Vallejo: True Metallic Metal Paint Sets

What is the TMM technique? The True Metallic Metal (TMM) technique seeks to represent realistic metallic surfaces using metallic paints, rather than simulating metal with flat colors as in Non-Metallic Metal (NMM).

TMM allows painters to achieve natural reflections and a visually striking finish with less pictorial artifice, preserving the material richness of metal in miniature. To master this technique, simply using a metallic paint is not enough. TMM requires applying the classical principles of light and shadow used in volume modeling - working with gradients, transitions, and contrasts, just as in any other non-metallic finish. For years, painters have searched for a way to achieve realistic metallic finishes, with shine, depth, and control over light reflection. True Metallic Metal (TMM) is Vallejo’s answer to that search.

The TRUE METALLIC METAL Range.

Vallejo presents True Metallic Metal, a range developed to offer control, consistency, and spectacular results through simple, effective techniques for painting metallic surfaces on miniatures. The range is designed to cover the entire color spectrum with metallic paints, organized into 20 chromatic families. Each family includes four sub-ranges that work in perfect harmony:

    BASE Main metallic tone.
    LIGHT Metallic highlight.
    SHADE Non-metallic satin wash.
    AIRBRUSH Metallic base formulated for airbrush use.

Each chromatic family functions as a self-contained color unit but is also formulated to allow inter-family combinations and mixing. his makes it possible to create color gradients, cross reflections, or temperature variations while maintaining visual coherence.

Base: Formulated with ultra-fine metallic effect particles, these paints deliver a spectacular result and a shine appropriate to scale. High covering power for base layers, with a smooth, even finish and excellent self-leveling properties that prevent brush marks. All colors can be mixed to create new tones.

Light: Designed to highlight the BASE colors. Brighter and more reflective versions of the 20 BASE tones, they can be mixed in different proportions to achieve intermediate highlights. Their fine finish allows smooth blending between tones for seamless color transitions.

Shade: Designed to shade the BASE colors. With a satin finish that preserves the shine of the previous Base layer, these washes are darker, non-metallic versions of the 20 BASE tones. They allow subtle shading in mid-tones and strong lining in recesses. They can be thinned with water to create smooth gradient effects in shadows. Colors can be mixed together.

Airbrush: Specific formulation for airbrush use of the 20 BASE colors. They are chromatically identical to their BASE counterparts, with an even finish and strong color intensity. They do not require thinning, although they can be diluted with Airbrush Thinner for subtle effects. Over-thinning may cause uneven results.

Recommended nozzle: 0.3 mm; pressure: 1.8 bar / 26.1 psi. Allow adequate drying times between coats for best performance and finish stability.