Cosplay Tip: Metallic Effect Wax Paste

The cosplay community has been familiar with the Rub 'n Buff metallic paste for years. You can use it on any surface; just rub it on with your finger or a cloth to create a beautiful metallic finish. Unfortunately, this specific brand is hard to find in the Czech Republic. That's why Wax Pasta Metallic by Pentart has stepped into the spotlight.

Wax Pasta is a wax-based paste made from beeswax and orange oil. It comes in a 20 ml jar and has a lovely citrus scent, which makes for a much more pleasant experience compared to the smelly work with other paints. We tested the paste on two surfaces for our purposes – 3D prints and raw EVA foam.

Apply the paste with your fingers or a cloth. It was a little dry on the surface after opening, but that was to be expected. Just dig half a millimeter under the surface with your finger, and the dry clumps are history. A single small dab covered 70% of the 3D print, which means those 20 ml go further than they might seem at first glance. One layer was enough for even coverage, and the application was smooth, odorless, and the finish was dry to the touch immediately—or rather, it didn't smudge, as the manufacturer states it takes about 3 hours to fully cure. This proved true when applying the paste to raw EVA foam, which still left some residue for a while after application.

Even the next day, the painted 3D print and EVA foam look beautifully glossy. However, if you apply Wax Pasta to a surface you'll be touching often, I recommend sealing it with a varnish. It does smudge a bit with friction.

On the bright side, it washes off your hands easily. After applying it with your fingers, you can quickly forget the nagging feeling that you look like you've just killed a unicorn (in the case of the silver color) and soothe your conscience with warm water and soap. Voila! No one will ever know about your heinous deed, and the remnants of silver unicorn blood will wash down the drain.

Wax Pasta surprised me with its pleasant scent, easy application, and quick cleanup. I definitely recommend it and look forward to using it on new projects!

author Eva Lassler