I've just started a trial of Vallejo liquid silver which seems very good. Alclad spray is also impressive but this is more for larger areas than fine details. I've used Humbrol, Rose and Vallejo metallics in the past with varying success. Of course portrait painters depict metal surfeaces with non metallic paint.

Mike

Darkstar metallic are my preference.

On a pedantic note....the problem with metallic paint, whether 'ready-mixed' or raw powder and size, is that it's invariably too bright. and needs to be
calmed down. 'Gold' lace for example in reality is actually a bit dull, and 'brass' or 'silver' buttons are invariably tarnished. the same thing applies to
Carbines, muskets and sword blades. I suppose with ceremonial figures things are different but in the main I prefer to tone down my metalwork a bit by
mixing in a faint touch of 'grubbiness'.

Mike