Color Shift Paint: The Ultimate User’s Guide (Plus Projects!)

Color Shift paint is a cool craft paint – with shimmering, metallic shades that shift in changing light! Learn all about it and how to use it.

I’ve made it very clear how much I love craft paint. I’m kind of obsessed with it! I use craft paint by itself but also in many of my Mod Podge crafts. I wrote on article on how to use acrylic paint and it’s always been a popular post.

When a new craft paint comes out, I feel obligated not only to use it, but to write about it if I fall in love. My friends, I have fallen in love with Color Shift!

If you’ve never heard of this paint, you’re in for a treat. This paint has pigments that create a metallic luster with colors that shimmer in changing light!

Color shift paint is hard to describe, for sure. Start by visualizing a metallic paint. The “shift” happens when you paint a dimensional object, and then turn it around in your hand under light.

The colors that come out depends on the angle. It shimmers and shines, like mermaid scales. It’s awesome and one of favorite craft paints ever. I’m really excited and want to share some projects so that you can see how to use this amazing paint.

But before that, I want to teach you how to use this paint and give you tips/tricks. So that when you use it, you are fully prepared and get the best results!

How to Use Color Shift Paint

The first thing to know about this paint is that it’s waterbased, non-toxic, and made in the USA. It’s easy to brush on, and you use it straight from the bottle without diluting.

On what surfaces can I use color shift paint?

This paint can be applied to most craft surfaces such as wood, terra cotta, stretched canvas, rigid plastic, papier mache, metal, bisque ware or unglazed ceramics, glass and ceramics. It’s an indoor and outdoor paint.

The color shifting properties of the paint appear best when painted onto a smooth, 3-dimensional surface that will reflect light.

How should I prepare surfaces before painting?

The great thing about these paints is that they don’t require a lot of surface prep. The main concern is to have the surface thoroughly cleaned and dry prior to painting. Here’s how you should prepare individual surfaces:

Tip: I *highly* recommend painting a basecoat of a matching acrylic paint color (non metallic) down first. You’ll end up having to use less coats of color shift, and it will “pop” off the surface better.

Canvas – No prep required.

Fabric – It is NOT recommended to use Color Shift paint on fabric; fabric will only absorb the paint and (depending upon the weave of the fabric) may be too textured. You can try it at your own risk to see if you mind.

Glass and Ceramics – Wash surface well in warm soapy water, rinse and allow to dry thoroughly. Wipe over surface with rubbing alcohol to remove remaining soap or grease residue. (learn how to paint glass here).

Metal and Tin – Metal that has been enameled or sealed should be washed in warm soapy water, then wiped with rubbing alcohol to remove remaining grease or soap residue.

Paper and Papier Mache – No prep required.

Rigid Plastic – Wash the surface well in warm soapy water, rinse and thoroughly dry. Wipe over surface with rubbing alcohol prior to painting on rigid plastic to will remove remaining grease or soap residue.

Terra Cotta – If it’s used, you should clean with warm soap water before painting. You’ll also want to seal the inside if you plan on using live plants and dirt inside. Get my pot decoration guide for more tips.

Wood – If desired, sand smooth any rough areas prior to painting. Remove any dust.

Can it be used outdoors?

Yes. By the nature of the acrylic polymers used within, it is weather resistant.

When cured to the surface, it is self sealing, making it unnecessary to seal or topcoat, when properly cured (48 hours). Once cured to the project surface, it is water and fade resistant under normal conditions.

Can I use water to thin it?

No – you’ll mess with the properties of the paint and it won’t be iridescent or “shift”!

Can it be used with other paint products?

Don’t mix before application as you’ll compromise the color, finish, and ability to shift colors. However, you can use with other acrylic paint projects (such as over the top, or underneath), when dry.

How long does it take to cure?

This paint will dry to the touch very quickly, however, it will take approximately 48 hours before it is cured fully.

How should I clean up my brushes and tools?

Clean brushes and tools immediately after use, while wet, with soap and water. Like any other acrylic craft paint or Mod Podge, you don’t want this paint to dry in your brushes.

---

Are you ready for some projects?? I’m so excited to share! Here are 10 ways to use this paint below.

Color Shift Paint Projects

---

Now that you’ve learned all about this fantastic iridescent paint, here’s a quick video (and you can see all the colors in action!). Just press PLAY on the video in this post!

Let me know in the comments if you’d like to try this paint – and what your project idea is. Enjoy!