Quick answer

Choose Bees Knees if you want a warm, honey-yellow metallic for bright accents or Martian bases; choose Life On Mars for a rusty red-orange metallic that adds a gritty, otherworldly feel to terrain.

Why basecoat matters for these metallics

Both paints are metallic acrylics from Dwarven Forge, but their manufacturer recommendations differ significantly. Life On Mars is specifically noted to perform best over a black basecoat, which helps its rusty red-orange tone pop with depth. Bees Knees, on the other hand, is designed to work over a similarly colored basecoat (like yellow) for vibrant results, but it can also be used over white or black for different effects.

This means your priming step directly influences the final look. If you already prime your Dwarvenite terrain black (common for dungeon tiles), Life On Mars will be ready to go with minimal extra work. Bees Knees may require an additional yellow base layer to achieve its brightest hue, adding a step but offering more flexibility.

Shade and tone differences

Life On Mars is described as a strong reddish brown metallic, giving it a rusty, oxidized appearance that suits Martian landscapes, lava flows, or ancient ruins. Its midrange tone means it won't overwhelm a scene but adds a distinct color accent.

Bees Knees is a warm, deep yellow metallic with a honey-like quality. It's the first in Dwarven Forge's 70's-inspired line, so it carries a retro, vibrant feel. This shade works well for golden highlights, desert terrain, or any area where you want a sunny, metallic glow.

Trade-offs at a glance

  • Basecoat flexibility: Bees Knees works over yellow, white, or black basecoats, offering three distinct looks. Life On Mars is optimized for black basecoat only. If you want to experiment with different effects, Bees Knees gives you more options.
  • Color impact on terrain: Life On Mars adds a rusty, industrial feel ideal for sci-fi or ruined stone. Bees Knees provides a warm, golden highlight that suits fantasy or desert settings. Match the shade to your terrain's story: rusty for grimdark, honey for vibrant.
  • Ease of use: Life On Mars requires a single black basecoat for best results. Bees Knees needs a yellow basecoat for maximum vibrancy, adding one extra painting step. Life On Mars is simpler if you already prime black; Bees Knees requires more planning.

Product facts

  • Life On Mars Metallic Acrylic Paint (0.75 oz/22 ml): Life On Mars is a rusty, red-orange metallic color, noted to be at its liveliest over a black basecoat. If you already prime your Dwarvenite terrain black, this paint will deliver its intended depth without extra prep.

    Life On Mars Metallic Acrylic Paint (0.75 oz/22 ml)

    Life On Mars Metallic Acrylic Paint (0.75 oz/22 ml)

  • Bees Knees Metallic Acrylic Paint (0.75 oz/22 ml): Bees Knees is a warm metallic paint that appears as a deep, warm yellow, almost honey, and is recommended over a similarly colored basecoat for most vibrant results. To get the brightest yellow metallic effect, you'll need a yellow base layer, but you can also experiment with white or black for different looks.

    Bees Knees Metallic Acrylic Paint (0.75 oz/22 ml)

    Bees Knees Metallic Acrylic Paint (0.75 oz/22 ml)

Which paint fits your project?

Best for

  • Life On Mars: Rusty, oxidized terrain like Martian bases, lava tiles, or ancient ruins where a gritty metallic finish is desired.
  • Bees Knees: Bright golden accents on fantasy terrain, desert scenes, or any area needing a warm, honey-like metallic glow.

Not ideal for

  • Life On Mars: Projects that require a bright, sunny metallic highlight; it's too dark and rusty for that role.
  • Bees Knees: Grimdark or weathered terrain where a rusty, industrial look is needed; its warm yellow tone is too cheerful.