Best Spray Paint for Metal – Your Guide to the Top Metal Spray Paints
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Metals are materials that we don’t give much thought to as they have been around for such a long time. There is metal everywhere, in our houses, our cars, and even in our phones. We tend to forget that metal can be treated and painted before being transformed into commercial products. So, what is required to make metals aesthetically pleasing? There are a few options you can choose from to enhance the look of your metal workpiece, but remember that not all types of paint will perform well when applied to the metal surface. The following article will assist you in determining which paints you can use on metal and provide some helpful tips to use when working with metal.
Table of Contents
Which Types of Paint Can You Spray Paint Metal With?
There are between seven and ten different types of spray paint that can be applied to metal, but some of them require a significant amount of work in comparison to the others to ensure they adhere to the metal surface. Metal is very similar to glass in that it has a relatively sheer surface, which makes it difficult for anything to stick to it. This sheer surface makes it particularly hard for paint to adhere to, especially any types of paint that require a level of absorption to bond sufficiently. So, what is the correct paint type to use on metal?
Oil paints work relatively well, and oil-latex paints are an even better option as they are a little thicker and have a paste-like consistency. Other paint types you could consider using to coat your metal include oil-based enamel paints or enamel paints as they can stain metal surfaces well. If the surface of the metal has been prepared properly, then other paints can work relatively well. You will therefore need to allocate additional time to prepare your metal item than you would if you were working with ceramic or wood.
If you haven’t done the necessary surface preparation then even the best spray paint might not work well. Different types of metal may require different preparation, so it is important that you adequately research your materials prior.
You will then have sufficient knowledge to determine which types of paint are the best to use. Different types of metals have different properties. Certain metals may be a good conductor of heat or may oxidize easily. You can use paint to counteract these properties depending on what the application of your item is. The best spray paint for metal is not down to the strength of its adhesion, but rather the properties which affect the finished product as well.
| Type of Paint | Paint Properties | ||||
| Water-Resistant | Heat-Resistant | Abrasion-Resistant | Strong Color | Viscosity | |
| Oil Paint | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | Thin |
| Latex Paint | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | Thick |
| Acrylic Paint | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | Thick |
| Enamel Paint | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Thick |
| Water-Based Latex Paint | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | Thin |
| Water-Based Acrylic Paint | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | Thick |
| Oil-Based Acrylic Paint | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | Medium |
What Should You Look Out for When Buying Spray Paint for Metal?
It can be a tedious task spray painting metal, but through increasing your knowledge in terms of the different types of metals and their qualities, you will have an easier time selecting a paint. It is quite easy to choose paint thanks to the manufacturers advising exactly which surfaces the paint works on. Thus, the only aspect you need to take into consideration is of course the color as well as any extra characteristics you require the coating to have, such as a primer combination and/or environmental protection. We will now have a closer look at the factors to see how they will impact your workpiece.
Protection
Metal often has a harsh lifetime, with a lot of ores warping, rusting, being scratched, and even cracking if the conditions are extreme enough. You need to consider the forces that will be acting on your workpiece when spraying painting metal, including tension, pressure to cold, heat, and torsion. You will require a paint that can flex with your metal or be able to offer protection to the metal while mitigating the forces completely.
There are many paints available that can protect your metal for practically its whole lifespan, but there is normally a price to pay for these features in a paint.
As previously mentioned, if you have high-quality paint, the quality of protection and/or the versatility of the paint tends to be much lower, which is a result of the additives impacting the final finish of the paint. This results in a balancing act where you want a finish that you are happy with while knowing that your metal is protected without having to touch it up in the future. Paint that excels in both areas is normally quite costly, which could be why the majority of professionals choose to apply their primer, paint, and sealer separately.
Finish
While this might seem obvious, it is still worth mentioning. There are so many different finishes available, so it is up to you and the look you are hoping to achieve. Available finishes include muted, matte, gloss, sheen, and tin. The finishes are characterized by the texture of the paint once it has been applied to the item, although the finish should be allowed to completely dry with no additional coating or sealer being added to it.
