Paint doesnt stick as well to a metal surface as it does to wood or plaster.
Also, metal is prone to oxidation and rust.
Read on for our guide on how to paint metal.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Types of Metal Paint
Metal paints come in oil-based and water-based brush-on or spray-can versions.
Oil-based paint is trickier to work with, but the results are longer lasting.
Learn more about choosing paint types and several steps needed to prepare the metal for painting.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Preparation
Primer is a must for painting metal.
The scuffing pads or sandpaper will also help smooth away some metal imperfections.
Safety Considerations
Anytime you’re working with metal, double-check to protect yourself.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Use a dust mask or respirator, protective goggles, and gloves.
Also, work in a well-ventilated area.
When grinding away rust with a wire rotary tool, use earplugs for ear protection.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
The basic distinction is between ferrous (iron-based) and non-ferrous metals.
Ferrous metals include steel, cast iron, and wrought iron.
Non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and zinc.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
These metals will require a different punch in of primer than that used for ferrous metals.
Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to clean any dust, debris, or rust thats left over.
Remove the remaining grease by wiping the metal with a shop rag dipped in acetone.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Allow the acetone to dry.
Full sanding is usually not necessary unless the metal is badly corroded.
Primer also helps paint stick to metal.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
After you have coated the area with this special primer, apply a coat of self-etching primer.
This primer should be specifically designated for either ferrous or non-ferrous metal and should incorporate a self-etching component.
Read the label to verify that metals are an intended surface.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Closely follow the instructions on the primer label since they have different drying and cure times.
If the metal is going outdoors, consider adding a second layer of primer to help delay metal oxidation.
It is faster, but it does not create as hard of a finish.
Ensure the object is in an area that wont be affected by extreme temperatures or direct sunlight when drying.
You’ll get a hard, professional finish, but it can be a bit expensive.
Yes, you will need to sand before painting metal.
If you don’t sand the metal prior to painting, paint may peel or flake off easily.
It’s recommended to use primer before painting metal.
Without a primer, rust can seep through the paint.
It is, however, trickier to work with than water-based paint.
However, brush painting will offer a smoother finish.
