Top 7 Best Gold Paint For Wood: Reviews and Guide

Of all the paint colors, nothing is more striking or scary than gold. When applied right, gold paint can make any piece of furniture or room stand out.

However, more often than not, gold-painted furniture ends up looking tacky. The main problem is the paint. To get the right finish, you need to use the best gold paint for wood and apply it properly.

Here are seven of the best options on the market and a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right one for your upcoming project.

Our Top Picks

Best Gold Paint For Wood

1. Shabby Chic Furniture Chalk Paint – Best chalk-based gold paint for woodwork
2. Rust-Oleum 253537 Metallic Accents Paint – Best Overall Gold Furniture Paint
3. Rust-Oleum 1910830-6 PK Specialty – Best gold leaf paint for wood
4. FolkArt – Best gold paint for wood frames
5. Krylon – Best antique gold paint for wood
6. Modern Masters ME701-06 – Best metallic gold paint for wood
7. Sargent Art Liquid Metal Acrylic Paint – Best gold acrylic paint

Best Gold Paint For Wood Furniture Reviews

1. Best chalk-based gold paint for woodwork – Shabby Chic Furniture Chalk Paint

We start this list with one of our favorite paint brands for DIY because never has a brand been truer to its name. Shabby Chic is named after the effect it gives, and it does it well.

If you are looking for a distressed look, this chalk-based furniture paint was made for that. When you use this Antique Gold color to refurbish your vanity or dresser, it actually pulls off the antique look.

This paint has a built-in primer To pull off this distressed look. All you need is two coats for most projects, thus making this one of the easiest gold paints to use.

One thing we really love about this paint is that it can be applied to different surfaces. It is also water-based and non-toxic, so you can apply it both indoors and out without having to worry about the smell or it affecting children or pets.

As this is paint doesn’t need a primer, it can take a bit of time to dry, but given the time it saves from priming, it’s worth it.

What We Liked Most

It does not need a primer
Easy to sand
It is non-toxic
Works on different surfaces

What Could Be Improved

It takes a bit longer to dry
It can be a bit runny

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2. Best Overall Gold Furniture Paint – Rust-Oleum 253537 Metallic Accents Paint, Quart, Gold

None of the paint brands on our list has a more established resume than Rust-Oleum. And you might ask yourself, can rustoleum be used on wood? The answer is yes. For decades, this manufacturer has made some of the best finishes on the market, and they’ve done it again.

The Rust-Oleum metallic accent gold paints leave a gorgeous, flawless finish on numerous surfaces, including wood furniture.

This makes it the perfect choice for a professional interior decoration job, where you might want gold on the walls, ceilings, or trim.

With this gold paint for wood, you don’t need any primer to get a great finish. After thirty minutes, the paint is dry to the touch.

Thanks to the mica beads, the end product is a beautiful, iridescent finish. While we love how this paint looks and the ease of application, we also like that it gives off very little odor and is water-based.

It means for DIYers that it is very easy to clean, so you don’t have to worry when you make a mistake. In addition, this is one of the more affordable options, so a few spills won’t hurt your budget.

What We Liked Most

One coat application
Works on different surfaces
Soap and water clean up
Dries quickly

What Could Be Improved

You might need at least 3 coats

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3. Best gold leaf paint for wood – Rust-Oleum 1910830-6 PK Specialty Metallic 1910830 Spray Paint

When you’ve got a quick project turnaround time and want an exquisite finish, look no further than the second paint from Rust-Oleum.

This acrylic, specialty gold spray paint does a terrific job on wood and other surfaces, faster than brushing, rolling, or even an HVLP sprayer.

This paint gives a stunning, lifelike finish because it is metallic paint made with actual pieces of metal. The result is an iridescent sheen, similar to the brush-on version.

What sets this apart is that this dries in just under 15 minutes, and you can apply a second coat in an hour, which is when traditional paints are just getting dry.

