Metallic acrylic paints are a tricky category. Some dry flat and chalky, others are so thick they obliterate brush detail, and a few are so watery they need four coats to cover anything. The DecoArt Americana Dazzling Metallics set of 18 sits somewhere in the middle, and for many projects, that is exactly the right place to be.
This set includes 18 two-ounce bottles in a range of shades from antique gold and rich bronze to cool silver, bright copper, and a few less common tones like blue sapphire and emerald green. The colors are pre-mixed, so you don’t have to fiddle with mica powders or binders. That is a real convenience for anyone who paints regularly—whether you’re working on canvases, wooden signs, plaster ornaments, or even small furniture touch-ups.
In practice, these paints behave like a slightly thickened craft acrylic. They flow off the brush smoothly, and they self-level reasonably well on flat surfaces. The metallic effect comes from fine mica particles suspended in the paint, and it shows up best when you apply the paint in thin, even layers. One coat gives you a soft sheen; two coats bring out a more pronounced shimmer. If you’re looking for a mirror-like reflective finish, this isn’t it—but that’s not what these are designed for. They read as metallic in a subtle, satin way, which works well for decorative painting and mixed media.
One of the stronger points is the color range. Having 18 bottles in one set means you can start a project without buying individual colors. The set includes warm and cool metallics, so you can switch between a gold-leaf look and a brushed-steel feel without needing a separate purchase. The bottles are also a decent size for the price. Two ounces is enough for quite a few small to medium projects, and the flip-top caps make dispensing easy without a mess—though you’ll want to wipe the rim after use to prevent dried paint from sealing the lid.
There are, of course, some trade-offs. First, these are not heavy-body paints. If you’re used to artist-grade acrylics with a buttery consistency, these will feel thinner. That’s fine for basecoating or detailing, but if you try to do heavy impasto work or palette-knife texturing, you’ll be disappointed. Second, the metallic finish can look a bit streaky if you over-brush. The mica particles tend to align with your brush strokes, so you need to work quickly and avoid going back over the same spot too many times. This is a common issue with metallic craft paints, and it’s not unique to DecoArt, but it’s worth knowing before you start a large surface.
Another limitation is durability. These are water-based acrylics, so once dry, they are water-resistant but not fully waterproof. If you’re painting something that will be handled a lot or exposed to moisture—like a coaster or an outdoor sign—you’ll need to seal it with a varnish or topcoat. The paints themselves are not designed for heavy-duty exterior use, despite the range of colors.
Compared to something like Liquitex or Golden’s metallic acrylics, these are far more affordable and much easier to find in a craft store. The pigment load isn’t as intense, and the finish is less dramatic, but for hobbyists and DIYers, that’s often a reasonable trade-off. If you’re a professional artist who needs archival quality and high pigment density, you’d likely want to step up to a higher-end brand. But if you’re a crafter, a teacher, or someone who paints for fun on weekends, this set gives you a lot of versatility without a big investment.
Who is this set for? It’s ideal for beginners who want to experiment with metallic colors, for crafters who need a variety of shades for mixed media or holiday decorations, and for anyone painting small items like ornaments, frames, or jewelry boxes. It’s also a good choice for classrooms or group projects, since the bottles are easy to share and the paints clean up with soap and water.
It’s not for you if you’re looking for a high-gloss, reflective metallic that mimics real metal leaf, or if you need a single, highly pigmented color for professional work. Also, if you prefer painting with a heavy body that holds peaks, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
In the end, the DecoArt Americana Dazzling Metallics set delivers what it promises: a convenient, colorful introduction to metallic acrylics. It won’t blow you away with intensity, but it will reliably add a subtle shimmer to your projects. For the price and the number of colors, it’s a solid value—just keep your expectations in check and seal your work if you want it to last.