Metallic Blue (colour number 834) uses Coated Mica/PB15. It is rated semi-transparent with a lightfastness of +++. The coated mica is what produces the metallic effect: it splits into flat, reflective mineral platelets that align as you brush the paint out, so the surface catches and returns light rather than simply absorbing it the way a conventional pigment does.

Three usual causes. You painted it over white or a light ground, and mica reflects whatever sits behind it, so any metallic that lets light through goes chalky over a pale surface. You scrubbed it on in every direction, which scatters the mica flakes instead of aligning them, so brush in one consistent direction. Or you thinned it with too much water, which separates the mica from the binder. Thin with an acrylic medium rather than water if you need it looser.

That depends on how much this one covers, and Metallic Blue is semi-transparent. A metallic that lets light through is at the mercy of its ground: over black or a deep blue underpainting it flares properly, and over white or raw canvas it goes pale and chalky. One that covers in its own right is far less fussy and will shimmer straight over a light surface, though a darker ground still deepens it. Either way, let the ground dry completely before laying the metallic over it in one or two even coats.

The honest comparison is on three things: permanence, consistency and range. Amsterdam Standard Series carries ++ or +++ lightfastness across the line, has a medium buttery viscosity that holds a brush mark without being stiff, and runs to around 90 colours including metallics, reflex fluorescents and specialty finishes. Some competing student ranges are thinner, some are stiffer, and several carry fewer colours or do not publish lightfastness at all. If a range will not tell you its lightfastness, that is the thing to notice.

Yes, we ship to New Zealand. Orders are charged in Australian dollars, and import duties, taxes and levies charged by New Zealand are not included in the order total or the postage and are the recipient's responsibility, so check locally before you order. We are not currently shipping to countries other than Australia and New Zealand.

Yes. All artist acrylics share the same acrylic resin chemistry, so Amsterdam mixes freely with Liquitex, Golden, Matisse, Atelier and any other acrylic, and with acrylic mediums and gesso. What will differ between brands is viscosity and pigment load, so a stiff heavy body colour mixed into Amsterdam will thicken the mix, and a very high-pigment colour will dominate a mix faster than you expect. Mix a test swatch before you commit a large batch.

Very. The 500ml and 1 litre sizes and the medium viscosity are both suited to covering area fast. It takes to MDF, plywood, cardboard, foam that has been sealed first, plaster and most primed surfaces, dries fast enough to recoat the same day, and the metallic and reflex fluorescent colours in the range cover effects that would otherwise need spray.

Amsterdam Standard Series is water based, odourless and cleans up with soap and water, which is why it is widely used in Australian schools and community workshops. It is still an artists' material rather than a toy paint, so normal classroom practice applies: check the label and safety data sheet for the specific colour, supervise young children, keep it away from mouths, and ventilate as you would for any art activity. We can supply safety data sheets for any product on request.

Yes. Schools, universities, community art programmes and studios are a large part of what we do, and the 500ml and 1 litre sizes exist for exactly this reason. If you need quantities across multiple colours, or a quote on school letterhead, contact us rather than working through the cart and we will put it together properly, including availability and lead time on anything we would need to bring in.