As we have addressed earlier, a paint-primer combination will not have a high-quality finish in most cases, but both the metal and your finish will be protected against abrasions, heat, moisture, and, in heavy-duty instances, even impact.
Adhesion
It is quite common to spray paint metal, but that does not mean that it is a simple process. Like most aspects of life, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. One thing you will discover is that certain paints adhere to metal better than others. This is impacted by several factors, including how the surface you are about to spray has been prepared. Typically, cheaper paints do not spray as well and you might have to use a lot of primers and spray several thin coats instead of a few decently dense coatings to ensure that the paint adheres to the surface.
Knowing this, you may wonder what the best option to test the adhesion of paint is. In this case, you can turn to YouTube where there are hundreds of reviews on paints, or just consult the comments and reviews available on the company’s website.
If you have trust in your supplier, you can ask them for an honest opinion of their products. Sometimes our choices are limited and you will only be able to find a paint that adheres badly, but you can compensate for this by preparing the surface very well and using a high-quality primer. We also recommend being generous when applying the coats.
What Are the Best Spray Paints for Metals?
Working with metal spray paint is similar to picking something to eat at a high-end restaurant. While everything looks appetizing, it all depends on what you are in the mood for. There are certain elements metal spray paint can be formulated with, like, water resistance, insulation, abrasion resistance, built-in primer, heat resistance, and even impact resistance. We have put together a few examples of the best aerosol paints and their relevant applications.
Best Protection: KRYLON Covermaxx
Before selecting the color you want to work with, you should take into consideration the impact the paint will have on your workpiece. Being aware of the forces that your piece will be under will assist you in selecting the type of paint and which properties you need your paint to have, such as resistance to oxidization. Metals are used in environments that can be rough, so most metal pieces will have to face up to the possibility of rusting. This product can potentially handle this issue. Krylon is a world-renowned brand and provides amazing protection and aesthetic coating.
- Provides a seamless finish and long-lasting rust protection
- The paint and primer features a conical easy push spray tip
- Dries in 10 minutes or less on interior and exterior surfaces
The Colormaxx line of products has been specially designed to stop oxidization and corrosion and is available in seven different colors. This product will ensure that your next item is protected from any harsh conditions while also having a color that pops. If your metal item will be spending most of its time outside in extremely hot or wet conditions, this product will allow for the expanding and contracting of the metal while also stopping any rust from forming. The product comes in a 12-ounce spray can, providing you with both a sealer and a primer, saving you a significant amount of time in terms of preparation.
In addition, the combined formula of paint and primer dries in just ten minutes, which means it is the perfect option for time-sensitive projects.
PROS
- Robust formula
- Provides strong adhesion
- Stops corrosion
- Application is versatile
- Krylon is a reputable brand
- A combination product of both paint and primer
- Great color selection
CONS
- Spray can be hard to handle
- When applied the colors can seem muted
- Pricey
Best Versatility: RUST-Oleum Spray Paint Painter’s Touch
A lot of manufacturers claim that they offer the best aerosol paint on the market, and a lot of them are quite new products developed with new innovative production techniques and technology. Rust-Oleum, on the other hand, has been around for over 100 years and has paved the way for newer brands. This particular range offers the level of dependability and innovation you expect from Rust-Oleum at a much cheaper price than the newer brands. It also provides a stunning texture and great protection in an assortment of colors.
The Painter’s Choice range is a paint with a matte finish that offers both a primer and a spray paint, which will save you a lot of time as you will not have to wait for a primer to dry and adhere to the metal. Another great feature is the spray can comes equipped with a new larger spray nozzle meaning you will be able to adequately apply pressure when working at an awkward angle.
- Suitable for a range of interior and exterior surfaces
- Oil-based paint resists chips, is low odor, and rust protective
- Dries to touch in 20 minutes and covers up to 12 sq. ft. per can
While it is not an assisted nozzle, which needs less effort to pressure to spray, it does provide you with a larger surface area which offers your finger to be better in contact with the spray button. Thanks to this, you will not have any break in the continuity of your strokes, which will provide the best application and a stunning finish on your workpiece. Another great advantage is that this product can be used on an assortment of surfaces including masonry, ceramic, plaster, and plastic.
