Best Paint for Metal – Buyer’s Guide

Looking for paint for metal? Are your gutters starting to rust? Is the metal fence in your yard starting to look corroded? If so, there’s no need to buy a new one. You can make these objects shine again by applying paint that is specifically designed for metal.

Best For Protecting Surfaces
Great Vivid Black Color
Amazing Metallic Shine
Great For Outdoor Items
Great Iron&Rust Effects
For Creating Artwork
Krylon K05130107 ColorMaster Acrylic Crystal Clear, Gloss, Clear,...
Rust Oleum 280721 American Accents Ultra Cover 2X Spray Paint,...
Rust-Oleum 1915830 Spray Paint, Each, Silver
Rust-Oleum 207000 Marine Coatings Topside Paint, Quart,...
Modern Masters ME289-06 Metallic Brass, 6-Ounce
Acrylic Paint Set - 24 x 12ml Tubes - Heavy Body - Lightfast -...
Restores shine. Provides protective layer. Non-yellowing. EZ Touch Tip. Fast Drying. Lead-Free.
Glossy black color. Rust-resistant. Features an angle spray comfort tip. Fast drying. Covers up to 12 sq ft.
Shiny metallic finish. Contains real metal flakes. Fast drying. Can be sprayed at different angles. Does not leak.
Durable. Rust-resistant. Crack-resistant. Powerful UV protection. Self-leveling. Great coverage.
Creates realistic rust effects. Made with real metal particles. Covers 8-12 sq ft. Great coverage.
Great adhesion. Water-proof and fade-proof. Highly pigmented. Non-toxic. 24 colors. One-year replacement guarantee.
Best For Protecting Surfaces
Krylon K05130107 ColorMaster Acrylic Crystal Clear, Gloss, Clear,...
Restores shine. Provides protective layer. Non-yellowing. EZ Touch Tip. Fast Drying. Lead-Free.
Great Vivid Black Color
Rust Oleum 280721 American Accents Ultra Cover 2X Spray Paint,...
Glossy black color. Rust-resistant. Features an angle spray comfort tip. Fast drying. Covers up to 12 sq ft.
Amazing Metallic Shine
Rust-Oleum 1915830 Spray Paint, Each, Silver
Shiny metallic finish. Contains real metal flakes. Fast drying. Can be sprayed at different angles. Does not leak.
Great For Outdoor Items
Rust-Oleum 207000 Marine Coatings Topside Paint, Quart,...
Durable. Rust-resistant. Crack-resistant. Powerful UV protection. Self-leveling. Great coverage.
Great Iron&Rust Effects
Modern Masters ME289-06 Metallic Brass, 6-Ounce
Creates realistic rust effects. Made with real metal particles. Covers 8-12 sq ft. Great coverage.
For Creating Artwork
Acrylic Paint Set - 24 x 12ml Tubes - Heavy Body - Lightfast -...
Great adhesion. Water-proof and fade-proof. Highly pigmented. Non-toxic. 24 colors. One-year replacement guarantee.

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

There are many different paints available such as oil-based paints, acrylic paints, and latex paints. Continue reading to find out which metal paints are the best and how to find the right one for you.
paint for metal

1. Krylon Colormaster Clear Spray – Best For Protecting Surfaces

Krylon K05130107 ColorMaster Acrylic Crystal Clear, Gloss, Clear,...
  • For use on plastic, metal,...
  • Perfect for indoor and outdoor...

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

If you own a metal item that is prone to rust, this may be the perfect product for you.

The Krylon Colormaster Crystal Clear Gloss Spray helps to restore shine and provides a protective layer on surfaces. This protective layer does not turn yellow as many other clear paints do. It also protects your surface from rust and corrosion. This spray can feature an EZ Touch Tip that prevents the paint from running down the can or leaking onto other items. Many paint products dry very slowly, but this paint is dry to the touch in as little as 10 minutes and dry enough to handle in as soon as an hour. You can use it on bare or painted surfaces and it does not contain lead.

There have been customers who have claimed that the fumes are too strong, but most spray paints have a strong odor or vapor. It’s always important to read the directions and use this type of product in a well-ventilated area.

I recommend this paint for anybody needing to protect their metal surface and help it shine once again.

Pros
  • Restores shine
  • Provides protective layer
  • Non-yellowing
  • EZ Touch Tip
  • Fast Drying
  • Lead-Free
Cons
  • Strong fumes
  • Can become sticky after it has dried

2. Rust Oleum Spray Paint – Great Vivid Black Color

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

Do you own a metal object that is faded and dull? If so, a can of this spray paint may be able to help you.

