Best Spray Paint For Metal

Got an iron lawn chair, CPU case, or bike frame that needed a quick makeup? Get the best spray paint for metal to upgrade the look of your old lawn chair and make it look like brand new. Spray painting lets you get high-quality finish easier than using brush or roller.

However, to get the best out of your metal spray paint, there are some things you need to pay attention to.

First, read the instruction. Even when you’ve used spray paint before, different brands of metal spray paint may have specific preparation and application methods. Guess works will lead you nowhere. Just follow the instructions. Now, prepare the surface of the object you’re going to paint. Preparation usually involves sanding to remove old paint and rust. Sanding also helps the paint to stick to the surface easier. If there’s a trace of grime or oil, you need to get rid of that too.

Once the surface is ready, don’t go straight to spraying. Use a primer to get a richer finish. Applying a primer is crucial when you’re painting on metal. The primer’s color depends on what the color of the top coat. If you’re using dark color, then use black primer. Light-colored topcoat pairs are better with white primer. Whenever possible, use a primer from the same brand as the paint. Using a primer also makes it easier to spot any part that you miss. Next, you need to mask everything that shouldn’t get paint on it. Don’t go cheap with the masking tape. You need something that can completely block paint, providing clean and crisp paint lines.

Always use spray paint in a well-ventilated area and use a mask, so you don’t inhale the fine spray. Yes, use a mask even when you are just painting a couple of doorknobs or drawer hinges. If you are spray painting something above eye level, use a protective glass too. Covering up is always a smart thing to do when you use spray paint.

Okay, for the main show remember to spray lightly and let it dry. If you spray too much in one go, you will get bubbles, cracks, and overall uneven finish. The paint will take forever to dry and by then you need to repeat the whole thing all over again. Use multiple coats if necessary but always spray light on each coat. Since drying times differ from one brand to the other, always check the instruction to know how long you need to wait before applying the next coat. Some take minutes while others take hours.

Use clear coat to protect the paint if the thing you’re painting is located outdoors or get used a lot. Not all paint for metal requires a clear coat. Once again, check the instruction on the can to know if you need it or not. Enamel metal paint doesn’t usually need a clear coat. It’s good enough to withstand the elements all by itself.

So, now you know how to get the best result from your painting projects it’s time for you to learn about the best spray paint for metal that you should buy. Not all paint is the same so if you want to avoid wasting your money on low-quality paint, read the reviews below.

Best Spray Paint For Metal Reviews

Krylon (8806-6 PK) Dual Gloss Classic Gray Paint and Primer

This is the Krylon Dual that makes spray painting easy by combining the prime and paint in one can.  It saves you time and gives durable, quality finish in one go. Krylon Dual works well for metal, ceramic, aluminum, wood, concrete, masonry, glass, plaster, and wicker. This spray paint is available in flat, satin, and gloss finishes. Some say the gloss finish is more like semi-gloss. If you feel like that too, you should add clear coat after the paint is dry to bring out the gloss even more. It’s quick to dry, and the end result holds up well against the weather and dust. It doesn’t chip or peel easily.

This spray paint has good coverage so you won’t need much to get the job done. The nozzle gives steady spray that’s crucial in giving a professional-looking result. It’s cool that the nozzle is adjustable. The Spray pattern can be switched from vertical to horizontal giving you more freedom when painting the hard-to-reach places.

The nozzle is fairly free from clogging and in case clogging does occur it’s easy to fix. You just need to turn the can upside down and press the nozzle for about five seconds until it sprays nothing but clear gas. This is also a good maintenance step that you should do after each use to prevent clogging.

The spray may seem too narrow, but it’s pretty normal for aerosol spray paint such as this. If you’re planning to spray paint a large piece of metal you’d get a better result with high powered paint sprayer like an HVLP paint sprayer.

Rustoleum 249131 12 Oz Oil Rubbed Bronze Metallic Universal All Surface Spray

If you have oil-rubbed bronze items around the house and they are starting to look dull, then you should get this spray paint instead of replacing them. It brings back the metallic look with a satin, non-glossy finish. It also works like a charm giving a vintage look on metal door, fixtures, tin ceiling, iron railings, curtain rods, doorknobs, towel racks, iron casters, light switch plates, chandeliers, lamps, cabinet hardware, iron casters, faucets, and practically everything else. It gives a gorgeous dark brown color with a dash of silvery sparkle. It is usable for both interior and exterior use. Outdoor lights, house letters & numbers, and mailboxes look great with this paint. Great metallic look sums this paint perfectly.

