I would like to make my own pearl and metallic paints. Do you offer a product I can add to acrylic latex paint which will have a pearl or metallic effect?
We have many Iridescent and Interference paints. They are compatible with acrylic and latex house paints, however there are a few issues that need to be addressed.

First, adding an Iridescent into paint usually will require a large amount to get to a noticeable pearl effect. In house paints, there are usually matting agents, opacifiers and other fillers that hamper the Iridescents. If you do use these, stick with the bases meant for dark colors and semigloss to gloss sheens.

Second, if you have the ability to make your own paints, you may be better off with the dry powders. You can add and create your own iridescent base that you can add tints to. We do sell the pigments by the pound if they are available in our factory (if we haven't used them up to make paint). This would give you much better results and you can avoid the fillers. The other option is to base coat with conventional products and apply a Pearlescent Glaze over top. This could be formulated like our decorative glazes for sponging/ragging effects or could be a faster drying product similar to a house paint.

How do I get a bronze effect on a plaster cast without looking painted?
First, seal the plaster with GOLDEN GAC 800, a specialty acrylic polymer medium designed for chalky surfaces. We would guess you would need at least 2 coats to properly seal. This prepares the surface. Next, some apply a base coat of a non-iridescent color, which closely mimics the metallic color you wish to achieve. For bronze, take a look at Mars Yellow, other oxide earth colors, and ochres. The subsequent Iridescents will have a more even appearance with fewer coats.

Third, apply the metallic color or blend of colors you desire. Keep in mind this is the base coat and should be cleaner and brighter than you want as the final application. We have a Bronze color, but some artists prefer the Iridescent Copper Light instead, or a mixture of the two.

Fourth, create age and patina with the use of GOLDEN Acrylic Glazing Liquid and various colors. Raw Umber, Burnt Umber, Asphaltum Glazes work great to mimic decades of age. Patinas can be created with Phthalo Green BS and Titanium White (try different combinations with varying amounts blended with the umbers). The strength and number of layers will vary according to your tastes.

Finally, you may wish to apply a protective varnish layer. We have 2 kinds of varnish, Polymer (water-based) and MSA (mineral spirit-based). Either will work and both are available in gloss, satin and matte. My experience has shown a true metal finish is developed with a blend of gloss and satin into a high semi-gloss finish. With bronze, it should have just a bit of reflectance, but not the high gloss or it will look fake. We are sure you have some real examples of what you are trying to achieve, so use these as your guides. For even more information, please visit the GOLDEN Web site and use the internal search engine for these topics and products mentioned.