This spray paint gives surfaces a shiny black finish as well as provides a protective layer that can withstand water, humidity, heat, and blunt force. It prevents the metal surface from rusting or corroding, meaning your items will look fresh and new for years to come. The Angle Spray Comfort Tip prevents your finger from becoming fatigued and allows you to reach hard to paint places. It is fast drying so you do not need to wait longer than 20 minutes between paint layers. This spray paint can cover up to 12 sq ft, allowing you to complete a large project with just one can.

The paint may spray out in large amounts, which can cause it to run or streak. It may also bubble on surfaces.

Overall, I think this is a great product because you are able to give large surfaces a shiny, black finish that lasts for a long time.

Pros
  • Glossy black color
  • Rust-resistant
  • Features an Angle Spray Comfort Tip
  • Fast drying
  • Covers up to 12 sq ft.
Cons
  • May spray a lot of paint at one time
  • May bubble on surfaces

3. Rust-Oleum Metallic Spray Paint – Best Metallic Shine

Rust-Oleum 1915830 Spray Paint, Each, Silver
  • Creates a rich metallic shine...
  • Formula contains actual metal...

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

If you’re trying to find a high-quality metallic spray paint for your metal surface, look no further! You may have found the product that will suit your needs.

This spray paint will give your item’s exterior a silver metallic finish. It contains real metal flakes that will make the item appear as if it is made of brand new metal. It covers well and dries quickly. You do not have to worry about the color smudging or rubbing off after it has dried. It provides a smooth and even application. It can also be sprayed at different angles, allowing you to paint areas that are normally difficult to paint. It does not leak or drip, giving the surface a perfectly polished finish.

This paint cannot be used on outdoor items. It can rust and chip easily.

Though you aren’t able to use it on outdoor objects, I highly recommend this paint. You can use it on indoor items such as metal picture frames, furniture, and appliances.

Pros
  • Shiny metallic finish
  • Contains real metal flakes
  • Fast drying
  • Can be sprayed at different angles
  • Does not leak
Cons
  • Cannot be used on outdoor objects
  • Can rust and chip easily

4. Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint – Great For Outdoor Items

Rust-Oleum 207000 Marine Coatings Topside Paint, Quart,...
  • Ideal for use on fiberglass,...
  • Oil-based formula is flexible...

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

If you own any metal items that frequently come in contact with water, this paint can help you keep those objects protected.

This paint is ideal for boats, skis, canoes, RVs, and other items that come in contact with water. This paint can hold up in extreme weather conditions. Not only that, but it is also rust-resistant and crack-resistant. The durable coat provides UV protection, keeps the color vibrant, and produces a glossy finish. It is very easy to apply and goes on smoothly. It is self-leveling so you will always end up with smooth, even results. A little bit goes a long way so you can complete a large project with just one quart of this paint.

It can take a long time to dry. You must wait 24 hours between coats and it may take up to a month to completely dry.

This may be one of the best paints for outside objects. I recommend this paint to anybody needing to keep their boats or other items protected from water damage.

Pros
  • Durable
  • Rust-resistant
  • Crack-resistant
  • Powerful UV protection
  • Self-leveling
  • Great coverage
Cons
  • Slow drying

Tips and Tricks for bottom painting your boat

5. Modern Masters Metal Effects Paint – Amazing Iron and Rust Effects

Modern Masters ME289-06 Metallic Brass, 6-Ounce
  • Suitable for interior surfaces...
  • Water based formula is Leed...

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

If you love the rusty vintage look that some metals develop over time, you may fall in love with this paint.
This paint allows you to create an iron or rust effect on any metal surface. It is great to use on fireplaces, picture frames, cabinets, chests, model cars, and more. The real metal particles contained in the paint are designed to tarnish over time. Each bottle contains enough product to cover 8 to 12 sq ft. The set includes a bottle of primer, a bottle of iron paint, a bottle of rust activator, and a bottle of Permacoat Xtreme. The rust activator speeds up the oxidation process so you can see results quickly.

The application process can be time-consuming and you must follow the instructions precisely in order to achieve the results you want. The instructions may be confusing and difficult to follow.

I think this is a great product for anybody wanting to give their metal surface a vintage and rustic look.

Pros
  • Creates realistic rust effects
  • Made with real metal particles
  • Covers 8-12 sq ft.
  • Great coverage
Cons
  • Can be time consuming

6. MyArtscape Acrylic Paint Set – Best For Creating Vivid Artwork

Acrylic Paint Set - 24 x 12ml Tubes - Heavy Body - Lightfast -...
  • ACRYLIC ART PAINT SET - 24 x...
  • VERSATILE PAINTS - for...

