I gave each one a can buddy and the two became inseparable throughout the experiment, or at least until I could mark the pears according to which paint they were bearing. I used Design Master (picked this one up at Micheal's), Krylon, Rustoleum, and Valspar--that can exploded on me a long time ago.
Who would you give the first impression rose to? Ha! I am, personally, a new fan of the Design Master. It has the least amount of orangey/rosey glow to it. But, let's look a little closer at them. To me, these four fall into two categories: brass/gold and bronze/copper. The brassiest gold was definitely the Design Master and Rustoleum as a close second.
The Krylon and Valspar look entirely too bronze for a "gold" application. Although, I obviously have used them since I have them. I know better now. That's what this is all about. Also I would note, Krylon went on the worst. While all of the other finishes seemed smooth and virtually flawless--Krylon was having all sorts of issues. Could be human error--sure. But three out of four were near perfect. Hmm.
Which Gold Spray paint is best? I am giving Design Master the gold medal, and Rustoleum the silver--although I would definitely still recommend it. Valspar and Krylon get the bronze--appropriately. Are you surprised or maybe disagree? Do you have a favorite that we didn't cover here? Spill.
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I think that it depends largely on what's being sprayed. I recently bought a pair of fleur de lis earrings on the internet, that for some reason, looked to be brass but were actually made of an inexpensive material. Aha! I would seize them and make them look like the original Brass Fleur di lis. So now as I look at these shiny little 'silver artifacts' I am wondering which product to choose.. and wonder.. Design Master for it's subtle patina, or Rustoleum for it's ever-so-slightly blush? I am searching for authenticity.
Which design master gold did you use? There is 14k, 24k, and from what I see just gold.
What is the name of the Rustoleum?? TY!
I like the colors and shininess of the Rustoleum and the Valspar best. The other 2 look dull and unappealing to me.
What color is the Rustoleum you used????
I used the krylon for frames for my wedding, and luckily I did it just before. Weeks later it has this ugly patina looking marks everywhere. Lesson learned.
Thank you, Thank you for the Tipps!!!!!!!!!!!!! and Names of Products!!!!!!
I think I like Rust-o-leum the best. Thanks for the invaluable test!
Rustoleum brand is my choice . The Design master is too green
This is awesome! Yes, I agree the Design Master is the most 'gold' to definition. I came here to find a more brassy color and the Rustoleum is the one for me! Thank you so much for the demonstration.
Thanks so much. I stumbled on this while trying to figure out which color to use for the dried palm leaves I purchased for my wedding centerpieces. Thanks a million!
There are different varieties of design Master gold paint. Would you consider testing all of them? For instance there's one called 24K Gold. The Amazon reviews suggest it's more of a rose gold. I'd like to know which variety you used here.
Krylon is the worst spray paint. I have used it many times and I am always sorry. I keep hoping that it was me or a defective can or something. It drips. It barely covers and you need to but many more cans. It seems to come out of the nozzle with stream in center and mist by the edges. Worst spray paint ever ! Never again, even if it is the only one with the color I need.
Thanks for posting this. I have decided that I really don't like Krylon. It takes like 5 fine coats of paint (or more), whereas Rustoleum takes 2, in my experience, and is less prone to dripping. I also have the Gold Krylon, and it's too pink, which is why I clicked on this post to find out what I should get instead. So thanks for the info!
Nice! I do like the comparisons all together to see the difference, I like the Rustoleum, has a little less yellow in it than the design master, but it's all in what look you want. Excellent comparison and thank you!
I am planning on spray painting a winter green glass large vase for a Christmas event (gold) which one do you suggestion using
Hi, I have a question. Which spray paint bonded with the plastic the best and doesn’t scape off easily?? Yesterday I sprayed dollar store plastic baskets with rustoleum for the pantry and it scratches right off. I thought about using some kind of spray sealer. The baskets are for the pantry so they’ll get a lot of use.
Thanks for your time!!
There is spray paint specific for plastics, which bonds better. You could also try an extra primer!
