We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
If you’re looking to brush up metal items and surfaces with a fresh coat of paint, there’s a bit of a tricky task ahead of you. Whether you’re sprucing up a metal mailbox, applying paint to metal patio furniture, or touching up metal appliances and tools, painting metal isn’t exactly easy. Metal is a finicky material, with a smooth surface that’s difficult to paint properly. And you can’t use just any paint to take metal from rusted or unattractive to freshly painted.
You need special paint—paint that’s made for metal surfaces, with a specialized formula that can bond to metal and stay on for a reasonable amount of time. So, if you’re ready to breathe new life into metal, you’ll need to pick out a quality paint for metal. Discover the best paint for metal with our top product picks below.
Our Methodology
As we considered different paints for metal, we took a close look at each product’s purpose, uses, and available colors and finishes. We sought out paints that were easy to apply and durable, adhering strongly to metal surfaces for the best longevity and finished result. To identify the best contenders, we looked at the formulas of each paint, their application methods, and users’ experiences putting the paints onto different types of metal. We specifically focused on those paints that were made for automotive use, too, to ensure you can safely and effectively use them on your vehicle and its related parts.
Best Paint for Metal Reviews & Recommendations
Best Paint for Metal Overall
POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating
Best Paint for Metal Value
Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface Spray Paint
Honorable Mention
Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint
Best Finishing Paint for Metal
Dupli-Color Paint Shop Finish System
Best Protective Paint for Metal
POR-15 Top Coat Spray Paint
Best Quick Use Paint for Metal
Rust-Oleum Automotive Custom Lacquer Spray Paint
Best Water-Based Paint for Metal
Rust-Oleum Painters Touch Latex
Our Verdict on Paint for Metal
When it comes to a quality paint for metal, it’s hard to beat the impressive performance of POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating. Able to stop and prevent rust while creating an impenetrable barrier, it’s a paint that won’t let you down. However, if you’re looking for value, the affordable price and easy-to-use nature of Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface Spray Paint is well worth considering.
What to Consider When Buying Paint for Metal
Whether you’re doing some detail work, touching up areas of bare metal, or need to add a coat of exterior paint, choosing the right paint for metal is crucial. We’re sharing our best advice for picking out a paint that delivers quality, durability, and easy application.
Types of Paint for Metal
Traditional Paint
You can buy paint for metals that are just like any other can of paint. These traditional paint options are solid both online and at local hardware or home improvement stores, and they come in quart cans so you can tackle items with small or large surface areas. Traditional paint for metals is often able to be used on several different items, from walls indoors and outdoors to furniture to metal surfaces.
Oil-Based Metal Paint
Oil-based paint is typically seen as the gold standard when it comes to covering metal surfaces and items. That’s because oil-based paints tend to adhere better to metal, offering a more long-lasting coat of color or finish. And unlike water-based alternatives, oil-based paints for metal don’t include any water at all, which can help offer better long-term rust protection and prevention.
Water-Based Metal Paint
Water-based paints tend to be thinner and less durable when it comes to metal surfaces and items, but you shouldn’t rule them out entirely. Some water-based paints can deliver great metal coverage and solid adhesion. Just make sure you’re picking out a paint that’s specifically formulated for metal surfaces; otherwise, it may not stick and wind up peeling away.
Spray Paint
Paint that’s suitable for metal is also available in spray paint form. This paint is just as durable and adhesive as any other type of paint for metal, but it’s packaged in a convenient, easy-to-apply canister so you can spray it right onto metal surfaces and items. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to cover large items, like metal siding, metal tables, or any other expansive metal object.
Touch-Up Paint
If you only need a small amount of paint for metal surfaces that are scratched, dinged, or marked in other ways, then touch-up paint is a perfect choice. Packaged and sold solely in small bottles or even pens, touch-up paint for metal is an ideal option if you need to quickly and easily cover up imperfections. With the right amount—and right color—of touch-up paint, you can even repaint small sections of various metal items.
Paint Pens
If you’re getting more creative with your metal paint and want to either fill in imperfections or make designs and decorations, then paint pens are the best choice. Paint pens that hold paint that’s suitable for use on metal make it incredibly easy to apply paint. Shaped like pens with a marker-like brush or spongy tips, you can “color in” or draw with paint right on any metal surface or item.
Paint for Metal Key Features
Water- and Temperature-Resistance
No matter where you plan to use your paint for metal, you want to make sure you’ve chosen a highly durable, long-lasting paint. And the paints that offer both water-resistance and temperature-resistance tend to be the best choice. You want a paint that can survive temperature fluctuations from season to season and continue to bond securely to the metal underneath even in the face of moisture and water. This feature is especially important if you’re painting items that’ll be outside year-round.
Easy Application
Spray paints are a popular choice for metal objects and surfaces because they’re incredibly simple and straightforward. They’re also a great choice for large items or awkwardly shaped items with a lot of small nooks and crannies. Whether you opt for spray paint for metal or traditional paint, make sure the paint itself is easy to apply. You want a paint that won’t make a huge mess or cause you any difficulty.
Thick Consistency
Paint consistency is particularly important when you’re painting something metal. To achieve a good finish and sleek coat of paint, you’ll want to choose a paint that features a thicker consistency. Thicker paint is better for metal because it offers better coverage and more even coverage. Spray paints, for example, can be applied quickly but may be too thin to fully cover your surface or object. Oil-based or acrylic paints, which are thicker, will require fewer coats.
Paint for Metal Pricing
Most paint for metal is very affordable—in fact, you can find all kinds of paint products from spray paint to touch-up paint priced at less than $10. If you want more variety, such as multiple paint colors or a comprehensive paint set, you’ll spend $15 or more. Paint for metal, even in sets, doesn’t typically cost more than $40, but the more you spend, the more variety you’ll get.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!
Q: Do I need to prime metal before painting?
A: In most situations, you need to prime metal before you paint it. The only exception is if you choose a paint that’s a primer and paint duo.
Q. Is it OK to use spray paint on a car?
A: Specifically formulated spray paints for car exteriors do exist, but not all will work. Check the can before you start applying the paint.
Q. But then are all metal paints OK to use on cars?
A: Nope. You’ll need to make sure it will work with the specific metal on your car, too.
