10 Best Metallic Watercolor Paints 2025 in the United States

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Metallic Watercolor Paint Set offers 8 shimmering half pans in colors like Iridescent Blue, Yellow Gold, Bronze, and Silver. These paints use fine art pigments rather than dyes, which means the colors are more vibrant and reliable. They have high lightfastness, so your artwork won’t fade quickly when exposed to light. The paints are transparent with a satin finish, allowing for beautiful layering and delicate metallic effects that are especially good for adding highlights or accents. The set comes in a compact, travel-friendly box with a small brush included, making it easy to paint on the go or try metallic watercolors for the first time. There’s space to add four more colors if you want to expand your palette. However, these paints are not waterproof once dry, so finished pieces need careful handling to avoid smudging.

While the color range covers popular metallic tones, it’s somewhat limited to just eight shades. This makes the set perfect for hobbyists or artists exploring metallic watercolors but might feel restrictive for those wanting a broader spectrum. The paints are solid and easy to control, giving a smooth gradient even on softer watercolor papers, and they can be reactivated with water after drying. This set is ideal if you’re looking for quality metallic watercolor paints in a convenient size with trustworthy pigment quality and lasting color. Just keep in mind the non-waterproof finish and limited color variety when planning your projects.

The Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set stands out in the metallic watercolor category, particularly for artists and crafters looking for high-quality, vibrant colors. With 24 glittery colors, this set offers a diverse range, including five new shades that enhance the collection. The pigment quality is impressive, providing vivid and opaque colors that can be diluted for a lighter watercolor effect or used in a more concentrated form for bold techniques. The larger pans allow for easy use, accommodating both small and large brushes, which is great for detailed work or broader strokes.

In terms of lightfastness and opacity, this set performs well, ensuring that the colors maintain their integrity over time, which is crucial for artists who want their work to last. The water-based pigments are non-toxic, making them a safe choice for both adults and younger crafters. The slight sheen that dries on the surface adds an attractive finish to completed artwork, enhancing its visual appeal.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the packaging is user-friendly, some artists may find the solid form of the paint less convenient compared to liquid alternatives, especially when it comes to mixing. Additionally, while the pigment quality is high, achieving a consistent blending may require some practice, particularly for beginners who might be less familiar with watercolor techniques.

The MozArt Supplies Komorebi Professional Metallic Watercolor Set offers 24 vibrant metallic colors, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced artists. The pigments are infused with a shimmering quality, providing a unique liquid-metal finish that many artists will find appealing. The watercolors are non-toxic and easily blendable, which enhances their usability for various art and craft projects on surfaces like canvas, paper, wood, and metal. The product is highly portable due to its compact metal box with a safety lock and detachable pans, allowing for easy customization and transport.

This makes it convenient for on-the-go artists and students alike. The product's lightfastness ensures that the colors remain vivid over time, which is essential for long-lasting artwork. The set is also praised as a perfect gift option for various occasions. However, while the set is user-friendly and easy to activate with minimal water, some users may find the opacity to be less than ideal for certain projects.

Additionally, it may not meet the needs of professional artists looking for the highest quality pigment and binder combination. This set is a solid choice for hobbyists, students, and casual artists looking for a versatile and portable metallic watercolor set.