This is great but I really can't believe after all this work that you didn't list the names of the Rustoleum you used. There are many kinds of Rustoleum with 'metalic' in the name. And they're very different from one another. So while I would like to love this, it just proves to be frustrating :(
This was done many many years ago when there was only one or two. I'll have to do it again.
Which gold is the Valspar they have gold and rose gold?
It's been a few years since I wrote this post so I bet they have added more options since.
I came across this post embedded in other sites though Pinterest, but I'm a big fan of your work. See, I'm essentially copying your kitchen, but have different bar stools that I was thinking about spraying brass/gold. I wanted to match the handles (the same rejuvination mission bin pulls you have). Do you have any idea which of the spray paints you mentioned would be best?
Hmm, probably Rustoleum.
It could just be the photo, but appears the design master has a green tint. The rustoleum is my fav.
I agree with LEANN JUNKIN
Whew!! So glad I came upon your gold paint test. I'm an old fogey artist and have used Krylon through the years (centuries?) haha I know better but there I was on Amazon comparing different Krylon gold paints ;( oh I really should know better!! Thanks. Still pondering my choices, just NOT Krylon.
[…] 2. You’re about to get your friends feeling nice and distorted when they see that you’re so fancy, you gild your pears. […]
Great post. I know this was posted a long time ago but hoping you'll be able to give me some insight. I just bought a kohler polished brass bathroom faucet: https://www.homedepot.com/p/KOHLER-Purist-8-in-Widespread-2-Handle-Mid-Arc-Bathroom-Faucet-in-Vibrant-Modern-Brushed-Gold-K-14406-3-BGD/203092926
I am looking for a gold spraypaint that would match so I can spray a light fixture I ordered that came and it is more antique brass. The faucet is more of any orangey brass. Which would you recommend?
Hi, did you ever find a spray paint that matches? I'm in a similar situation.
I have the same problem! Anyone figure this out yet? That Kohler faucet is so difficult to match!
for the rust-oleum which gold is this? There are so many! thank you for this post!!
This was an awesome test - it helped me immensely! Thank you for posting these different gold tones.
Same here... awesome
Thanks for doing this! I was looking for a brassier gold, so I'm going to go with the Valspar - looks perfect.
I think the Vasper is a really good choice for a brassiere or antique gold to my opinion.
[…] are several good options for metallic gold spray paints. There’s a great guide I used by ChrisLovesJulia in which he used 4 of the major brands and compared them. Very helpful for picking which one I […]
Can I just say those finished gold pears look *expensive* and now I want a bowl of them. I would have never guessed they were dollar store pears with some spray paint love.
[…] 2. You’re about to get your friends feeling nice and distorted when they see that you’re so fancy, you gild your pears. […]
[…] 2. You’re about to get your friends feeling nice and twisted when they see that you’re so fancy, you gild your pears. […]
Very good info on the gold leaf but I need to restore some old frames plaster and wood what would you suggest?
amazing tips and a great finish. It can be really difficult to get such a perfect shine and cover.
[…] There are few other studies out there to find the best gold spray paint. This one looks at 4 gold spray paints. I already had 4 cans in my spray paint arsenal from all the trials I have done in the past. I […]
Wish I had seen your blog, first. Have you compared coppers, silver's, and rose-golds, too?
I agree, the Krylon comes out too bronze-colored, not gold. Another blog said it was her favorite.
I am thrilled to find this information! I had plans to repaint a cheap ikea black metal side table a warm gold color. I don't really like gold much, but it's so popular in house trends right now I thought redoing a table I wasn't using was a cheap, easy way to bring in the trend. I was intimidated by the really shiny, yellow gold lids that freaked me out! This helps me narrow it down to one like the valspar with its in between gold/brass warm tone. Thanks for the information!
Oops I meant a gold/coppery tone.
Im actually hunting for a deeper gold for mirrors beside a painting with deep gold splashes. I haven't seen Valspar paints but may hunt and try it. Thank goodness one can redo projects if the color isn't what you want. I've tried two already, lol.
Valpar is generally sold at Lowes.
They have many gold tones.
Hi
This is an amazing post! Thanks so much for doing this.
