Shortly after Vallejo released the True Metallic Metal paints as next-generation metallic paints, Green Stuff World is now expanding its metallic range with five new extra-intense “vivid” paints I was already able to examine the prototypes at the Green Stuff World stand at Spiel 2025 in Essen, and have now tested them more extensively. Whether they can keep up with Vallejo or even surpass them, you’ll find out in this review.
Green Stuff World’s new “vivid” colours are an expansion to their Metal Color line, featuring 5 super intense metallic paints (gold, red, purple, blue, and green). The acrylic paints come in 17ml dropper bottles with flip-top lids and agitators and are available individually from greenstuffworld.com.
GSW “vivid” metallic paintes tested
With only 5 colours so far (GSW Flamefare Red, GSW Anvil Blue, GSW Purple Passion, GSW Ironleaf Green, GSW Kingsfall Gold), the selection is limited. But these five colours pack a punch: where many other coloured metallic paints (such as in Scale 75’s Metal’n’Alkemy range) tend to be pastel and silvery, the “vivid” colours are very vibrant. The metallic particles are extremely fine and boast lots of sparkle when light hits them, which makes them really stand out from the crowd.
I found Green Stuff World’s regular Metal Colors somewhat hit and miss, as I mentioned in my review video of the Maxx Formula acrylic paint range (you can find the review here). The “vivid” colours are more consistent in quality. GSW Kingsfall Gold in particular worked significantly better for me than Green Stuff World’s other gold paints. However, the consistency of the paints is somewhat gel-like, which affects the self-levelling properties, so you can easily leave visible brush strokes on the model. I recommend always adding a bit of water or medium for thinning. Unlike what the product video above suggests, the covering power is more mediocre. For most colours you need four to five thin coats over a dark base coat. In return, you’re rewarded with intense colouration and a beautiful finish.
However, Vallejo’s recently released True Metallic Metal paints (my review here) have a similarly beautiful finish with intense colouration, but significantly better flow and covering power. And even more colour choice. To be fair, though, the Vallejo paints are 1€ more expensive, and have slightly less “sparkle”.
Comparing the “vivid” metallics
You can compare how the colour intensity relates to Green Stuff World’s previous metallic paints in my hand-painted colour swatch. I’ve just expanded this with the five “vivid” metallics plus the 8 Candy Inks. The update is free if you already have the swatch, otherwise have a look here:
This hand-painted swatch is available in my Patreon shop for a small donation (or by becoming an Autarch tier member). I also have swatches for Pro Acryl, AK 3rd Gen, Vallejo Game & Model Color, Citadel Colour, and more – all cross-compatible with each other so you can compare colours across different brands. Check out my shop for details.
Drybrushing recommended
Instead of classic brush application, I recommend applying the “vivid” colours with drybrushing or stippling in several thin layers. As you can see in the comparison image below, you lose some of the shine this way and the colours appear slightly more matte. However, you need much less time and the gel-like consistency is no longer as problematic. Two to three heavy drybrush passes are sufficient for an even result over black.
Where to get
The 5 “vivid” metallics are currently already listed on Green Stuff World’s site. The RRP is 3.25€ for a 17ml bottle. This puts them 1€ below Vallejo True Metallic Metal. Additionally, Green Stuff World regularly runs promotions with 15% or 20% discount.
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I hope you found this review helpful, feel free to leave a reaction or comment below, or post your questions here or discuss on our Discord channel.
6.5 Score
Pros
- Intense colouration
- Beautiful high sparkle finish with fine metallic particles
- Cheaper than Vallejo True Metallic Metal (though more expensive as GSW's other metallic paints)
Cons
- Gel-like consistency, leaving brush marks easily
- Mediocre covering power
- Vallejo True Metallic Metal have similar vibrancy but better flow and covering power
Final Verdict
I have some nitpicks with Green Stuff World's "vivi" metallics, but that doesn't mean they're bad. You need to invest some work to achieve an even, smooth paint application, but then the finish is genuinely beautiful and vibrant. The problem is simply that Vallejo's True Metallic Metal paints came out just a few weeks earlier, which do exactly the same thing, only a bit better in every regard. However, also at a more expensive price point.
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