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Spray paint is used on metal for a variety of purposes, including decorating a metalworking project, renewing the color on a car’s wheel wells, or even sealing a grill against rust, provided the spray paint is rated for very high temperatures. With this in mind, it is important to choose a spray paint that is designed for use on metal. Otherwise, it won’t have the same adhesion and may simply chip or flake off.
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The best spray paint for your next project will depend on a range of factors. For instance, if shoppers will be using the paint for their metal shed, they’ll need a product that’s made to withstand sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations. Shoppers might also want to consider the color, drying time, and whether they need a separate primer and spray paint or an all-in-one product. Take a look at the top spray-paint selections below, and then read on to find out what you need to know before choosing the right product for your project.
- BEST OVERALL: Krylon K02732007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Rust-Oleum 249115-6 PK Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover
- BEST HEAT RESISTANCE: Rutland Products 80 Hi-Temp Spray Paint
- BEST RUST RESISTANCE: Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Hammered Spray Paint
- BEST FOR OUTDOOR METAL: Krylon K05539007 COLORmaxx Spray Paint and Primer
- BEST DECORATIVE: Montana Cans Montana Marble Effect Spray
- BEST FOR ROOF: Rust-Oleum 285217 Roof Accessory Spray Paint
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Spray Paint for Metal
Whether shoppers are picking out spray paint to touch up their metal shed or to add a pop of color to their latest metalworking project, there are several factors to consider, including drying time, durability, type of paint, and whether or not it can withstand the elements or extreme temperatures.
Type of Paint
When buyers are deciding on spray paint for repairs or touching up a metalworking project, they will want to consider paint that is designed for the material and the environment. This can include choosing a water-based acrylic or an oil-based enamel or spray paint that’s specifically intended for indoor or outdoor use. For instance, an indoor spray paint may not have the same water resistance and durability as outdoor spray paint but may come in more color options. Shoppers will want to think about where the project or item they want to spray paint will be situated when making their decision.
Some spray paints have a range of finishes, such as gloss, matte, satin, flat, hammered, textured, or metallic, that can give metal surfaces a certain look. Also, if shoppers don’t have time to apply a primer beforehand, they might want to invest in combined spray paint and primer that makes it easier for the paint to adhere to metal.
High Temperature Range
One common use for spray paint that is designed to be used on metal is to paint the barbecue, grill, fire pit, and other hot-to-the-touch surfaces. However, for spray paint to be effective in these applications, it needs to be resistant to extremely high temperatures so that the paint doesn’t peel, melt, or otherwise degrade due to exposure to the heat.
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Shoppers will want to keep in mind that metal conducts heat much more efficiently than wood, plastic, and many other materials. This means that even if they are not painting a grill or fire pit, there may still be the risk of the paint being exposed to high temperatures. It’s important to consider the roof or walls of a metal work shed that is out under the hot sun all day. Those surfaces can get extremely hot, so shoppers will want to choose their spray paint wisely.
Durability
Durability is an important consideration, especially if the spray paint will be used outdoors or in any high-traffic or high-heat locations. Spray paint for indoor use normally has a lower durability requirement because it is sheltered from the elements and is often used for more decorative purposes.
Spray paint intended for outdoor use must take into account exposure to moisture, changing temperatures, and even the intensity of the sun. Buyers will want to make sure that they invest in a product that has UV resistance if the object will be regularly in the sun; otherwise, the paint will fade and chip. Even if there are several coats of paint on an object, the paint will quickly degrade if it’s not rated for the environment. Using the wrong spray paint could even cause significant problems by trapping moisture against the metal instead of protecting it.
Drying Time
If shoppers will be painting an object in an isolated or covered area, then the drying time may not be as important to them; but if they are painting exterior objects, like a shed or grill, they will want to be sure that the paint will dry before the object is exposed to rain, snow, or high heat.
Generally, water-based spray paints will dry at a much quicker rate than oil-based paints, though each spray-paint product will have its own drying time determined by the specific product formula. The manufacturer will typically list the drying time on the product details and on the packaging so that buyers are aware of the drying time before they buy the paint.
Our Top Picks
The products below were chosen for quality and price. Check out this list to discover some of the best spray paints for painting metal surfaces.
Our Verdict
For a product with a built-in primer and over 50 different color choices, the Krylon All-In-One spray paint is a great option. However, if shoppers need more than one can of spray paint, then the Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover spray paint is a more affordable choice that comes in a six-can value pack and boasts an oil-based, wear-resistant formula that is ideal for outdoor use.
How We Chose the Best Spray Paints for Metal
The selection process for this list of the top spray paints for metal involved researching a wide range of acrylic paint, latex paint, and high-heat spray paint. It was necessary to consider the drying time of each product as well as the durability of the spray paint to determine the suitable use of the paint for various applications around the home.
Read more : 12 Best Paints for Metal Surfaces: Every Project Type
Similarly, it was important to include products that are intended for indoor use and spray paint options that are designed to withstand the elements so that they could be applied to outdoor surfaces. Additionally, the type of paint factored into the final list of the best spray paints for metal. Water-based latex is typically made for indoor applications, while an oil-based enamel or acrylic paint is a good option for outdoor use.
Tips for Using Spray Paint for Metal
There are a few important tips to keep in mind when spray-painting metal. It’s recommended to set up both indoor and outdoor projects in a well-ventilated location to reduce the risk of inhaling harmful vapors. If users need to work inside with metal spray paint, they ought to make sure that the windows and doors are open to improve the airflow through the room. It’s also a good idea to set up one or more fans.
The application method for spray paints is a continuous sweeping motion. To learn how to use spray paint, users should direct the spray nozzle towards the target surface and start to move their arm through a sweeping motion. They should not push down on the trigger until their arm is in motion to avoid overspraying the starting location. Similarly, they should release the trigger before they finish sweeping across the project to prevent over spraying in the finishing position. Users should apply the spray paint in light coats for rust protection or to paint metal projects.
- Choose a well-ventilated location to work.
- Use a sweeping motion to apply the paint.
- Spray in short spurts rather than a constant stream.
FAQs
If you still have questions about the best spray paint for your next metalworking project, read below to find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
Q. How long does it take for spray paint on metal to dry?
The drying time for spray paint on metal can vary depending on the type of paint, the thickness of the coat applied, or even the humidity in the air. However, on average you should wait at least 24 hours to ensure that it is properly dried.
Q. What type of paint adheres to metal?
For spray-painting metal, you can use either water-based acrylic or oil-based paint. One tip to remember is that if you are painting an object that will be heated, like a barbecue, then you will need high-heat spray paint for metal.
Q. How do you paint metal with spray paint?
Prepare the surface by removing any rust, cleaning the material, and applying a primer. After the primer has had time to dry, you can use the spray paint can in a well-ventilated area to apply the spray paint, ensuring that you have properly covered any areas that you don’t want to be painted.
Q. Do you need a primer to paint metal?
A primer is a great option to ensure that the spray paint properly adheres to the metal, though it is only necessary if the metal will be exposed to water. Many spray paints for metal include primer, so if you choose one of these options, you won’t need to apply a separate layer of primer.
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