Despite how good this leafing paint is, it is one of the most budget-friendly options on our list. However, as this is spray paint, it is best for small jobs like accents or decorative furniture instead of vanities and doors.

The only major downside of this gold spray paint is that applying a topcoat will make it seem a bit dull.

If you think of changing your mind, removing spray paint from wood can be tricky, but with the right techniques and solvents, you can restore your wooden surfaces to their original beauty.

What We Liked Most

It dries quickly
It works on different surfaces
Budget-friendly
Easy to use

What Could Be Improved

You can’t apply a topcoat

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4. Best gold paint for wood frames – FolkArt

The secret to high-quality gold paint is to make it look realistic. One brand that comes closer to this than most is FolkArt.

This manufacturer is known and revered in crafting circles for their premium paints, and their Treasure Gold is an absolute stunner.

This gold leaf paint is one of our favorites for accents and detail work because it is thick, thus making it easy to apply in thin lines.

Typically, two coats are more than enough for most projects, including painting small woodworking projects, trays, pots, and wood frames. You also get the same great look when painting wood, metal, or paper.

While this metallic acrylic gold spray paint looks great, we don’t recommend it for large projects as it is a premium paint with a premium price tag.

While you can use this for DIY, it is one of the best options for professional pieces. Besides the superior finish, you will enjoy using this gold paint because it is easy to clean with just soap and water, and it is non-toxic.

What We Liked Most

It only needs two coats
Easy to clean
Non-toxic
Yields a high-end finish

What Could Be Improved

Best for small projects
Short shelf-life

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5. Best antique gold paint for wood – Krylon

Brands have to do the most to distinguish themselves in a space with intense competition. So Krylon thought long and hard and came up with a few winning ideas.

For starters, this is a paint mixed with primer already. While some of the paints on our list don’t require a primer, this combination makes Krylon arguably the best multi-surface spray paint.

Besides that, this gold spray paint offers rust protection, making it perfect for both interior and exterior surfaces. Of course, this means you can apply it on metal, but it also works great on some plastics, ceramic, paper, wicker, and even fabric.

Another distinguishing factor is that this gold spray paint has the largest coverage area in its class. The 12 oz can cover up to 25 sq ft, which is twice as much as Rust Oleum’s spray.

However, it does dry slightly slower than its competitors, taking 20 minutes before the surface is no longer tacky. To top it all up, this is a metallic spray, so the finish looks stunning and incredibly easy to use.

What We Liked Most

It is a paint and primer
Very easy to use
Great coverage for a spray paint
It offers rust protection

What Could Be Improved

It takes slightly longer to dry

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6. Best gold metallic gold wood paint – Modern Masters ME701-06

Next, we have another premium paint that looks exactly like you expect. The Modern Masters Metallic Rich Gold is a water-based, low VOC paint that was made for interior use.

This metallic gold furniture paint can be applied to walls, ceilings, trim, and wood furniture. This particular paint is satin, so the result is an iridescent finish that dances in the light and looks upscale.

While you can use this for DIY, the MM metallic gold paint can be applied to commercial projects, which isn’t surprising given the cost. In our research, this paint gives one of the best finishes.

However, it takes a bit of effort to nail this look. You need to use a primer for starters or end up with more coats than you should – the semi-opaque gold needs three coats.

Secondly, the edges must not dry, so you need to use an extender. Finally, you should use the manufacturer’s topcoat for the best results.

Even though the application steps are a bit extra, the end result is stunning and very long-lasting. So, is it worth it? Absolutely!

What We Liked Most

Long-lasting effect
Works on nearly all interior surfaces
Great for commercial projects
Gold metallic paint for wood
Low VOCs

What Could Be Improved

You need a primer and extender
It only works with MM topcoat

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7. Best gold acrylic paint – Sargent Art Liquid Metal Acrylic Paint

Last on our list is a paint brand that is beloved by artists for its robust applications. The Sargent Art Liquid metal acrylic paint works great on wood, glass, metal, and a few other surfaces, thus giving you more design options than typical acrylics.