The nozzle on this spray paint can enable you to spray from any angle, but it may take some time to figure out. If you don’t like it and have an empty can of Rustoleum lying around just pluck the nozzle off and put it on this can.

The Rustoleum ORB spray has great coverage. A single 12 oz can is enough for two lawn chairs. It sprays evenly when the can is full all the way until you have barely a couple of squirts left. As an oil-based paint, it does take longer to dry compared to water-based. If you make sure there is a good amount of air flow, the paint won’t take too long to set. It’s really worth the wait. The end result is scratch resistant and will hold for a long time. Please note that this paint is not rated for high heat. If you have cast iron steam radiator that’s starting to look ugly, this paint won’t do.

Gunkote Spray-On/Bake-On Firearm Finish

Scraping against a holster day after day can chip the paint off your favorite handgun. It’s lucky we have the Gunkote spray-on finish that’s specifically made to bring back the protection your gun needs.

You see, using an ordinary metal spray paint on your gun won’t have a good result. Gun thinners and solvent will dissolve it easily. Gunkote is specially formulated to protect your handgun from corrosion, scratches, and rust. The finish will stay in good condition for years.  It’s ultra-thin yet more durable than competitors. Each coat of Gunkote is only about 0.0004-inch thick. It’s usable for both external and internal parts of your gun. There is no issue about the coat jamming the gun. It’s also self-lubricating which means little or no maintenance is required to keep it in good condition. Since the coating is so thin, a can will last you a long time.

Before spraying, you need to shake that can really, really well until your hands can’t shake it anymore. Clean the gun part that you wish to paint and pre-heat it in the microwave, gas stove, or whatever else you have at low heat (100 ^o F). Pre-heating is important to keep the paint from running. Spray a thin coat of Gunkote evenly and let it dry. Bake the gun part at 325 ^o F for an hour to complete the process. If you wish to add more coat, you will need to repeat the baking after each coat. For a flatter finish, you can bake at a higher temperature like 425^o F. When you’re done, make sure to turn the can upside down and spray until the nozzle is clean.

PlastiKote (T-1-6PK) Gloss Black General Purpose Premium Enamel

When the paint on your bike is peeling what kind of paint should you use? Why, the Plastikote Premium Enamel, of course. Enamel paint is excellent for outdoor use and for the things that are worn a lot. The finish is hard, resistant to scratches, water, and UV light. This is why enamel paint is so good for outdoor use. The finish will not fade or change color easily even when regularly exposed to sunlight. You don’t even need a clear coat to help protect it. However, if you feel you need clear coat, you should get gloss instead of a dull clear coat.

Plastikote Premium Enamel works well for metal and also wood. It’s available in various colors, both light and dark. Enamel in spray paint form is really a good combo. It makes your finish smoother. If you use a brush, it’s too easy to get brush mark when the paint dries.

As always, preparing the metal surface is important. If the object was already painted using enamel paint and you want to get rid of it, you need turpentine or enamel paint thinner. Brush the object you wish to clean thoroughly until all the paint is dissolved. Clean it up with soap water, rinse, and dry. Sand away any rust and you’re ready to paint. Don’t forget to use primer especially if you are painting on aluminum. Aluminum oxide that forms on the surface doesn’t adhere well with most paint.

Note that this is not suitable for objects exposed to a high temperatures such as a car or motorcycle engine parts. For such objects, you need Plastikote Engine Enamel, which is high heat-resistant and very rugged.

Montana GOLD Acrylic Spray Paint GOLDCHROME

The Montana GOLD acrylic spray paint is a superb metal spray paint for a variety of purposes. The acrylic-based formula is excellent not only for metal but also plastic, wood, canvas, glass, concrete, and other surfaces. It has great color and coverage. The color selection is really extensive. You have 204  choices of colors, perfect for DIY as well as artsy projects.

This spray paint is good for indoor applications because of two reasons. First, the spray is very fine and makes it almost odorless. Secondly, its 100% CFC and lead-free. It is quick to dry too. You only need to wait 15 minutes for the paint to dry completely. If your project requires two or three coats, the quick drying really helps in getting things done faster. When exposed to light, the brilliant color will not fade for over a decade. However, you may still want to apply a clear coat to prevent scratches on your precious work. It saves you the hassle of reapplying the paint.

