic paint. The copper paint adds in those reddish-pink undertones that cut the intensity of straight gold. The more copper paint used, the pinker and less golden the final rose gold tone will be. Too much copper can start to make the paint look more coppery than rose gold. The copper is best added slowly and mixed gradually to achieve the ideal subtle rosy glow.
Including Red and Pink
In addition to metallic copper paint, you can also mix in red and pink paints. These can be primary reds or deep pinks. Adding too much vivid red risks making the paint start to look orange. But a touch of red or pink enhances the copper, allowing you to use less copper paint while still achieving a noticeably rosy hue. Pearlized brighter pinks will give a more vibrant pink effect, while deeper reds result in more subtle antique rose golds.
Softening with White
Sometimes white paint is added when mixing rose gold as well. A touch of white helps soften and lightly dilute the rose gold tone. This gives it a more pastel, champagne-like look. The white makes the end result a little less intense than mixing the colors directly. But it can be the perfect formula if you are aiming for an airy, feminine, blush rose gold shade.
Best Paint Brands
You can mix rose gold paint from any standard acrylic craft paints, airbrush paints, auto paints or spray paints. Some good brands for mixing custom rose gold include:
| Paint Type | Recommended Brands |
|---|---|
| Acrylic craft paints | Apple Barrel, FolkArt, Craft Smart |
| Auto and model paints | Testor’s Model Master |
| Spray paints | Krylon, Rust-Oleum, Montana Gold |
Higher quality paints with maximum pigmentation work best for deeper, richer metallics. But any decent paint in the right gold, copper, pink, red, and white mix can create rose gold shades.
Best Mixing Ratios
There are a few common mixing ratios that work well for achieving different rose gold tones:
| Mix Ratio | Resulting Tone |
|---|---|
| 3 parts metallic gold + 1 part copper | Subtle antique rose gold |
| 2 parts metallic gold + 1 part copper + 1 part pink | Warm romantic rose gold |
| 1 part metallic gold + 1 part copper + 1 part pink + 1 part white | Soft blush rose gold |
The more copper and pink is added, the more noticeably reddish and rosy the paint will appear. Adding white softens the saturation for a lighter effect. Adjust the recipes to your needs.
Airbrushing Rose Gold
Airbrush paint can also be mixed to create rose gold tones. An airbrush paint with a gold base works best for smooth application. Mix in copper and pink/red paints in small amounts until achieving the desired hue. Airbrushing allows laying down thin layers of color for a smooth metallic effect.
Applying the Paint
Mixing your own custom rose gold tone allows using it across many different applications. Once mixed, apply it just like any other paint:
– Crafting – Brush onto paper, wood, resin, fabric, polymer clay, etc.
– Automotive – Spray paint rose gold accents onto cars, motorcycles, or helmets
– Furniture – Use rose gold spray paint to refinish chairs, tables, cabinets
– Decor – Paint vases, frames, wall art, and other decor items
– Fashion and Beauty – Airbrush rose gold temporary color onto nails, shoes, accessories
Get creative with unique applications for your custom mixed rose gold paint!
Buying Premixed Rose Gold Paint
For convenience, premixed rose gold paints are also available from various brands:
| Type | Brand |
|---|---|
| Spray Paint | Rust-Oleum Rose Gold, Krylon Rose Gold |
| Acrylic Paint | DecoArt Dazzling Metallics Rose Gold |
| Automotive Paint | Dupli-Color Perfect Match Rose Gold |
| Nail Polish | OPI Rose Gold Goddess, Essie Penny Talk |
The tone may not always perfectly match your vision, but these can provide a quick rose gold paint option. Check the brand websites for accurate coloring.
Achieving a True Rose Gold
Rose gold is a complex blend that can take some trial and error to perfect. But with the right mix of metallic golds, copper, pinks, reds, and whites, you can achieve stunning rose gold tones to use across any paint application. Experiment, mix slowly, and test on samples until settling on your preferred rose gold. With a good recipe, you can recreate that trendy color endlessly.
Conclusion
Rose gold paint is created by mixing a golden metallic base with copper, pink, and sometimes white paints. The copper and pink provide the reddish-rose hue, transforming regular gold paint into an elegant, warm-toned rose gold. Varying the ratios of the added paint colors achieves different depths of rosy metallic color. With the right combination, it’s possible to mix your own rose gold paint for use on crafts, decor, fashion, automotive applications, and more. Premixed options are also available, but mixing custom formulas allows you to achieve your perfect rose gold shade.