MRP-A021 Copper

Copper — Mr.Paint Acrylic Copper Metallic (17 ml)

This is a modeling paint, not a kit. The shade comes from the Aqua line by the Slovak brand Mr.Paint: a water-thinnable acrylic, a different chemistry from the lacquer (nitro) line the manufacturer is known for. It is supplied in a 17 ml dropper bottle and is formulated to be sprayed undiluted. If you need to thin it, use water or acrylic thinner from the same line. There is no strong solvent smell.

Copper is not gold — where to use it

Copper is a reddish, darker metal with a warm, brownish-toned shine. That clearly sets it apart from gold in the same line, which is yellow and noticeably brighter. Mix them up and the result looks unconvincing: a gold boiler or gold pipes will immediately give the mistake away. Choose copper for copper pipes and plumbing, boilers and steam equipment, the cladding and details of historical ships, electrical components, wires and contacts, and anywhere you want to follow up with a patina — copper greens over time, which is a rewarding subject for washes and greenish pigments.

What to watch out for with metallic paint

• The pigment settles to the bottom. Stir the bottle thoroughly before spraying — otherwise you mostly draw out the binder and the copper shine never appears.
• The base must be smooth and finely sanded, ideally glossy. The metal layer is thin and will highlight every scratch and grain instead of hiding it.
• Apply the metallic paint last. It oversprays and masks poorly, and masking tape can pull the metal layer off when removed.
• To let the metal stand out, avoid matte varnish — it suppresses the shine and copper turns into an indistinct gray.

Who it is for

For builders of historical ships and steam equipment, diorama builders and figure painters, and for modelers who want a believable copper alongside gold and brass in their palette.

A modeling paint, not part of a kit. Ventilate and protect your airways when airbrushing. Keep out of the reach of children.