Could you please tell me which is the rustoleum color that you used??
I want to paint an ikea frame gold for my daughters birthday and I want a shiny(sort of glittery) yellow gold look. Do you think rustoleum would work best for that look? And should I prime it?
Would really appreciate your help.
Thanks in advance.
Rustoleum usually has a built in primer, so you should be good to go. And I'm sorry, I don't remember the exact name of the rustoleum, however one that says, "Metallic Finish" should give you these results.
Question: What paint would be good to use to make fake grapes, pears or pine cones look like they had a morning frost (or were rolled in granulated sugar)? For winter-themed centerpieces, of course. I want them more sparkly than snowy.
I know this is years ago that you posted this, but just in case you see this and would like to try to make that centerpiece for another time I would get the snow spray paint for the snowy texture and then get glitter spray paint and spray that over the snow one for the sparkly/shimmery look, I feel like that may give you the look you seemed to be looking for
Thanks for the post, it's the most helpful one I've come across so far! Maybe you can help me with this, I'm looking to ombre something from black to gold. Instead of it just shooting from black to straight gold I was trying to figure out what shades of gold to use as transition. Maybe a darker gold into a lighter gold? but what shades? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
You might have luck just stepping back with your spray paint can for a lighter gold dusting and closer as you get to the top where you want it more saturated.
I know this is a late, and I'm betting you've already done it, but I had an idea for the gradient. I know in make up applications that if you apply white and black underneath then put your desired color over top you get a blend of darker (whatever color) to lighter. Maybe if you applied white then gray then black, overlapping as you go then you just go over the top with the gold and don't have to worry about the tone of the gold changing.
I know this is years later, but just in case you see this and weren’t able to get the desired effect I wouldn’t use spray paint to do a gradient I would use a different kinda paint and use a sponge brush so you can give it a faded look and you’d have better control of how thick of a layer you do and I’d put the most coats on the very bottom and maybeee (if you still don’t get the exact look you’re after) stipple on a think layer of slightly darker paint on the very bottom. I’ve never done this before, but that’s how i’d do this tho there should be tutorials on youtube on how to do this. I’d search “how to ombré a vase”
Oh and btw stippling on a sorta thinnish layer of some white paint over top the edge of black where the gold is gonna meet the black and also some right below the black paint before starting painting on the gold would help it look lighter in color towards the top. Also, if you aren’t liking how the fading blend is looking using a clean rag using a dabbing motion to help blend it may help
Krylon is a lovely rose gold, but unsuitable for a Star Wars C3PO costume! For my project, I need a gold with more "yellow". I wish I had seen your color comparison before I painted with Krylon! Rushing out now to get Design Master or Rust-o-leum, which should be a better match. MANY THANKS
Haha, yes! You'll be much happier with Rustoleum or Design Master
I do love my gold spray paint and have never tracked my brands! This will definately be on my mind when I do!
Thank you so much for this post. Exactly what I was looking for help me choose a spray paint.
I loved the color of design masters, but am finding that both the chair and ceramic I painted are rubbing off. I normally prime but opted not to this time, so not sure if that was the problem. Greatly disappointed that I will need to redo both.
This was SO helpful! Thank you so much!
This is exactly what I was looking for! Can you please do the same comparison for copper spray paints?!
We painted some large leaves and pinecones for centerpieces for my daughter's wedding and I used krylon because it gave the most beautiful rose gold look! It is great to see a side by side comparison for other projects!
Thank you SO much for this. Been struggling with this myself and this is EXACTLY what I needed to see. Appreciate the legwork!!
Hi thx for the post. I think I have to go with Rustoleum. To me it appears to more gold in color and appearance. Cheers Cora :)
Because of your post, I got the Rustoleum. (Never heard of it, always bought the cheap ones) and I LOVE IT! Thanks a lot Julia! - Jolien, Amsterdam NL
Ah, my bad. I just checked the can and it's Design Master Brilliant Gold, not Gold Medal. That explains why I'm not seeing a green undertone!
