Best Gold Paint for Wood: Top Picks for a Luxurious Finish

Gold paint adds a touch of elegance and glamour to any wooden surface. Whether you’re looking to update old furniture, picture frames, etc. or add some shine to a new project, choosing the right gold paint can make all the difference. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best for your specific needs. Let me give you an overview of the best gold paint for wood.

When it comes to choosing a gold paint, color is one of the most important factors to consider. Some gold paints have a warm, yellow undertone, while others have a cooler, more silvery tone. A smooth finish of the paint is also important, as some gold paints have a matte or satin finish, while others have a high-gloss or metallic shine. 

Metallic vs. Non-metallic

When it comes to gold paint for wood, there are generally two main categories: metallic finish and non-metallic finish. Metallic gold paint contains actual metallic particles that reflect light and create a shiny, reflective finish. Non-metallic gold paint, on the other hand, is created using pigments and does not contain any actual metal particles.

You can see more about the best metallic paint for furniture in this post. I included some of my past metallic paint projects with real life reviews. Also be sure to check out some Awesome Metallic Paint Projects that Will Inspire You!

When selecting a gold paint for wood, it’s also important to consider the type of paint and the application method. Some gold paints are designed specifically for use on wood, while others may be more versatile and suitable for use on a variety of surfaces. 

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Top Gold Paint Brands

These are some of my favorite paints that I’ve personally used and loved. As always, the key to a flawless finish is applying multiple light coats of paint.

1. Rust-Oleum

Rust-Oleum is a popular brand that offers a wide range of gold paint colors and finishes. Their metallic gold spray paint is my favorite gold spray paint with great durability. It’s the best gold spray paint to provides a smooth, shiny finish that is perfect for accent pieces and furniture. 

I used Rust-Oleum Pure Gold metallic spray paint for a chair makeover and it turned out beautifully! You can see below where I used it to cover the base of this vintage chair for a modern vintage look! Even though I used it on metal, this spray paint will stick to just about anything including wood. 

2. DecoArt

DecoArt is another well-known brand that offers a variety of gold paint options. Their Dazzling Metallics line is a favorite among artists and crafters for its rich, vibrant colors and easy application. The DecoArt metallic gold paint is perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any project.

You can see where I used this product to paint a black wooden mirror gold. I still love the shimmery gold mirror! Hindsight I would have used a coat of primer first because this paint is super translucent. 

3. Krylon

Krylon is a trusted brand that offers a variety of gold spray paint options. Their metallic gold spray paint is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any project. It dries quickly and provides a smooth, even finish that is perfect for furniture, home decor, and more.

I used Krylon’s Gold Leaf spray paint when I made a DIY world map art on a large piece of wood. It turned out beautifully!

If you are looking for a small accent of gold on wood, Krylon also makes a great Gold Leaf Pen with a few different gold hues to choose from. This is great if you are trying to paint a gold accent on a small, intricate objects like light fixtures. 

4. FolkArt

FolkArt is a popular brand among crafters and artists for its high-quality paints and finishes. Their gold metallic paint is perfect for adding a touch of shimmer to any project. It is water-based, non-toxic, and easy to clean up, making it a great choice for DIY projects with kids. In my opinion, it has the most realistic “real gold” look of any gold paint product. 

5. Rub N’ Buff

Of course I can’t talk about gold paint without mentioning Rub N’ Buff gold wax. That being said, Rub N’ Buff isn’t a paint product (it’s wax), but I wanted to include it in this roundup of the best gold paint products anyways. If you want to know more about this product I’ve got a full blog post on how to apply Rub N’ Buff. 

As far as a variety of gold tones, Rub N’ Buff probably has the most! They probably have 8 different shades of gold! If you are looking for a specific gold hue, check out Rub N’ Buff. That being said, it’s better for smaller projects and not large paint projects because after all, it is just a small tube of wax. Even though it does have good coverage, it won’t go very far if you are covering a large surface area. 

If you are wondering if you can apply it to wood, yes you can! I applied gold Rub N’ Buff to wooden dowels for a Mid Century Modern Media Console makeover. I love how bright the gold looks and how it gave this console a “pop” of color. 

Application Techniques for Gold Paint on Wood

Preparation

Before applying gold paint to wood, it is important to ensure that the surface is clean and free from any dirt, dust, or grease. The following steps can be taken to prepare the wood surface for painting:

• Sand the wood surface with a fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface.
• Wipe the surface with a clean, damp cloth to remove any dust or debris.
• Apply a primer to the surface to ensure that the gold paint adheres properly. Check the manufacturer directions because not all gold paint product require a primer product first. 

Applying

When applying gold paint to wood, it is important to use the right technique. The following steps can be taken to apply gold paint:

• Stir the gold paint thoroughly before use to ensure that the color is consistent.
• Use a brush or roller to apply the gold paint to the wood surface. I find that a foam brush is best when applying most gold paints to prevent brush strokes. 
• Apply the paint in a thin coat and allow it to dry completely before applying a second coat.
• Apply additional coats of paint as necessary to achieve the desired finish.

If you are using a spray paint product, follow the manufacturers directions on how to use it. 

Finishing

Once the gold paint has been applied to the wood surface, it is important to finish the surface properly to protect the paint and ensure that it lasts for a long time. The following steps can be taken to finish the gold-painted wood surface:

• Allow the paint to dry completely before applying any finishing products.
• Apply a clear topcoat to the surface to protect the gold paint from scratches and other damage.
• Allow the topcoat to dry completely before using the wood surface.

Again, not all gold paint products require a top coat so make sure to check the manufacturers directions. 

When it comes to creating the best gold finishes, there are several options that stand out. Metallic gold paints, such as the Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface Metallic Gold Spray Paint, provide a shiny, reflective finish that is perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any project. The spray paint products are great for larger projects when you need to cover a lot of surface area. If you are looking to add a small matte gold accent, try Rub N’ Buff. Rub N’ Buff also has some of the best gold paint options for different types of colors. 

Ultimately, the best gold paint for wood will depend on your personal preferences and the different projects you’re working on. 

As always, feel free to reach out with any questions.

Lindsey**