Meoded Paint & Plaster

Metallic Paint vs Metallic Wallpaper: Why Paint ALWAYS Wins!


Metallic finishes can add a touch of glitz and glamor to almost any space! Wallpaper is a key trend at the moment, with designs becoming more textured and metallic.

But, as wallpaper trends change, so does the paint industry!  You may have noticed an increase in metallic interior paints such as gold wall paint or metallic gray paint to create accent walls. 

These can coax ambient light to linger and add shimmering, glittery style to even the most ordinary space. So, which is better: metallic wallpaper or metallic paint?

In this article, we weigh the main differences between the two finishes and give you a little hint about where you can find the best metallic paint for walls!

Metallic Paint vs Metallic Wallpaper

Metallic Paint vs Metallic Wallpaper

Metallic wall finishes are categorized into metallic wall paints and solid metallic wall coverings:

Metallic paints: These are applied in the same manner as other paints, i.e. rolling, brushing, or spraying. In contrast to conventional interior paint, metallic wall paint contains non-tarnishing metal or metallic-look flakes as part of its solids content.

Metallic wallpapers: These heavy-weight paper- or plastic-backed wallpapers are supplied in rolls ranging in width from 18 to 24 inches and in lengths ranging from ceiling to floor. Metallic wall coverings provide fast results and remove the uncertainty of what the finish will appear like when dry.

Let’s compare the two finishes head to head:

Application

Painting a wall is significantly easier than applying wallpaper, especially if you’ve never done it before. Painting is more accessible and user-friendly

If you have no expertise installing wallpaper and you’re confident that it’s what you want, you might need to hire an expert to do it for you. Although you’ll save time and minimize the frustration of installing it yourself, it could become a costly exercise.  

Durability

Metallic paint can chip, but it’s super easy to touch up. While wallpaper is significantly more resistant to chipping, it is not recommended for areas with high humidity levels, such as bathrooms and kitchens. 

Affordability

The choice between metallic interior paint and metallic wallpaper is often governed by budget. Metallic paints are often far more affordable than wallpaper. 

Even though metallic wallpaper is a more premium option, with the extensive range of metallic paint colors available, you will be able to select a hue with the sparkle and glitter that you are looking for.

How to Pick the Best Metallic Paint for Walls

Although there’s a wide variety of metallic paints on the market, there are some things you may consider before running out and painting your walls with any old goop!

Shimmer and shine

The whole point of using metallic paint is to obtain that extra sparkle and shine that even the most glossy latex paint lacks. The metallic shimmer is produced by the microbeads or metal flakes found in the paint. 

It is essential to compare metallic paints to ensure they contain metal flakes, glass flakes, microbeads, or mica powders (these provide a superior shine!)

Color

Metallic paint for an interior is a bold choice, so considerable attention should go into the color selection process. Choosing the appropriate color is critical, especially if you want to compliment other walls or interior décor. 

Metallic Paint vs Metallic Wallpaper - Sapphire metallic and crystal brush

Light pink, purple, and blue, for example, blend well with silver wall paint, while gold wall paint goes well with gray and white, as well as green or black.

Ease of Use

Because of the microbeads or metal flakes, metallic paints may be substantially heavier than conventional wall paint. As a result, they can be thick and tricky to work with. 

You can always thin down the paint, although this isn’t ideal. Instead, look for a make of metallic paint for walls that is simple to apply. 

The ease of use of these paints is generally mentioned on the container; otherwise, a cursory check of the consistency will give you a good sense of how workable it is.

Prep and Prime

When working with metallic interior paint, wall preparation is just as vital as it is when working with metallic exterior paint. 

Metallic paint can draw attention to flaws in the wall, such as holes, cracks, and divots. It is preferable to fix these imperfections before painting walls with metallic paint colors, which may highlight them. (You may want to consider applying an undercoat). 

Meoded’s Sapphire Metallic Sahara Effect is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. To add an ethereal quality to your home, decorate just a few square feet of wall space, or cover the entire outside of your home with a  “renaissance-style” charm.

Its shimmering texture that can beautifully brighten small spaces makes it a dream for bathroom renovations. It works beautifully in large rooms, creating a regal vibe.

Clients may use it to decorate a single wall for an added element of classical beauty or cover all the interior walls for total modern beauty. 

Sapphire Metallic Sahara Effect creates a sophisticated appearance that is virtually painless to achieve – it is so DIY-friendly that you won’t believe how simple it is to change a space into a private time capsule or a commercial hall that salutes the elegance of past trends coupled with the latest trends.

Metallic Paint vs Metallic Wallpaper - Gold metallic paint

Sapphire Metallic Sahara Effect has a similar finish to contemporary wallpaper but with the added benefit of being more versatile.

Some of its advantages are as follows:

  • Interior and Exterior
  • Washable
  • Easy to touch up
  • DIY friendly

The Sapphire Metallic Sahara Effect can be tinted to match any color you like. It comes in various bead sizes, producing different textures and making it even more customized by the technique you use to apply it. 

It’s that simple — simply move the beads in any direction to achieve the desired finish. Your imagination is the only limit!

Metallic paint adds a touch of glitz to a space and may also make it appear much lighter. There’s a massive variety of colors to choose from, but silver wall paints, metallic gray paint, and gold wall paint are the most popular. 

The best metallic paint for walls is the one that best meets your requirements and preferences. Consider the room’s particular décor and the color palette, and utilize paint swatches to help you decide. 

Opting for the Sapphire Metallic Sahara Effect transforms interiors into picturesque scenes that look like they are straight out of a classical painting.

You’ll soon be creating different textures with different brush strokes. Just envision what you want to achieve and figure out exactly what approach you need. 

All Meoded products, including Sapphire Metallic Paint and Sapphire Metallic Sahara Effect Paint, are simple to use. 

If you’re not a fan of following the directions on the package, our comprehensive videos provide step-by-step visual guidance. If you prefer a more personal touch, you’re welcome to visit our Los Angeles showroom

Our talented team of experts would love to assist you with all your plaster and paint requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use Metallic Paint on Walls? 

You can use metallic paint on walls to create a shimmering effect that’s less expensive than metallic wallpaper. While many paint companies offer a variety of metallic paints, Meoded’s Sapphire Metallic Sahara Effect has been specially formulated for outdoor and indoor use, adding an ethereal quality to any space.

Is it worth getting metallic paint?

Metallic paint will provide a bit of glitz to your decor and reflect light, adding to the room’s airy feel. You could choose to use metallic paint sparingly and designate one wall in the room as the accent wall. This can provide great contrast between the walls.

How can I cover metallic wall paint? 

If you want to cover or paint over an existing coat of metallic wall paint, you will need to use an oil-based primer. You may need to apply numerous coats to prevent the metallic paint accents from coming through.

Is metallic paint toxic? 

Metallic flakes and microbeads in metallic paint are non-toxic and won’t make you sick as lead-based paints did in the past. In the worst-case scenario, metallic paint might irritate the skin. As a general rule, always paint in a well-ventilated location to prevent inhaling paint fumes.

How do you apply metallic wall paint to a wall?

The simplest method to apply metallic paint to a wall is to use a brush, roller, or HVLP sprayer. Use only high-quality tools with metallic effect paints. Work quickly in one direction, from joint to joint, keeping a wet edge while working. A strié effect may be created by applying a brush in a vertical or horizontal fashion. 

Will metallic paint make the room brighter? 

While metallic paint can make a room brighter, it all relies on how much light is in the room. This is because metallic paint merely reflects existing light. If you are concerned about the space being too gloomy, avoid painting the walls in dark metallic colors.