How to Make Hammered Paint

Hammered paint is people’s all-time favorite. Whether you agree, hammered paint provides an incredible finish that enhances surface tone. There is something about this paint that makes it so popular. It is a unique combination of paints and additives that gives it the appearance of a hammered metal when dried. You are here, which means you don’t know how to make hammered paint. 

Don’t worry, that’s why we are here.

Hammered paint is an improved version of paints with an enhanced appearance. This paint brings out the beauty of a given surface despite the original surface of the material. For this enhancement, you have to know to use it properly and how to mix hammered paint from scratch. 

What Is Hammered Paint?

Hammer Paint provides an artistic hammer texture, though it is designed to use primarily on metallic materials. It’s like the other paints we’ve seen, but its finish is different from a hammered metallic finish. You can use it on indoor and outdoor projects. Do you know why that finish is called hammered finish?

Hammer is a valuable tool for goldsmiths and silversmiths. The word “hammered” refers to the tool that shapes metal. People started to love the hammered texturing effect, and engineers implemented that effect in the paint, which is impossible with a real hammer. 

Most hammered paint sold in the market is spray paint formed. These are used in every section, from clothing to home decoration. We use spray paint on our furniture to provide an antique look. That antique look still feels great. It creates a faux finish and covers other surfaces to add a textured look.

How Is Hammered Paint Different from Others?

Regular paints are smooth and precise after dried, but the texture of the hammered paint is different. It seems like there are many tiny particles present in the paint, and actually, small particles are present there. Those tiny particles offer a shiny look, and they are called mica. Mica displays many properties such as refraction and reflectivity, elasticity, insulation, lightness, and dielectric. 

Mica is not the only element that offers these properties. Bronze and aluminum powders also have such properties, and some use silicon oil for the same result. Overall, it is a premium choice. Though the price may not be premium, the texture it provides must feel premium enough. You have to deploy it ideally. 

Hammered paint comes in different colors. Metal color is most popular, but its black texture is furious. Flat black paint vs matte black helps you know more about some furious black colors. You can choose them for your home décor as hammered texture.

How to Make Hammered Paint?

You can make hammered paint in your home. Different hammered paints are available in the market. But do you know that you can make hammered paint in your house to your own taste? If you are a paint enthusiast or DIY kind of person, you will love to do this. We always prefer to make your own hammered paint. That will save your budget and time in the long run. We will provide two procedures to make hammer paint in your home.

There are two types of additives you can use to make hammered paint. If you read this article the above carefully, you should have caught that. We will use Mica additives and silicone additives to make hammered paint. You can check this article to extend the use of hammered paints. Let’s get into the main discussion. 

Mica Additives

Use powdered mica to change the paint’s properties that suit your need. The shiny particles of mica will provide a shiny look to your entire paint. Mica strengthens the color to reduce the paint’s chances of cracking or peeling. It also prevents tears and enhances the adhesive properties of the paint. Now, we will tell you how to make hammered paint using mica additives. You can follow five different methods. They are –

Mixing Two Mica Colors

You can make hammered paint by mixing two different mica color powders. It is the easiest way to make hammered paint. 

Mixing Pearl White Mica with Dry Pigment Powder

There are different grades of white pearl mica available in the market. Some are fine, and some consist of large flakes. You can use any grade, add some dry pigment powder. Your hammered paint will be ready.

Tint Mica Pigment with Universal Tint

The universal tint is in liquid form concentrated color without a paint binder. You can add it through many coatings. On the other hand, mica paints are available in a different array of colors. You can apply 

If a light mica alkyd tint is diffused into the base, add a universal tint drop-wise to create a darker hammered color.

Adding Interference Mica with Pigments

The interference mica is a white mica, a thin layer of tin oxide. It bends light to form a sparkle of a specific color. Complementary colors of interference mica can produce hammered paint by mixing the pigments.

Add Artist Paint with Mica

Artist paint is cheap compared to room colors. If you don’t need a big investment for great artwork, add mica to the artist’s paint to get your desired hammered texture. In that case, you don’t need to purchase a big can.

Silicone Additives

Silicone pigments are used in coating mostly. Since it is a coating item, it has all features to protect the surface from corrosion, crack, and reduce surface tension. If you mix silicone additive pigments with any paint, it will enhance the paint finish. Besides some modifications, you will get a hammered texture as an output.

After making hammered paint, you have to use it properly. If you use homemade hammered paint or spray paint, the wrong application can cause paint damage. Check this article to know how to keep spray paint from rubbing off.

FAQs

What is the hammered effect?

The hammered effect is a shiny metal effect that looks like someone hammered it.

What is the Best thinner for hammered paint?

Omega general thinner is our recommendation for the best thinner for hammered paints.

What is the best spray-hammered paint?

We will pick Rust-Oleum Universal Hammered Spray Paint as the best spray hammered paint. It creates a unique metallic texture, and you can use it on almost every surface.

Final Verdict

Hammered paint is an excellent tool for premium texturing over the wall, metal, and various surfaces. The good thing about hammered paint is you can make DIY hammered paint in your home. If you know how to make hammered paint, you can save your money and time and use it for the long term.

Moreover, the making procedure is relatively easy. As a paint enthusiast, we request you make such premium paint in the home. At least you can give it a try.

2 thoughts on “How to Make Hammered Paint”

  1. I’m wondering if you can add mica and silicone ( I bought some) to water base or do you need enamel ? In Canada its hard to get oil base and almost impossible to get any lacquer . It would save me a lot of playing around if I new. I’m retired now but painted cars for 50 years so I have a pretty good handle on paint.

    1. Absolutely! Adding mica and silicone to water-based paints is totally doable, no need for enamel or oil-based stuff. Mica gives that awesome shimmer and shine, while silicone works its magic by creating those cool cell effects in fluid art. So, you can totally rock it with water-based paints. Simply mix the mica into your paint really well for that amazing effect. And as for silicone – just blend it into your pouring medium or paint combo to achieve those captivating cell patterns.
      If you’ve got more questions, feel free to reach out. Happy painting! 🎨

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top