metallic finish

Lustrous reflective surface

A metallic finish is a surface treatment that gives materials the appearance of metal—typically shiny, reflective, and suggesting chrome, gold, silver, or bronze.

Common in automotive paint, nail polish, and interior design: The car came in a metallic finish that sparkled in sunlight.

The effect comes from fine metal flakes or pearlescent particles suspended in the coating.

chromeReflective metal coating
chrome platingElectroplated reflective metal finish
shinyReflecting light smoothly
polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
gleamingReflecting light brightly

lustrous · reflective · high gloss · brushed · steel · stainless steel · silver · aluminum · gloss · shimmer · sleek · mirror · copper · bronze · platinum · nickel · foil · sparkle

Categories

finishespainted, polished, varnish, paint, matte silver
coatingspaint, enamel, varnish, primer, glaze
surface finishesmatte, satin, gloss, paint, clear coat
print finishesmatte, gloss, glossy, satin, luster

Opposites

surface sheen/reflectivity

metallic finishmatte finish

Non-reflective surface treatment

flat finish · matte · flat · dead flat · dull finish

material appearance

metallic finishnatural finish

Unstained protective treatment

wood finish · rustic finish · natural texture

surface texture quality

metallic finishtextured finish

Non-smooth surface treatment

rough finish · distressed finish

Family

metal, metallic, metals, metallize, metallized, metallurgy, metallurgical, metallurgist, finish

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G