It takes about 20 minutes for the paint to be dry to the touch and should be completely dry in about 40 minutes to an hour. While this does not make it the fastest drying product on our list, it is still not too long of a drying time. If you are hoping to create a noir vintage look, then this is the perfect product to use.
PROS
- Ergonomically designed
- Well-priced
- Heat resistant
- Versatile
- Resistant to corrosion
- Strong adhesive properties
- Matte-finish
CONS
- The finish is not something everyone will like
- Takes longer than most products to dry
- Can provides a low volume
Best Finish: DESIGN MASTER Aerosol Paints
It is often said that you do not need money to make something great; all you need is determination and passion. Design Master has taken this sentiment to heart, offering the cheapest aerosol paint on our list while providing the best finish. Their rose gold color is particularly stunning, offering a tin-like reflective appearance when it has completely dried.
You can easily be mistaken in thinking that this spray paint is electroplating thanks to the overall quality of the finish. Sadly, the stunning finish does have a drawback in that the product does not include any dual-action features such as long-lasting abrasion-resistant additives or dual-action priming.
- A high-quality couture metallic paint for a range of surfaces
- The paint is fast-drying and provides a durable coverage
- Paint is available in a wide range of colors and effects
You can also add a primer and/or a coat of resin to provide adequate protection from corrosion and water. The paint comes in an 11-ounce can and is available in an assortment of colors. The aerosol paint is very affordable, particularly when you consider the quality of the finish. Thanks to the paint being inexpensive, you will have money left over to purchase some high-quality primer and resin.
If you are still unsure if this is the product for you, other advantages include that the paint dries quite quickly, making it ideal to use on smaller items such as ornaments and jewelry. While this is not the most robust product available, it does offer you a stunning, high-quality finish at a great price.
PROS
- Value for money
- Priced to go
- Provides good adhesive
- Great finish
- Simple to use
- Available in an assortment of colors
CONS
- Not impact/abrasion resistant
- Not dual-purpose
- Not versatile
How to Spray Paint Metal Correctly
As you have probably picked up by now, metal tends to have quite a rough life and gets quite scuffed up. Luckily for your metal items, you can give them a new lease on life. If you are thinking of spray-painting metal, there are certain steps you can follow to ensure that your painting experience will not require a paint scraper and solvent on your first try. Remember to follow these steps while taking your time and not rushing the process, as you might end up missing a step or two. You will also need to consider your safety when painting, so we always recommend wearing a mask.
Set Up Your Workspace
It is important to prepare your workspace before you begin spray painting, as it will save you a lot of time looking for things and the overall clean-up. You need to have all the tools you require on hand so that you can grab them with ease as needed. You should also cover up anything that can potentially get paint on it.
When you have finished setting up your tools and your work area has been adequately covered, you will need to ensure that you have sufficient ventilation before you begin working.
Your best option is to be working outside, but that is not always possible as not everyone has access to an outside workspace or is blessed with good weather. Alternatively, you can work in a space that has consistent airflow. You will also need to ensure that you are wearing the correct protective gear such as eye protection, filtered face masks, and gloves.
Surface Preparation
Most people agree that preparation is the most important step when spray-painting any surface. If your surface has not been prepared correctly, then even the best spray paint for metal will not work as required. To start preparing your surface, you will first need to clean it. You can use either a wire brush or some steel wool to remove anything from the surface that should not be there, like dirt, rust, or previous paint, all of which will harm the adhesion process.
When you have removed the bits, you can use some soapy water and a damp cloth to remove any excess materials. Alternatively, you can use some cleaning alcohol. Place your item in the sunlight to allow it time to dry and inspect it to ensure that you have sufficiently scuffed up the surface. Lastly, ensure that you have taped up any parts of your item that you do not want to apply paint to.
