Provided is a metallic image forming method by which a metallic image that assumes sufficient metallic feeling can be acquired. The metallic image forming method is a method of forming a metallic image on a recording medium through use of an ink containing metal particles and includes an ink application step of applying an ink onto a recording medium having an underlayer formed thereon such that the ink overlaps at least a part of the underlayer, the underlayer having a black color or an opposite color with respect to diffusion light of the ink.