Design Master is a dream to apply, dries super fast, and the color is gorgeous. Thanks so much for this post - it was the reason I went with DM! I bought two clothes hampers made from some kind of metal (iron? steel? I have no idea), removed the cotton liners, spray painted them with DM Gold Medal, inverted them, and use them as bedside tables. Also used it on my IKEA cabinetry handles to tie it together. Not a hint of green to them in my experience, just a beautiful, classy (not brassy) gold. Will be using it again soon!
I'll have to try that one!
Sounds like a great project, can we see a pic Denise?
What a great comparison test. Now, has anyone done a Silver one? I do like gold, but I use a lot of Silver in my projects.
Thanks so much for posting this. I have Pinterested it, to keep it on record for myself.
Can I just say those finished gold pears look *expensive* and now I want a bowl of them. I would have never guessed they were dollar store pears with some spray paint love.
Krylon application generally sucks, but it either varies can to can OR they have improved it in the past few years. A can of gold Krylon I bought a year or so ago went on spotty as anything (evenly spotty, though, so it looked almost like a hammered finish, which luckily worked fine for what I was doing), but I bought it again a few months ago because I wanted that rose gold color (rose gold is obviously very trendy right now, and I love it) and it applied completely normally. Nothing like all the Krylons I have bought before.
Does anyone know of a brass colored spray paint that gives a mirror look? The only reason the paints tested here are mirror is because of the glossyness over a curved surface. I need one that will look mirror like on a flat surface. Thanks.
Thank you for this! I recently purchased the Krylon "gold" spray paint, and I was very disappointed. Thanks to your research and great photos I'll be heading over to Home Depot today for some Rustoleum gold to re-spray paint my frames for a true gold look. Wish I had read your blog first!
[…] I particularly love the gold spray paint – something we go through a lot of at our house. Have you ever wondered which gold spray paint to use for your projects? Julia at ChrisLovesJulia experimented with several different kinds, and writes about her findings here. […]
Stumbled upon your blog via Pinterest and have to say, love this post and have had this type of debate in my head before. I own 3 different 'golds' and each is so different. Tre helpful! Thanks!
I have used spray paint before, but even when I layer it with a sealant it comes off. In your opinion which one of these spray paints stays on the best?
definitely Rustoleum
[…] Here, and Here are my trusty sources- see for […]
[…] spray paint (this is a great guide for choosing a gold spray […]
[…] ANSWERING: WHICH GOLD SPRAY PAINT IS BEST? […]
[…] do you take something from not-gold to gold? Spray paint, of course. Chris Loves Julia answers the question of which gold paint is […]
Awesome review. I agree....I hate krylon (same price as rustoleum in craft stores). I always go for Rustoleum ($4 at home depot). I haven't tried the other 2 in years.
Hey. Thanks for doing this. I just found this post doing a search on gilding colors. I used Martha Stewart Crafts gold liquid gilding. I am so surprised how there are so many different views on a gold color. For me, the M.S.C. gilding was not gold at all! .... As for your spray paints, I thing Rustoleum represents what 'gold' should look like to me. The Design Master looks a little green, like a florentine gold. The looks Krylon like a rose gold or copper gold. The Valspar looks like an antique bronze/deep gold.
Thanks again!
I love this post and I DO understand how different spray brands are different.. but you are spray painting a pear for goodness sakes!! Which is obviously green to begin with and will not last for more than a week?! I'm sorry, but that does NOT prove any brand of spray is better, IMHO.
These are fake, plastic pears! Haha. I still have them years later.
Amanda you overlooked that he used an orange colored pear for this experiment. The pears were not green.
Thanks so much for this post, I am trying to decide on which paint for a more "chrome" gold look, and this really helped my decision!
Good blog. I have a quick question. I painted half of a soap dispenser, which was chocolate brown, with Rustoleum gold, to match the chocolate brown and gold theme of my bathroom. Unfortunately, after we have started using the dispenser, i see blotch water marks...it now looks ugly. Any idea why? and how can i rectify. SHould i spray paint again and cover it with something like a finish?
Thanks
Sue
Spray paint should hold up to some elements, but if it is prolonged, there can be damage. I think a clear topcoat should protect it and not lead to anymore water marks.
