When it's time to refresh objects like patio furniture, mailboxes and plant stands, it's a good idea to use a spray paint that's made for metal surfaces. Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Spray Paint delivers a durable finish that resists rust and corrosion, making it ideal for metal items that are used both indoors and outdoors.
Use Rust-Oleum 769 Damp-Proof Primer as it needs minimal preparation, and penetrates the rust all the way to the metal! You can apply it on slightly moist or dry surfaces, for durable corrosion protection. It works by expelling moisture and air, and encases the rust whether you use it with, or without a top coat!
Oil-based paint: For outdoor projects, oil-based metal paints are the best bet. Oil paint is very durable, and is generally easier to clean. With oil-based, primer isn't necessary, although it will give you a smoother finish.
Ideal Uses: Metal, Wicker, Concrete, Wood, Vinyl, Laminate, Plastic & Glass. Rust-Oleum® Universal® spray paint is a paint and primer in one that delivers the enduring beauty of handcrafted finishes on any surface.
Priming metal before painting is almost always recommended, as it will prevent rust from bleeding through the new paint. Primer also helps paint stick to metal. If you couldn't get rid of all the rust in the previous step, coat the metal with a zinc chromate primer that's formulated for coating rust.
As a starting point, you need to use paint specifically formulated for metal surfaces. This might be labeled as multi-surface paint or metal paint. If you don't use this paint, it will peel, blister or flake, completely ruining your finish.
For instance, Rustoleum spray paint lasts 4-7 years before opening but fades immediately upon UV exposure. Meanwhile, acrylic spray paints that naturally last three years can last about two years after opening the can.
Dries to the touch in 1 hour, to handle in 3 hours and is fully dry in 24 hours. Recoat at any time. Wipe off tip when finished. Clean up wet paint with xylene or mineral spirits.
Dries to the touch in 15 minutes, to handle in 1-2 hours and is fully dry in 24 hours. Primers can be topcoated immediately. Apply a second coat within 1 hour or after 48 hours. Wipe off tip before storing.
The ultimate direct to metal paint providing years of protection in minutes.
Rust-Oleum 3800 System DTM Acrylic Enamel Paint is a fast-drying, water-based metal coating for indoor or outdoor applications. The direct-to-metal (DTM) coating delivers excellent corrosion resistance and protects surfaces exposed to mild to moderate environments.
Designed to enhance any surface, the advanced formula creates a rust-preventative finish with excellent adhesion on vinyl, metal, plastic, fiberglass, concrete, glass, wicker, wood and more.
Priming is one of the most important steps prior to the application of metal paint. While a water-based primer is not to be applied on metal surfaces, other primer options such as rust-inhibiting primers, galvanized primers, and iron oxide primers are more suitable options.
DPLF and DPLV Epoxy primers - the most popular direct to metal products, these primers provide excellent adhesion and corrosion protection. They can also be used as a sealer and topcoated with many types of refinish topcoats.
Painted metal which isn't sanded will be more prone to peel or flake off. If you're prepping metal that's already painted, you need to sand off and smooth. Use 120 grit sandpaper to get rid of any damaged paint. For painted metal where the paint is in good condition, use 240 grit sandpaper to roughen the surface.
The metal might look and feel clean, but any grease, oil, dirt, or rust left on there will prevent the paint from properly adhering to the surface. Avoid using water to clean metal; instead, use a solvent such as acetone. It will dry quickly and leave a clean surface.
While there are some cases where clear coating may not be necessary, in most cases it's recommended for optimal protection and aesthetic appeal. With the right application techniques, you can easily apply a clear coat over spray paint to ensure that your project looks its best for a long time to come.
Prime the metal surface with spray-on primer.
Using a primer is necessary to ensure that the final paint job is smooth and even. You can use the spray primer of your choice—as as long it is made to be used on metal. Hold the primer 6 to 8 (15 to 20 cm) inches away from the surface and spray. Paint the entire surface.
Note: Sanding between coats is not necessary, but it will provide a better finish. After a coat has dried, use 220 or 240 grit sandpaper or extra fine steel wool to lightly sand surface. This will ensure good adhesion of the succeeding coat.
Lightly sand the wood to remove rough spots or scuff up any existing varnish. This will help the spray paint adhere to the wood. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe away the sanding dust. Before using spray paint, it's a good idea to apply a coat of paint primer.
Even after you spray paint over rust, it may continue to spread and weaken the surface of your metal. The longer you wait before addressing rust development on a metal surface, the more widespread it will become and the more it will compromise the structural integrity of your metal.