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

FolkArt Color Shift paint is a cool craft paint – with metallic shades that shift in changing light! Learn all about it and how to use it. Don’t forget to scroll down to the bottom of the post to see a video that shows all the colors!

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 FolkArt Color Shift!

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

Color shift paint is hard to describe, for sure. Start with a metallic paint. The shift happens when you paint a dimensional object and then move it around in your hand in light. You can see how it shimmers and shines, like mermaid scales. It’s awesome and one of favorite craft paints ever.

I’m really excited about it . . . and want to share some projects so that you can see how to use this amazing paint . . . but before that, I want to share some Frequently Ask Questions and tips/tricks on Color Shift. So that when you use it, you are fully prepared and get the best results!

Let’s start with a color chart! Color Shift color changing paint is available in ten shades (see the chart above). You can use it on a variety of surfaces (I address that below), and it’s water-based, non-toxic and made in the USA.

It’s easy to brush on and you use it straight from the bottle. Keep reading for my FAQ and tips!

Color Shifting Paint

On what surfaces can I use color shift paint?

Color Shift Acrylic Paint can be applied to most paintable 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 with it?

FolkArt Color Shift Acrylic Paints does not require a lot of surface prep. The main concern is to have the surface thoroughly cleaned well prior to painting. Here’s how you should prepare individual surfaces:

• Wood – If desired, sand smooth any rough areas prior to painting.
• Terra Cotta – Wipe to remove dust. If the terra cotta has been previously used, be sure to
  thoroughly clean in warm soapy water to remove all dirt deposits and allow to dry
  completely. If the terra cotta flower pot will be used with live plant, seal interior prior to
  planting so water does not seep through possibly blistering exterior paint.
• Metal and Tinware– Metal that has been enameled or sealed should be washed in warm soapy water, dried and then wiped with rubbing alcohol to remove remaining grease or soap residue.
• Canvas – No prep required prior to painting on canvas.
• 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.
• Papier Mache – Wipe over surface with dry paper towel to remove dust.
• 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.
• Bisque or Unglazed Ceramics – Wipe to remove dust or loose dirt.

Note: 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.

FolkArt Color Shift Acrylic Paint can be brushed directly onto most craft surfaces as a basecoat and is beautiful by itself. However, it can also be used with other creative art techniques such as stenciling or sponge painting.

Does it hold up well on outdoor surfaces?

Absolutely! Color Shift is formulated so that it can be used on interior surfaces as well as a permanent outdoor paint. 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.

Can Color Shift Acrylic Paint be used with other paint products?

You shouldn’t mix it with other paint products as you’ll compromise the color, finish and ability to shift colors. You can basecoat an item with regular acrylic paint though – let that dry and then paint over the top.

I actually recommend this because it helps the Color Shift to “pop!” You can paint it directly over dry acrylic paint or stencil it on top.

What about Mod Podge?

Yes, you can use color shift paint with Mod Podge. I would only use it with Mod Podge if I wanted to decoupage paper or fabric on the top of it though (like with kindness rocks, for example!). Color Shift is self sealing, so no need to seal it any other way.

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 to the surface.

How should I clean up my painting tools?

Because it is non-toxic and water-based, is easy to clean out of painting 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

1. Color Shift Rocks

Paint rocks with color shift paint, then hide them in the bushes for someone lucky to find! They will shine so brightly in the sun.

2. Candlestick Candy Holders

Katie used these colorblock candlesticks to create candy holders! These are so cute for the holidays. I love the way she splatter painted on the top, too.

3. DIY Fidget Spinner

What happens when you spin it around? Well you’ll just have to find out by making one! All I have to say is that it looks really cool. Kids will love this project.

4. Rainbow Cubby

This shelf is such a perfect way to use all the shades of color shift paint! It’s hard to say which one is my favorite . . . because I really love them all.

5. Glitter Easter Eggs

What I love about this project is that Color Shift was used underneath Glitterific (another product by Plaid) for a unique effect. So you see glitter on the top and the shifting of the acrylic paint below.

6. Beaded Baby Mobile

The Pretty Life Girls used this paint on geometric beads and made a mobile! What’s fun about this project is that the beads spin around, showing off the awesome paint effects in the light.

7. Unicorn Vanity

You can use this paint on furniture, and it looks so cool! What kid wouldn’t love this in their bedroom? Heck – I might want unicorns in my craft room.

8. Mermaid Inspired Bracelet

You don’t have to use this paint in large areas – you can dot color shift paint on too! It looks awesome on this mermaid inspired bracelet. Three shades were used.

9. Glitter Notebook

This notebook is another example of using this paint with glitter on top. You need to try it so you can see how amazing it looks with and without!

10. Flower Pots

So far this is probably my favorite application of Color Shift. It looks awesome on pots, so my plan is to do a set for my windowsill. AND I could even leave them outside since it’s self sealing!

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Now that you’ve learned all about color shift 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!