This paint has highly pigmented colors to prevent it from fading over time, which is exactly what you need when using gold. It is also among the best paint to use for wood crafts; it is great for accents and adding decorative flair – it creates stunning contrasts on black paint.

We’ve got you covered if you need help choosing the perfect black paint for furniture.

Many people love this paint because it is AP Certified Safe & Non-toxic. This makes it ideal for indoor use. Children can also use it, so this can be a fun project for the household.

Another great feature is that this acrylic paint dries quickly. You should note that it is a bit sheer, so you might need a few extra coats. But however many you use, the final product is a shimmering gold that will make your product stand out.

If you ever wonder how to get acrylic paint off wood, we have effective methods available to ensure your surface remains in pristine condition.

What We Liked Most

Easy to use
Works on multiple surfaces, including glass
AP Certified safe & non-toxic
It doesn’t fade easily

What Could Be Improved

Best for small projects
You need more coats

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Best Gold Paint For Wood Comparison Table

Which Types of Gold Paint are Best to Use on Wood?

Going through paint options sometimes can feel like a buffet menu, but you can only choose one. For example, picking the color or shade of gold you want is one thing, but how are you to differentiate between the types of gold?

The simple answer is to focus on your project – the type and quality of wood, whether sanded, new or antique. And, of course, the size of the project.

Here is a breakdown of the paint options and when to use each one with that in mind.

Spray paints

Metallic spray paints are the fastest and easiest way to get a pristine golden coat on your wooden furniture. Gold spray paint is a great option when working on small projects that won’t get a lot of abuse over time.

For example, gold spray paints are perfect for picture frames, ornaments, and decorative furniture in libraries. 

Acrylic paints

This is the most common type of paint because it is water-based, often odorless, and non-toxic. As for performance, metallic acrylic paints look absolutely stunning.

These are perfect for large projects like vanities, beds, and even walls, as many of them can be used on multiple surfaces.

Gold leaf

Due to the actual gold leaf’s beautiful and long-lasting effect, many manufacturers started making paints that left a similar effect. However, the original gold leaf is a painstaking process, which is why it is only used for accents.

​​​​Chalk-based paints

Chalk-based paints are popular options for people looking to create a distressed or antique look. They are also quite thick, so they don’t need a primer. This makes them perfect for bedroom furniture, especially dressers.

Buying Guide: Choose The Best Gold Paint for Furniture

When you have decided on the type of paint you need, you still need to narrow down your options within that category. This can be a tedious process as a lot of products have very similar descriptions.

So, here is our checklist for choosing the best gold paint for wood.

Durability

When looking for the best gold paint, the first thing to consider is how long it will remain gold. Paint is a tricky substance – it looks one way when wet, slightly different when dry, and absolutely dreadful when it fades.

After all, you wanted gold paint for a reason, not mustard, cream, or yellow. To avoid wasting your time and money, choose a product that lasts a long time.

You should also consider paints you can apply a topcoat over, as this will lock the color in. One factor that helps gold last longer is if it was made with actual metallic chips. This ensures that no matter what happens, the metal retains its luster.

Fast-drying

This is one feature that could go higher or lower, depending on how you hate watching paint dry. Fast-drying gold paint not only allows you to finish the job quicker (obviously), but it gives you time to spot and correct any mistakes.

If you are working in an occupied home, fast drying will also reduce any inconvenience. Most of the products on our list dry to the touch in half an hour. However, the Rust-Oleum spray does it in half that time.

Better coverage

It is very easy to be deceived by the price when buying paint. However, the most important thing that saves or costs you money is the coverage.

Spray paints, for example, are cheaper than buckets, but you need a lot more to cover the same space, thus pushing your costs significantly.

Even within spray paints, some have much better coverage than others. For example, the Krylon spray paint covers twice as much square footage as the Rust-Oleum spray.