Priming the Surface
Primer is considered part of the preparation process, yet we think it is important to mention it separately. If you have elected to use a product that is not a combination of paint and primer, you will need to apply a primer before spray painting. Give your primer a good shake (if the manufacturer suggests you do this), and then spray a bit on a piece of scrap cardboard. This step is to ensure that the nozzle is working properly. When you are ready to start, just apply the primer to the surface of the item you will be painting.
It is pretty difficult to use too much primer, but as it sets into the surface of the metal, you will be able to determine what a sufficient amount is.
Tougher metals like steel will only need a couple of layers of primer. When the first layer of primer has completely dried you can lightly scuff up your surface again, and then wipe the surface down using a clean dry cloth before applying your second layer of primer. Ensure the primer has completely dried and that there are no leftover materials on the surface of the metal before moving on to the next step.
Painting Your Surface
Shake the can of spray paint well before you begin spraying. Only when you are happy with the sound of the metal ball moving around in the spray paint can you begin to spray paint the metal. Start spraying your item using a motion from one side to the other (right to left or vice versa), beginning at the edge of your item and moving in one smooth, unbroken pass to the opposite side of the item. Repeat the process, remembering to shake the can between each pass to ensure that the viscosity when entering the nozzle is not lost.
Ensure that you are making even passes at an equal distance, as it can be easy to drift further away or closer toward your item when spraying painting metal. You want to be certain that you have covered all your item’s edges, and remember to be patient as it can be quite strenuous on your wrist when holding the spray paint can. When you are happy with your initial coat, allow time for the paint to dry. You can consult the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the drying time of the product. Once dried, you will need to inspect the surface for any contaminants such as dust.
Should you find any you can use a dry cloth to remove them before applying your second coat. Remember that metal requires finer coats of paint as opposed to materials such as wood which tend to absorb a lot of paint into its fibers.
Sealing Your Surface
The majority of the spray paints manufactured these days do a great job of protecting your item from things like moisture and sunlight. When you buy a paint that has a heat-resistant or primer property (except for high heat enamel paint), they provide a resistance that can be easily worn down if the item is excessively or consistently exposed to the relevant forces.
This is where sealers come in. Sealers are available in an assortment of formulas that cater to different needs. There are waterproof sealers, UV sealers, moisture sealers, and even heat sealers for a variety of materials like metal, wood, concrete, enamel, and plastic.
The majority of sealers are simple to use and have a “point-and-shoot” operation. All that is required is to lightly apply your sealant to your metal item (so that you do not damage the paint job) and allow it time to dry (consult the manufacturer’s recommendations to determine the drying time).
When it has completely dried, use some fine-grit sandpaper to scuff up the layer, clean off the dust created, and then apply another coat. When you have finished, you will have a fully primed, painted, and protected item. If you are looking for a great sealer, you should try the one made by Rust-Oleum as it provides amazing coverage while being great value for money.
We hope that the above article has equipped you with the knowledge to determine what a good spray paint looks like as well as how to correctly apply spray paint to a metal surface. You will need to ensure that you are working in a space that is well ventilated and that you are wearing the correct safety gear before you begin!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Spray Paint Take to Dry?
One of the most common questions when dealing with painting metal is how long does spray paint take to dry completely? In short, spray paint can take up to 40 minutes to dry depending on the paint’s formula composition. There are fast-drying spray paints available, but these often sacrifice other characteristics to benefit from this.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint to Paint Metal?
You can paint metal using acrylic paint but it will require a significant amount of preparation to ensure that the paint adheres correctly to the metal. You should always check which type of paint has a better bond to which types of metals.
Does Paint Last on Metal?
Metal does not absorb paint into its fibers like wood does because of its sheer surface. This means that painted metal will normally need significantly more maintenance and upkeep in comparison to concrete and wood. Using paint that has been formulated for use on metal is your best bet to ensure that the paint lasts.
Can Spray Paint Be Used on Metal?
You may also want to know how to spray paint metal. You will need to do a little research and preparation of your metal surface before you can begin spray painting. There is an assortment of paints in the market that can be used to spray paint on metals. To achieve a long-lasting finish, ensure that your metal surface has been prepared correctly before painting and allow sufficient time for the paint to set and dry.
