Brass Powder-Filled Resin

If you're into molding and casting, there's another method you can use that yields absolutely fan-TAS-tic results.  You can buy ground powders of various metals and add them to 2-part casting resins.  When the resin cures, the casting can then be buffed and polished to a high shine.  The resulting piece is nearly indistinguishable from real metal, and yet is still as light as a regular plastic casting.  In fact, the castings of certain metal powders will even tarnish over time if they aren't sealed!

There's a near-endless variety of effects you can achieve with this method.  You can use resin dyes to alter the base tint of the cast.  There are also several different types of metal powder to use.  This sample uses Brass powder, but you can also use aluminum powder, stainless steel powder, nickel-silver powder, copper powder, and many others.  Plus, if you avoid polishing the deep parts of the grooves and crevices, as I did here, you end up with an effect that is similar to a wash.

Of course, with every method there are downsides, and there are plenty in this case.  First is expense.  A bottle of metal powder, depending on metal type, will cost between $6-$15.  Now one bottle goes a long way, but considering how rarely you'll probably want a metal effect, it might not be worth it.  Plus, you're limited to only using that type of metal, because I have yet to find a sampler pack.  

The other problem is the amount of work involved.  To use this as I've done here, you need to set up a silicone mold of your piece, mix up the resin with the metal powder and any dyes, and pour the resin.  Once it cures, you have to polish it to get the shine.  Then you have to paint any of the non-metal parts of your custom.  I have heard it's possible to use metal powder without setting up a mold.  I understand you can spray your piece with a varnish, wait until it gets tacky, and then coat it with the metal powder .  The piece can then be polished.  I don't know how well this works as I've never tried it, and can't attest to its durability.

Pros                                Cons
· Looks like real metal    · Expensive for limited use
· Very durable              · Expense / work of setting up silicone molds and making castings
· Very cool effect!          · Technique sensitive
                                       · Lots of work

Synopsis:
This might be easier if the varnish adhesive method works.  I need to try that.  If you don't mind getting the supplies and making the molds, this is a very cool technique with very cool results!