Metallic Wax

Metallic waxes are most commonly available in "metal colors" such as gold, silver, or copper. However, some brands also carry other metallic (and non-metallic) colors of waxes. The consistency of the wax varies from brand to brand.

These products can be applied to raw or cured clay, but are most commonly applied after curing. You can completely cover a piece, work it into the crevices and wipe away the excess to antique the piece, or highlight only the uppermost parts of the design.

Apply most metallic waxes by rubbing a bit onto the clay, letting it dry thoroughly, and buffing to a high sheen. If the piece will be getting much wear, it is best to seal it after buffing. It is especially important to seal an item that will be worn against skin or clothing, as this prevents the wax from rubbing off and leaving stains. Sealing can also prevent tarnishing, which may be a problem with some metallic waxes and pastes.

Examples

Rub 'n Buff Metallic Finishes, from AMACO-
Twenty colors, including "metal colors" and other metallic colors, such as sapphire and amethyst.
http://www.amaco.com/php/grouphome1.php?catID=87&productId=437&GROUP_ID=9&CATEGORY_ID=87&TITLE_NAME=Rub

Treasure Gold, from Plaid-
Six metallic "metal colors", such as gold and silver.
http://www.plaidonline.com/productSearchResults.asp?productName=Treasure+Gold+%AE

Baroque Art Gilders Paste-
Twenty-eight colors, including eleven metallic "metal colors" and seventeen non-metallic colors.
http://www.gilderspaste.com/cgi-bin/Shopper.exe?search=action&keywords=all&template=Templates/order.html

Metallic Rub-Ons, from Craf-T Products-
Four kits of seven colors each. Metallic "metal colors" and other metallic colors.
http://www.craf-tproducts.com/

Metallic Wax and Metallic Wax Ice, from Faux Shop-
Metallic Wax comes in fourteen metallic colors, including "metal colors" and others. Metallic Wax Ice comes in seven translucent, metallic "non-metal" colors.
http://www.fauxshop.com/wax.htm

Goldfinger, from Daler-Rowney-
Available in five metallic "metal colors".
http://www.daler-rowney.com/prod_catalogue/disp_Products.asp?category=13&brand=91

Availability

Look for metallic rub-on waxes near the paint or metal leaf sections of art and craft supply stores. They can also be purchased on-line.

Links

For more information about metallic waxes, visit the following website:

Glass Attic: Powders, Metallic Waxes, etc.
Compiled by Diane Black
http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/powders_metallicwaxes.htm