SlapChop Metallics Paint Set
We designed the SlapChop Metallics Paint Set to unlock the full potential of speed painting techniques on your miniatures. This curated collection of metallic acrylic paints works seamlessly with the SlapChop method, delivering brilliant metallic finishes that catch light from every angle.
Whether you’re painting fantasy armor, sci-fi weapons, or historical military miniatures, our metallics provide exceptional coverage and shine without sacrificing the speed that makes SlapChop techniques so popular. Each paint is formulated to flow smoothly from brush or airbrush while maintaining the pigment density you need for one-coat metallics over zenithal highlights.
What’s in your metallics set
Paint Formula & Pigment Technology
The slapchop metallics formula uses genuine metallic pigment flakes suspended in our proprietary acrylic medium, not mica-based alternatives that can appear chalky or flat. We calibrated the pigment-to-medium ratio to achieve true metallic reflection while maintaining the flow characteristics speed painters demand.
Each color maintains consistent viscosity straight from the bottle, eliminating the guesswork of thinning ratios. The fast-drying acrylic base cures within 10-15 minutes under normal conditions, allowing you to build up highlights or apply washes without disturbing your base coat.
Color Range & Coverage
The six-color palette covers every metallic need for tabletop miniatures. Bright Silver delivers mirror-like shine for polished steel and magical effects. Gunmetal provides a darker, military-grade metal tone perfect for weapons and machinery. Antique Gold offers warm, aged metallic luster for fantasy treasure and ornate armor.
Copper and Bronze give you two distinct reddish-metal options—Copper for bright piping and wire details, Bronze for aged statuary and classical armor. Steel sits between Silver and Gunmetal, providing the perfect mid-tone for everyday metal surfaces like swords, chain mail, and rivets.
Application Methods & Techniques
The slapchop metallics shine brightest when applied over zenithal priming—our signature technique using black base primer with white highlights from above. This creates natural shadows that metallic paints enhance rather than obscure. Apply metallics directly to the zenithal surface without intermediate base coats for instant depth and dimension.
For brush application, use a size 1 or 2 synthetic brush with a fine point. Load the brush moderately—metallics cover better with medium-wet applications than thin glazes. The fast-drying formula prevents pooling in recesses while maintaining enough open time for smooth blending on flat surfaces.
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SlapChop Metallics Paint Set Questions
No shaking required. Our suspension technology keeps metallic particles evenly distributed in the bottle for weeks after opening. Simply give the bottle a gentle swirl before dispensing if it’s been sitting unused for more than two weeks.
Traditional metallics separate rapidly because metallic flakes are denser than acrylic medium. We engineered the slapchop metallics with a specialized binder system that maintains suspension without constant agitation.
Yes, you can mix the slapchop metallics with any acrylic paint to create custom metallic tints. Mixing with non-metallic colors will reduce the reflective intensity proportionally—a 50/50 mix gives you a semi-metallic sheen, while adding just 10-20% metallic creates subtle shimmer effects.
This technique works beautifully for magical effects, ghostly metallics, or weathered metal with colored patina. Keep in mind that mixing will slightly extend drying time compared to pure metallics.
These metallics are engineered specifically for zenithal priming—black primer base with white highlights sprayed from above. The high pigment density shows full opacity over both the black shadows and white highlights in one coat, creating instant depth.
You can also use them over gray primer, but you’ll lose some of the dramatic contrast that makes the SlapChop technique so effective. Avoid priming with colored primers under metallics, as they can shift the metallic tone unpredictably.
Yes, the water-based formula is non-toxic with minimal odor, making it safe for indoor airbrushing with standard ventilation. We recommend working near an open window or using a portable spray booth as you would with any aerosolized paint.
Always wear a respirator rated for particulates when airbrushing any paint, including these metallics. While the acrylic medium is safe, the metallic particles themselves can irritate lungs if inhaled directly from the spray mist.
The SlapChop Metallics maintain full performance for 18-24 months after opening when stored properly at room temperature away from direct sunlight. The dropper bottles create an airtight seal that prevents evaporation and oxidation.
If paint does begin to thicken, add 2-3 drops of distilled water and swirl gently to restore original consistency. Never add tap water, as minerals can cause metallic particles to clump irreversibly.
Absolutely. The fast-drying acrylic base cures within 10-15 minutes and won’t reactivate when you apply acrylic, oil, or enamel washes over it. This non-reactive property is critical for speed painting workflows where you’re layering multiple products quickly.
For best results, let metallics cure for 30 minutes before applying heavy oil washes. Lighter acrylic shades can be applied after just 15 minutes with no risk of disturbing the metallic base coat.
Each 18ml bottle covers approximately 60-80 standard 28mm miniatures when used as the primary metallic color (armor, weapons, major surfaces). For detail work like buckles, jewelry, and small accents, you can paint 150+ miniatures per bottle.
Coverage varies with application method—airbrushing uses slightly more paint than brush application due to overspray, but the pre-thinned consistency minimizes waste compared to traditional metallics that require heavy thinning.