Creative works are made possible with the variety of caps available. Changing the caps allows you to change the output pressure. Low for applying fine details and high to quickly spray a wide area.

Before using this spray paint, you need to shake the can to mix the paint evenly. Next, remove the cap, remove the washer, then replace with the new cap. Spray on a plastic spoon to test the paint. If the spray is not fine enough just dip the can in hot water for a couple of minutes. 

Valspar 465-66005 SP 12 Oz Brushed Nickel Metal Spray Paint

True to its name, this spray paint does give the brushed nickel look instead of just look like shiny nickel. It’s not overly glossy, so the look is more realistic. It is easy to use, has good spray coverage, and doesn’t drip or run. If the result doesn’t look metallic at first, just chill. The metallic look will look more pronounced once the paint dries. It takes an hour to dry to the touch. After that, it will hold up well for years. With great coverage, a can is enough to last you a couple of projects. This paint is not only suitable for metal. It is also great for wood, stone, glass, paper mache, ceramic, and terracotta.

Valspar metal spray is great for adding mute silver accent in your home and update tired-looking metal nightstands, picture frames, doorknobs, and fixtures. Use this paint and people will think they’re brand new instead of freshly painted. It saves you a lot of money too when you can spray paint the dull-looking hardware in your home and breathe them a new life instead of buying new replacements. Brushed nickel faceplates, for example, are really expensive.

Valspar is a relatively new name compared to Rustoleum and Krylon. In the past, people complain about its lack of color selection and paint quality, but Valspar is getting better over the years. The colors of their spray paint also match well with their line of Latex paint so you can match the colors of the metal parts with the rest of the interior.

PJ1 16-GLS Gloss Black Epoxy Spray Paint

PJ1 16-GLS is an epoxy spray paint made for motorcycle frame. Yes, it’s made specifically for motorcycle frames and metal components that need a highly durable finish. It’s not the kind of paint you use on metal fences, benches, or any home improvement stuff. When the paint on your bike frame or swing arm chipped, you use this to paint to bring it back to its full glory. It sprays smoothly without any runs or drips.

The paint takes over a day to fully dry and then you need to wait a whole week for it to cure properly. Yes, it takes that long but once fully cured this thing is very durable. Some say it’s as good as powder coating.  If you often take your bike off-road, you’ll appreciate how bulletproof it feels. Tough environments are what this paint was made for. If you are painting small parts and need to dry it faster, you can put it under a heat lamp. It will fully cure in about eight hours.

The manufacturer of this paint, PJ1, is a leading brand in the world of Motorsports and Powersports products. Their products are top notch in terms of high-temperature tolerance, chemical resistance, extreme weather protection, lubrication, durability, and rust & corrosion control. You can always depend on PJ1 products for the best result no matter which product you choose.

Note that PJ1 Epoxy Spray Paint is made for painting the frame. If you need to paint the engine, get the PJ1 Engine and Case Paint.

Masterchem Industries 41140 Hammered Spray Paint

Need to cover up rust on a metal surface and stop it from ever spreading again? This hammered spray paint is the one you need. This paint can be sprayed directly over rusty metal surfaces, no sanding or grinding required. It makes it convenient when you need to work on surfaces that are hard to reach like the underbody of your car. You still need to brush the flaking paint, loose rust, and dirt first, though. It’s still necessary to make sure the paint stick to the metal instead of the dirt. Special care must be taken for galvanized and aluminum surfaces. Spray a good amount of primer to make sure the paint sticks perfectly.

It takes about 15 minutes for the paint to dry. For maximum protection, you should apply three more coats. The finish last a long time, so it’s a great choice if you live in rust-prone areas such as along a coastline or very humid area in the mountains. You only need to reapply the paint once every six months. This paint also works well for indoor application. If you have some metal objects in the house that need a touch of hammered finish, just spray this paint and see how great it looks.

This paint is not only excellent in preventing rust. The hammered finish also works well in making the surface of the metal look good despite imperfections. The fiberglass particles in the paint cause the hammered metal look while improving the durability of the finish, making it tougher and more resistant to rust.

Conclusion

So, now you know how to paint properly and which one is the best spray paint for metal. You can consider yourself well-armed for whatever painting projects you are going to tackle next, in and out of the house. Just remember to take it slow. Slow and easy is the key for a beautiful paint finish. Being patient is well worth it. Be careful, once you start to spray painting one thing you may get addicted and look for excuses to spray anything and everything in your home.