Thanks Julia. I will try.
Sue
[…] Little Green Notebook says it’s her favorite brass paint period. There’s also a great comparison of brass spray paints (including Design Master) on ChrisLovesJulia.com. Personally, I’m hoping it will be a close […]
Terrific work. I wanted to contact you in regards to this post however, your contact
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I think it depends on whether or not you like traditional bright gold or antique gold. I prefer antique gold myself, so I like the darker ones. I think the Design Master has a slight green tint (or maybe it's my monitor).
Love this. Thank you. Great job. I think it would be super to have rustoleum/ etc sponsor a full line of their golds since their are so many. Design master is an absolute favorite. You find it at art stores bc it it is an art paint. You will find their choc with a hint of red choc with a cooler tint they just really know the way color is used in painting. This is my all time favorite.
I wish they shared their true shelf life.
Thanks again
What an awesome experiment! Love geeking out about stuff like this too haha =). I'm not sure if it's just where I live, but the Design Master from Michaels is significantly more expensive. It's right on the $7-8 mark whereas the others are around $4-5. Of course if you have a coupon you can get it cheaper.
I had bad luck with the Valspar -- it didn't mix evenly and I had streaks in my finish even though I shook it for as long as recommended.
I think I'll go back to Rustoleum which has never let me down! It's cheap too!
Love this! Which Rustoleum colour did you use - its amazing!!
I am looking specifically for a metallic rose gold spray paint - do you have any recommendations where that's concerned? I have been surprised at how hard rose gold spray paint is to find! I think the Krylon gold looks rosiest, but am a little nervous to use it since you mentioned it didn't go on particularly well. Let me know if you know of a rose gold, and thank you for posting this helpful little experiment!
I would say the Krylon is definitely a nice rose gold color. In fact, the "rose gold" spray paints I have seen all look a little too coppery for me. Now, I love the copper look, but when you want rose gold--they Krylon one might be your best bet. They do make a rose gold spray paint as well if you want to check it out.
omg, i saw this pinned today on pinterest - a few hours after i insta'd about design master - the BEST! happy to have found your site through this :)
Hi there! Would you mind sharing which Rust-Oleum gold color this is that you used? I'm having the hardest time deciding on "burnished brass" or "antique brass!" Thanks for this great post!
I'd love to know the answer to this also! Can you tell us if you used Rust-Oleum "barnished brass" or "antique brass"??? Thanks!
Hi. I've tried Krylon but find it rubs off when you touch anything you've painted. Were any of the other brands better at not rubbing off? Thanks!
Didn't love Krylon at all. Rustoleum and Design Master stayed on great for me.
Sigh. Every site I have seen says the rustoleum is the best...I guess for a TRUE gold it is, but it was too yellow for me personally. I ADORE the Krylon color....HOWEVER, WARNING,I will never use it ever again! I bought it and it spewed big globs all over the freakin place. I tried two different cans and they both did the same thing. Just as you said it gave you problems so it must be the nozzle they use...shame because the color was perfect! I guess I will revert back to what I did on my coffee table, using rustoleum and then going over it with liquid gold leaf. Alot more time consuming, or maybe I will try the Valspar.
HI,
I am actually doing a brass painting project and this is perfect. I am leaning towards the Rustelom color that you used. Do you know the exact color name and where you got it? I went to Home Depot and the brass they had was very dark. I think the only thing they had was the antique brass color. Thank you!
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This is very helpful and was exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for posting.
But now, what about SILVER paints? Please try them. I want to paint
some sea shells for a mirror and want the best silver-I will use
this post for some gold ones too. Thanks, MEP
This is so helpful! I was just trying to figure out which to get for my next project!
Design Master for the win, love this project!
Thank you for this!!!
I like the look of the Rustoleum the best...this was a great idea for a post!!
thanks so much for sharing this! i have a gold painting project coming up, and i've been trying to figure out this very thing. i think i'll be going with the rustoleum based on your post.
