The true metallic gold paints have been the most problematic paints. They are made from bronze powders, and although these particular paints are tarnish resistant, certain conditions will still tend to result in tarnishing: conditions of prolonged contact to moisture or slow drying of papers in a high humidity environment. They do not work with all papers, either, probably because some papers retain surface moisture longer than others. They should be diluted to about 1:8, and do not require much gall to spread.

As with the true metllic paints, very little ox gall is required for the pearlescents- about 1 drop for every 1/4 tsp of undiluted paint, depending upon the strength of your ox gall.