What are candy paints?

What do “candies” have to do with the paints used in airbrushing? The answer is simple: the word candy, which gives these paints their name, refers to their transparency—just like brightly colored sugar candies.

Candy paints are widely used, but not everyone knows exactly how they should be applied or what their real characteristics are. In this article I’ll explain what they are and give you some practical guidance on how to use them effectively.

Characteristics and visual effects of candy paints

What do “candies” have to do with the paints used in airbrushing? The answer is simple: the word candy, which gives these paints their name, refers to their transparency, just like brightly coloured sugar candies.

Candy paints are widely used, but not everyone knows exactly how they should be applied or what their real characteristics are. In this article I’ll explain what they are and give you some practical guidance on how to use them effectively.

How to use candy paints

Candy paints are widely used in the custom painting world, for example on fuel tanks, cars, motorcycles, and similar projects. They are also popular in scale modeling, interior design, furniture decoration, and even in fantasy-themed work such as Gundam models.

The first artists to popularize candy paints were American custom painters. They made them famous on classic American hot rods and custom motorcycles such as Harley-Davidsons.

They are also strongly associated with the famous American “true fire” technique, which creates realistic flames. Candy paints are particularly useful in this style because they allow artists to produce the glowing highlights and luminous swirls that make the flames look realistic.

Types of candy paints

Candy paints are available in water-based acrylic formulations as well as solvent-based acrylic versions.

For professional automotive painting they also exist in powder form, which is mixed into the final clear coat. This maintains the transparency while enhancing the underlying color with colored reflections.

There are also concentrated versions, sometimes two-component systems, which are mixed with clear coat or binder in proportions ranging from about 3% to 10%.

However, these products are mainly used in professional automotive refinishing. Airbrush customizers tend to prefer water-based candy paints, which are easier to handle and more practical for detailed work.

How to apply candy paints correctly

Candy paints always produce a unique final effect. Why? Because the final appearance depends heavily on the type and color of the base coat and on the number of candy layers applied.

The more light passes or glazes you apply, the more intense and deeper the color becomes.

To achieve a good result, the layers must be applied evenly and consistently, without interruptions. Otherwise, variations in thickness may cause visible differences in color.

Multiple passes are often required depending on the desired effect. The first passes are usually very light, while the final one can be closer to a full lacquer layer.

As you continue layering, the color gradually becomes darker.

If you notice an orange peel texture or a lack of shine, you can lightly sand the surface with 1200-grit wet sandpaper after 24 hours, and then apply a final clear coat to restore a smooth and glossy finish.

I passaggi possono essere molteplici, a seconda dell’effetto desiderato. I primi possono essere leggeri, mentre invece l’ultimo sarà più o meno una vera laccata. Più procedi nella sovrapposizione, più il colore scurisce.

Se dovessi notare lo sgradevole effetto “buccia d’arancia” oppure scarsa brillantezza, puoi levigare con carta abrasiva 1200 ad acqua dopo 24 ore e passare un ultimo strato di trasparente chiaro standard in modo da laccare per bene tutto l’insieme.

The importance of the base coat

Candy paints are never used on their own. They are always applied over another color. They achieve their best results over metallic or pearlescent bases, which provide reflective surfaces that enhance the visual depth of the candy layer.

The layers should be applied gradually and evenly, usually no more than three or four light coats, depending on the desired effect. If you apply too many layers, the underlying color will become excessively dark. When the final effect is satisfactory, it is often unnecessary to apply an additional clear coat.

Schmincke candy paints

In the custom painting world, Schmincke candy paints are widely appreciated, even for professional techniques. The range includes more than 30 different shades, 12 effect colors, and a wide variety of mediums designed for use from the base layer all the way to the final finish.

These airbrush paints are extremely fine, easy to spray, lightfast, and suitable for use on almost any surface, both absorbent and non-absorbent. They are ready to use and can often be sprayed without dilution.

Now all that’s left is for you to try some and see the effect for yourself!