Awesome post! I never gave much thought to how much variation there might be between the various brands, and it's really neat to be able to see the comparison -- based on the pictures I think I'd agree that the Rustoleum and the Design Master look best. Thanks for sharing this, I'll have to refer back to it if I ever plan on painting anything gold! :)
great post!!!
This is awesome! I used all brands in all varieties to paint sbux bottles to use as centerpieces for our wedding. And I agree- I wouldn't use Krylon again. I'll stick with Rustoleum from now on...
Krylon is the worst. The WORST! It's not human error - it's just not that good of paint. We avoid it all costs, but the only problem is that spray paint is banned in the city of Chicago! So, we have to drive to the 'burbs to get it, and a lot of times their ONLY brand option is Krylon. Whenever possible, we pick up Design Master!
Thank you for feeling this way!! I hate Krylon too... but everyone else LOVES it. I
My vote would be for the Rustoleum. The other two are way too bronze. But I like that the Rustoleum has more warmth to it than the Design Master. I wonder if these pears were spread out around a room or other space if you would still notice the vast difference in their color?
To me, the difference is very apparent in the DM+R versus the V+K--but between the two...I don't think it is too apparent when they are all by themselves.
I like them all for different reasons. I like the Rustoleum for a true gold, the Design Master for the bronze, I like the pink hues in the Krylon (cute for a girly room) and the antique-ness of the Valspar.
And I REALLY like the grouping with the 4 different tones? Would look cute together in a bowl perhaps? I may have to replicate this experiment myself. :)
All four together is definitely fun and layered. I am gonna find a spot where they can hang out!
I immediately was loving the Valspar but the more I read and looked at it - definitely bronzey. I think the Rustoleum is the gold metal winner I like the Design Master it just seems flat with a lot of yellow/green. Great job though - thanks for sharing!!
(You are so funny!)
Before this post, I thought, gold is gold is gold is gold. Buuuuut
You're right! There is a huge difference. I'm with you, I like the design master. Not a huge fan of the coppery gold. Even though I love the color copper. Dream someday to have all my pots and pans with copper bottoms. Who knows the technical reason why copper is better, but it sure looks good!!! (Don't tell Chris I said that!)
I love copper pans! Swooooon.
Copper bottoms = conducts heat faster. Now you can spurge on one for searing purposes Megan. :)
This post is fab, thanks so much for the comparison. Is the Rustoleum that you used just "gold" or another color? I am considering spraying my cabinet hardware as the modern looking brushed brass ones that I like are about $40/handle! Rustoleum looks like what I may grab.
It's so funny how different tastes plays into this decision!
I agree with Ellis and Abby about the green undertones in the Design Master (at least on my screen). I rarely use gold in my house (I prefer silver/brushed nickel and brass), but I'm liking the way Rustoluem reads on my screen. I also like the Valspar, because like Kelly I like 'antique' gold (probably because I'm a sucker for a nice brass).
I would say the Design Master absolutely has green undertones. And I guess I kinda like that. Hahaha. Very true--it's all about personal preference.
Such a personal preference....I am all about the Valspar. We don't have a Lowes anywhere near us, but whenever I am around one I always grab some gold spray paint because I love the Valspar gold over any other that I have found so far. But that's just me - I really like that more 'antique' gold look.
Cool, Kelly! Definitely "to each their own." My opinion is in no way the RIGHT one.
I agree with ellis...although Design Master may read better in person than in the pics?
Rustoleum gets my vote!
Of course everyone's screen could read different, but I would say they are reading pretty true. To each their own for sure.
I like the Rustoleum the best. It looks just warm enough without looking bronzey... I guess I would have never thought there was so much difference in gold spray paint. The Krylon looks pink!
Hahaha. It DOES look pink.
I personally prefer the Rustoleum. The Design Master is reading with some green tones, which I'm not a big fan of in gold.
I can see that. Maybe Design Master is a little more brass than gold.
Is Design Master any cheaper than Rustoleum? I haven't heard of that brand. I AM surprised that they're all so different! Those other two look super bronze which is a totally different feeling.
Good question, Adrienne! I think I'll update this post to include these were all under $7. So very comparable in price.
Thank you for doing this test; it's really helpful!