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

This paint set may be perfect for anybody wanting to create colorful artwork on metal surfaces.
Best Paint for Metal - Buyer's Guide 1
This acrylic paint adheres very well to metal surfaces. It is waterproof and fade-proof, therefore you can count on it being vivid and bright years down the road. It is non-toxic so you do not have to worry about it be harmful to you or others around you. It provides excellent coverage and is highly pigmented. The set comes with 24 tubes of paint so you have plenty of colors to work with. If your item is defective, MyArtscape provides a one-year hassle-free replacement guarantee, which means you can always get a brand new set.

Since the tubes are small, you do not get much paint and they may run out fairly quickly depending on the size of the project.

I recommend this product to anybody wanting to create colorful designs on metal household items.

Pros
  • Great adhesion
  • Water-proof and fade-proof
  • Highly pigmented
  • Non-toxic
  • 24 colors
  • One-year replacement guarantee
Cons
  • Small amount of paint in a tube

Best Paint for Metal: Buyer’s Guide

Though applying paint can be tough, choosing the right kind of paint for your metal surface is the difficult part. You need to find out which type of paint you need, what type of metal you will be painting, and what type of primer you will need for your object.

Oil-Based, Acrylic, or Latex Paint

Oil-based paints tend to be the best paint for metal. This is because they do not stain, chip, or mark. They are very durable and do well in most weather conditions. They can successfully cover surface imperfections like rust (you can also use some rust converter) and small indentions. Once the paint has dried, the surface is hard as nails and is very difficult to pierce with blunt force. Oil-based paints often produce a glossy finish, but you can find paints that will give you the end result that you desire. With most paints, you must apply a primer before the paint to help seal flaws and help the paint stick to the surface. You can completely skip this step with oil-based paints and still end up with satisfactory results. This type of paint is better suited for outdoor objects that come in contact with water and UV rays.
Acrylic paints should be used on household items. This is because they can easily chip or crack when they are faced with water and UV rays. They also tend to fade when they are placed in the sun for long periods of time. This type of paint is great for creating designs and artwork on metal items. It is very bright and there are many different colors and finishes to choose from. Acrylic paint, by itself, generally does not adhere well to flat surfaces like metal. You will need to add a primer to the object before applying the paint.
Latex paints are popular due to their low price and quality. They typically do well in extreme weather conditions and can be used for outdoor items. They are great for painting doors, door frames, window frames, etc. You must keep in mind that latex paints contain water. Water and metal generally do not go well together because there is a risk of rusting. It is important to look for a label that says, “For Metal Surfaces” or something similar. You must also apply a primer before the paint to get the results you want.

Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal

It is important to find out what type of metal you will be painting. There are two different kinds: Ferrous and Non-Ferrous. Ferrous metals contain iron and are more susceptible to rust. Non-Ferrous metals do not contain iron and are more resistant to corrosion.

Ferrous metals will need to be coated with a primer before covered with paint. This is so the metal will be provided with a protective layer that reduces the chance of it corroding.
Non-ferrous metals are probably the easiest metals to paint. This is because they can be coated with any type of paint and generally do not corrode or rust.
Tip: To quickly find out what type of metal you are dealing with, stick a magnet to the surface. If it sticks to the metal, it is ferrous. If it does not stick, it is non-ferrous.

Finishes

You should keep in mind what type of finish you want. Ask yourself questions about the object you will be painting.

Will you be cleaning the object often? Will it be exposed to the sun? If so, you will need a glossy finish. This type of finish is durable, fade-proof, and waterproof.

Will the object need a very little cleaning or none at all? If so, you may prefer a flat finish. This type of finish is great for indoor items that do not come in contact with water and can be cleaned with a duster or dry cloth.
Will the object be exposed to water and other elements? If so, you may want a semi-gloss finish. This type of finish is the most versatile and does well for any situation.

Preparation

You should always sand down and brush your metal surface before applying any paint. This step is important because the paint will not adhere well to surfaces covered with oil, dirt, or old paint. You should also remove any rust to prevent the paint from corroding in the future.

Though it is optional, it is recommended to apply a primer to the surface before painting. This provides a protective layer that prevents the metal from oxidizing and ruining the paint.
To achieve satisfactory results, you should always use an oil-based primer with oil-based paint, and a latex primer with latex paint.

In Conclusion

Finding the right kind of paint for your metal surface can be tough. You must find out if you need an oil-based paint, acrylic paint, or latex paint. You must also find out if your metal is ferrous or non-ferrous, and decide which type of finish you would prefer to be on the object. Hopefully, I could help speed up the process by providing you with information about each type of paint and how to choose the right one for you.