True Metal

AK Interactive

True Metal – Polishable Wax-Based Metallic Paints

AK Interactive True Metal are special wax-based metallic paints designed to create realistic metal surfaces on miniatures, models, vehicles, weapons, armour and other details. Unlike traditional acrylic metallic paints, the dried surface can be polished to gradually enhance its metallic shine.

True Metal can be applied with a brush, finger or cotton swab and used selectively on edges as well as larger metallic surfaces. When properly thinned, the paint can also be applied with an airbrush. The range includes classic steel, iron and silver tones, gold, brass, bronze and copper, as well as coloured metallic shades for fantasy and sci-fi projects.

AK Interactive True Metal polishable wax-based metallic paints

Steel, Iron and Gun Metal

Steel, Iron and Gun Metal are ideal for weapons, armour, chains, machinery, engines and other steel or iron parts. By combining darker and lighter shades, you can create greater depth in metallic surfaces and then use polishing to highlight the most exposed areas.

Silver and Aluminium

Silver, Aluminium and Dark Aluminium are ideal for lighter metallic surfaces, blades, mechanical parts and structures. The different shades allow you to create contrast between a darker base and bright edges or polished areas.

Gold, Brass and Old Bronze

Gold, Brass and Old Bronze are ideal for decorative armour, insignia, ornaments, statues and historical or fantasy details. Old Bronze works well for a darker, aged appearance, while Gold can be polished to achieve a more striking decorative metallic effect.

Copper – Copper and Warm Metals

Copper is ideal for copper pipes, mechanical components, decorations, steampunk models or fantasy equipment. The copper base can be further combined with washes, patinas and other weathering effects to create an aged surface.

Metallic Blue and Metallic Purple

Coloured metallic shades expand the True Metal range for fantasy and sci-fi models. Metallic Blue and Metallic Purple are ideal for unusual armour, alien materials, energy components or decorative details where traditional steel or gold is not enough.

Polishing – The Main Advantage of True Metal

Once dry, the surface can be gently polished with a soft cloth or cotton swab. The more you polish selected areas, the stronger the metallic shine becomes. This makes it possible to create a contrast within a single shade between more matte shadowed areas and shiny raised details.

How to Use True Metal?

For the best adhesion, start with a primed surface and apply a small amount of True Metal in a thin layer. The paint can be spread with a brush, finger or cotton swab. Once dry, gently polish selected areas with a clean, soft cloth or cotton swab to adjust the intensity of the shine to your desired result. For airbrush application, thin True Metal with a suitable White Spirit. Because it is a wax-based paint, allow it to cure thoroughly before proceeding with additional steps; the manufacturer recommends approximately 48 hours. The finished surface can then be protected with an acrylic varnish.