Ease of application

Woodworking can be challenging enough, so you should always look for the easiest options when possible. Of course, the no-brainer defacto option for easy application is spray paint, but there is more to it.

Remember that spray painting isn’t suitable for all projects. You should consider first if you need a primer and the paint application options. You also need to think about how easy it is to clean the paint if you make a mistake.

When we look at these options, we find that the Modern Masters is the most difficult to apply. It is the only one that needs a primer, an extender, and its own topcoat.

Color

With so many different shades of gold, nailing the perfect one can be a challenge. This involves combing through different pictures and reviews to know which one best aligns with your vision.

Besides the obvious differences like rose gold and yellow gold, you have to pick between soft gold, antique gold, and metallic gold.

Paint base

One final thing to consider is if you want to use water-based or oil-based paint. Oil-based paint tends to be longer-lasting and has a richer color; some water-based paints are just as good, yet without the slow drying time and the stench.

Alkyd-based oil paints are great for use in kitchens, where there will be a lot of moisture. Water-based paints are best when small children or pets are around or if the painter has a respiratory condition.

Tips for Painting Wood with Gold Paint

Finding the right paint is only half the battle when it comes to achieving that high-end look with gold paint on wood furniture. What is arguably more important is how well you can apply it.

Here are some tips to help you do just that:

1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Even if you have been painting for years, some paints, like Modern Masters, have very specific guides. One wrong move, and your gold furniture will look poverty-stricken.
2. Always work on a level surface. Ensure the wood has been properly sanded. If you are using primer, ensure you sand it too before Painting.
3. Fill in any holes. This will also ensure a level surface.
4. Avoid doubling back. This will yield a more even finish, as some metallic paints are very sensitive that way.
5. Let it dry properly before you apply the next coat. Nailing the perfect gold color is about patience and timing. If the coat is too thick, the color won’t come out the way it should, so be willing to take your time.

FAQs

Can you paint wood with gold?

Yes, you can paint wood with gold. Gold paint looks great on wood, provided you choose the right one and know how to apply it. There are different types of paint that have gold options, but the most common is acrylic.

Does Rust-Oleum metallic spray paint need primer?

Rust-Oleum specialty metallic spray can be used with or without a primer. Primer will help you use fewer coats. Rust-Oleum Universal metallic spray is a paint and primer, so it doesn’t need primer. In case you are interested, check our list of some of the best spray paint primer in our list.

What is the best metallic paint for furniture?

This will depend on the type of furniture and your project preferences. The best metallic paint for small projects is the Krylon spray paint, while the best for large furniture is arguably the Rust-Oleum Metallic Accents Paint.

How much area will a 16 oz container of paint cover?

This will depend on the individual paint and how it is being used. On average, a 16oz container of paint should cover at least 30 sq ft. The Krylon colormaxx gold spray paint covers much more than this, though.

Where to buy gold paint

Gold paint is not always in demand, so Amazon is the best place to buy gold paint. You will find the widest variety of gold paints there as well as reviews to help you find the right one.

How do you make distressed gold paint?

You need chalk paint to make distressed gold paint. Simply add a layer of chalk-based paint of a different color to your furniture. Next, apply a coat of chalk-based gold paint. When it dries, sand the surface, and it will look distressed.

What is the best gold paint for picture frames?

Rust-Oleum 253537 Metallic Accents Paint is the best gold paint for picture frames. This paint is specially formulated to provide a rich, metallic finish that lasts. It’s perfect for adding a touch of luxury to any frame, and it’s also very versatile. Plus, it’s extremely durable and easy to clean up if necessary.

Striking Gold With Furniture Paint

There is so much to love and fear about using gold paint on wood. On the one hand, it looks absolutely divine when you get it right, and on the other hand, it looks tragic if you don’t.

That is why we are so glad our reviews have been able to help you. To top it off, we are pleased to share that the best gold paint for wood is the Rust-Oleum metallic accents.

It doesn’t need primer; it dries quickly, contains real gold flakes, and shimmers in the light.