Metallic acrylic paints occupy a specific niche: they add reflective accents without the hassle of mixing dry pigments or dealing with solvents. HissiCo’s 20-color set arrives in 2 fl oz (60ml) bottles, a size that suggests it’s aimed at regular use rather than one-off projects. I tested the set over several weeks on canvas, paper, and wood to see how it holds up.
The set covers a range of metallic shades: gold, silver, copper, bronze, and various tinted metallics like red, blue, and green. The pigments are fine and suspend well in the acrylic binder, which means they brush on smoothly and don’t require constant stirring. Opacity varies—the gold and copper are relatively opaque, while the lighter colors like pearl white need a couple of coats to build up. Drying time is typical for acrylics: touch-dry in about 20 minutes, fully cured overnight. Once dry, the finish is glossy and reflective, though not as mirror-like as a true metallic leaf or automotive paint.
One thing to note: these are not heavy-body paints. They have a consistency similar to soft-body acrylics, which makes them easy to spread but less effective for impasto techniques. For detail work, they hold brush strokes reasonably well, but they won’t give you the sculptural texture that a heavy-body metallic might.
In terms of application, the bottles are easy to squeeze, and the flip-top caps help control the flow. The 60ml size is generous—larger than the standard 20ml tubes many hobby sets use—so you’re less likely to run out mid-project. However, the bottles are plastic, and the labels are simple; if you’re used to brands with color swatches on the cap, you might miss that convenience.
The paints are water-based and non-toxic, which makes them suitable for kids with supervision. But keep in mind that metallic pigments can stain clothing and porous surfaces, so cover your workspace. Cleanup is straightforward with soap and water while wet; once dry, you’ll need alcohol or a scraper to remove them from hard surfaces.
Compared to artist-grade metallics like Golden or Liquitex, the HissiCo set is more affordable but less pigmented. The difference is noticeable in coverage and lightfastness—HissiCo doesn’t provide lightfastness ratings, and some colors may fade over time if exposed to direct sunlight. For archival work, you might want to stick with professional brands. But for hobbyists, crafters, and students, this set offers a practical balance of cost and performance.
Who is this for? It’s a good fit for beginners exploring metallic effects, teachers stocking a classroom, or hobbyists who need a variety of colors without investing in individual tubes. It’s also handy for mixed-media projects, scrapbooking, and DIY home decor. Who is it not for? Professional artists who require consistent pigment load, lightfastness guarantees, or heavy-body consistency for impasto will likely find it lacking. Also, if you’re painting outdoors or on surfaces that need weather resistance, these acrylics aren’t formulated for exterior use unless sealed.
In use, I found the metallics blend well with each other and with regular acrylics, though mixing can dull the metallic sheen. They also work with pouring mediums, but the metallic particles may settle, so you’ll need to stir thoroughly. On fabric, they adhere but remain stiff unless you use a fabric medium. For best results on flexible surfaces, mix with a textile medium.
Overall, the HissiCo Metallic Acrylic Paint Set is a solid option for casual and educational use. It’s not a professional-grade product, and it doesn’t pretend to be. The 20-color range encourages experimentation, and the 60ml bottles last a while. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to add metallic accents to your work, this set is worth considering. Just don’t expect the same performance as higher-end brands—and for critical projects, test on a small area first.
