There are three kinds of metallic wall finish, and they behave very differently:
- Metallic paint: a coloured film with metallic pigment, usually flat-looking and uniform.
- Metallic and pearlescent plasters: these use metallic powders or mica in a trowelled plaster, so the shimmer shifts with the light.
- Liquid metal coatings: these put an ultra-thin layer of real metal on the surface.
For depth and movement, choose a plaster. For the look and feel of solid metal, choose liquid metal.
The Options Compared
| Finish | What makes it metallic | Look | Where | Colours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classico Metallic | Fine varicoloured metallic powders | Half-bright satin, changing reflections | Indoor walls only | Gold, Silver, Copper, Bronze; tintable |
| Epoque | Metallic pearlescence | Pearl sheen | Interior feature walls | Silver and Gold bases, tintable |
| Seta | Fine mica powders | Matte texture with silk-like, metallic iridescence | Interior walls | Customisable texture |
| Liquid metal | Ultra-thin layer of real metal | Solid metal, smooth and seamless | Walls, furniture, kitchen surfaces, bathrooms | Not stated |
| Metallic paint (general) | Metallic pigment in paint | Flat, uniform shimmer | Walls | Wide |
Classico Metallic: Soft, Shifting Reflections
Classico Metallic uses fine metallic powders in varied colours, so the surface changes appearance as light hits it from different angles. It has a half-bright satin finish and comes in Gold, Silver, Copper and Bronze. It can be tinted further to match a design. Colortale designed it exclusively for indoor use, for high-end interiors.
Epoque and Seta: Pearl and Silk
For a subtler metallic quality, Epoque gives a metallic pearlescence and Seta a silk-like iridescence from fine mica over a soft matte texture. Both are Venetian-style plasters, so they also carry the depth of trowel work. Ideas for using them are in Venetian plaster design ideas.
Liquid Metal: Real Metal, Thin Layer
Liquid metal applies an ultra-thin layer of real metal for the look of solid metal without the weight of metal sheets. Colortale describes it as smooth, seamless and hygienic, and says it protects surfaces against oxidation. It is also waterproof, which makes it suitable for bathrooms, showers, countertops and walls. It is used on kitchen surfaces, feature walls and furniture. Colortale also offers Fuso Mettalo, a liquid metal finish made by blending real metal powders with epoxy resins into a hard surface. It comes in Iron, Gold, Copper and Bronze, can be burnished from textured to highly polished, and can cover walls, floors, columns and furniture.
Which Rooms Suit Metallic Finishes?
- Foyers, bars and lounges: short visits and warm lighting suit stronger metallics such as Epoque or Classico Metallic in bronze or gold.
- Bedrooms and dressing rooms: Seta's silk effect is quieter.
- Bathrooms and kitchens: liquid metal, because Colortale states it is waterproof and suits showers and countertops. The plasters are not described for wet zones.
- Furniture and details: liquid metal on tables, doors, panels and trims.
- Exteriors: none of these products is described for outdoor use. Classico Metallic is stated as indoor only.
How to Keep Metallic Walls Elegant
- Use metallics on one wall or a detail, not every surface.
- Choose warm metals (bronze, copper, gold) with walnut, cream and brass.
- Choose silver with greys, black metal and cool stone.
- Light from the side to bring out movement. A flat frontal light makes metallics look like paint.
- See samples at night as well as by day.
For placement ideas, see Venetian plaster feature walls.
Care
Dust and wipe gently with a soft damp cloth; avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemicals on all metallic finishes.
Paint, Plaster or Metal?
Choose a metallic plaster for depth and shifting light, Seta or Epoque for a quieter shimmer, and liquid metal for the real thing, including in bathrooms and on furniture. Compare with other finishes in types of wall texture finishes, or contact us for samples.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metallic Wall Finishes
What is the difference between metallic paint and metallic plaster?
Metallic paint is a flat coloured film. Metallic plaster uses metallic powders in a trowelled finish, so reflections change with the light.
What colours does Classico Metallic come in?
Gold, Silver, Copper and Bronze, and it can be tinted to further hues.
Can metallic finishes be used outdoors?
Classico Metallic is for indoor use only, and none of Colortale's metallic finishes is described for exteriors.
What is liquid metal?
A coating that applies an ultra-thin layer of real metal to a surface for the look of solid metal.
Can liquid metal be used in a bathroom?
Yes. Colortale states liquid metal is waterproof and suitable for bathrooms, showers and countertops.
Is Seta a metallic finish?
It has a silk-like, metallic iridescence from fine mica over a matte texture.
How do I stop a metallic wall looking gaudy?
Use it on one wall or a detail, pair it with natural materials and light it from the side.
Can liquid metal go on furniture?
Yes. Colortale lists furniture, feature walls and kitchen surfaces among its uses.
