Nothing brings a project together like a fresh, beautiful coat of paint. However, unlike the olden days you no longer have to take up an entire week just to paint your creations and have them dry – you can depend on a can of spray paint to do the job several folds faster.
While there are no spray paints made solely for metal, not all spray paints available on the market are suitable for this material. Thus, we are bringing to you a list of the best spray paint for metal to ensure you get desired results from your purchase.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at 11 amazing spray paints available on the market, along with a buying guide and the answers to some frequently asked questions!
11 Best Spray Paint for Metal in 2020
Reviewed below are some of our favorite spray paints for metal. The following products check all of our boxes in terms of price, performance and reliability!
1. Rust-Oleum 267116 Painter's Touch Ultra Cover
The first product on our list covers all possible bases. To begin with, the paint is great for use with plastic, wood, masonry, unglazed ceramic, plaster and of course, metal. Additionally, this particular product features a Double Cover Technology which makes the end result smoother and faster drying than other paints.
Suited for both indoor and outdoor use, the paint does not chip or peel. The formula is also oil-based, which leads to the reduction of irritable fumes and odor while providing long lasting coverage. One can of this spray paint provides 12 square feet of ultimate, durable and smooth coverage.
In terms of the user’s comfort, the can comes with a wide finger pad and comfort tip which prevents finger fatigue after prolonged usage. Moreover, an any-angle spray makes it easy to cover hard to reach areas, making this a great product for furniture projects.
The finish of the paint is a smooth gloss which, thanks to the oil based formula, restores any old surface to its former glory. One of the greatest features of the product is that it comes in several finishes and colors – you are bound to find one that best suits your project.
Available in 12 ounce cans, a container holds enough product to take care of most projects with a flawless finish! Once sprayed on, your projects will be dry and ready to the touch in 20 minutes. BTW, here are the best automotive paint gun for beginners!
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2. Krylon K01303007 Acrylic Spray Paint Crystal Clear in 11-Ounce Aerosol
Our next product is more of a protective cover than it is paint. It is a crystal clear spray which protects all your surfaces, such as metal, plastic, glass, wood and so on against damage. The product does not damage the original surface of the object which makes it safe to use on jewelry, antiques and other precious items.
To begin with, the product is moisture resistant. This makes it perfect for use in highly humid locations. It protects the surface itself from deteriorating overtime due to the excess moisture in the atmosphere. Furthermore, it is also smudge-proof, meaning it will not wipe off the surface once it has dried completely.
It takes about 10 to 15 minutes for the protective coating to dry to touch and less than two hours for it to be safe to handle. Coupled with how fast and easy spray paints are to apply, your projects will be ready in a jiffy! The end result stays glossy for years without becoming dull or yellowing.
Furthermore, the product is also suitable for outdoor use. You may use it to coat metal furniture, decorative pieces or other metal items in order to protect them from damage.
It is worth noting that the smell and fume of this product tend to linger, so it would be best to use it outdoors and leave it out till it is completely dried.
Clear protective sprays such as these work especially well with precious jewelry – to DIY handmade crafts. This prevents the jewelry from rusting or changing color overtime. The product is one of the best spray paint for outdoor metal furniture!
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3. Design Master DM241 Premium Metallic Spray Paint
All that glitters is not gold – but that does not stop them from livening up any space they are put in! Golden or rose gold decorative pieces are some of the most popularly made DIY items and our next product makes achieving the perfect chic look easier than ever.
Perfect for indoor objects, this rose gold spray paint gives shine and glitter to your projects. However, you need not trade the longevity in for the aesthetic value. The coverage starts off smooth and full and remains so for an impressively long time. In terms of the color, it is perfect for holiday decorations!
This product dries much faster than other similar products available on the market. It provides a premium grade finish without burning a hole in your pocket. Additionally, one container consists of 11 ounces of product, which lasts a long time and comfortably covers several small to medium projects.
Although the spray has a metallic finish, it is not only meant for metallic or steel surfaces. You may use it to spruce up wood, plastic, paper and several other materials. The beautiful color and coverage lasts just as well across all surfaces and materials.
Moreover, this product has less fume and odor than several other competing products. This makes it safe for children to use in their projects too. Enjoy quick coverage and a long-lasting rose gold plating – as easy as 1 2 3!
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4. Rust-Oleum 7251830 Stops Rust Metallic Spray Paint
Oil-based formulas make for some of the best spray paint, which is why we just had to recommend yet another. This particular product guarantees a long-lasting coating which will survive year upon year of usage. It is suitable for use with metal, plastic, masonry, wood and several other materials.
The smooth nozzle on the product delivers a uniform, uninterrupted layer. This layer also works as a protective layer on your items. Additionally, it also acts as a weather-proof coating, allowing your items to survive high humidity, rain and shine!
Furthermore, the layer itself stays intact for several years while preventing the surface from abrasion, rust and other signs of wear and tear.
It takes 20 minutes for the spray paint to dry. Each 11 ounce can covers 15 square feet of area. Thus, with one can, you will be able to tackle several projects or even one large project. Moreover, the item is also available in a cost-effective pack of 6 cans if you are looking to bring out the big guns.
Mixed into the oil-based formula are actual metal flakes which provides a brilliant shine. This feature sets the product apart from its competitors. What’s more, the product is available in several colors. You are bound to find one that fits your requirements!
Even though the price tag on this product is on the heavier side relative to competing products, you truly do get what you are paying for. Your paint job and the item itself are going to keep their finish for years to come.
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5. Rust-Oleum 7779830-6PK Stops Rust Spray Paint
As you can tell by the name of this product, this is pretty much the one stop solution for steel and metal objects. A paint that promises to stop rust should surely be in your consideration set – especially for items that you want a long lifespan out of, such as car parts, oven components, cycle and so forth.
In addition to the super-reliable rust protection, the paint also provides immunity against corrosion or other sorts of damaged. This, in addition to being a UV resistant formula, makes it a great choice for outdoor furniture, decorative pieces or bikes and cycles.
Due to being oil-based, the formula is almost guaranteed to never chip or peel, even under unfavorable weather conditions. It also does a wonderful job of creating an abrasion proof layer on your items which makes it a top pick for items that are in high-traffic areas of your home.
The paint may take up to four hours to dry however, once it does dry completely it remains indestructible for years. As for the user’s comfort, the can comes with a wide finger-pad which prevents fatigue of the fingers during use. Additionally, an any-angle spray makes painting hard to reach areas easier than ever.
Available in several colors and buying options (single can, 2 pack and 6 pack), this particular product truly lives up to its name. Your steel and metal objects will have their longevity extended with the help of this product!
Suggested reading: Automotive Paint Gun Reviews & Buying guide.
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6. Krylon K08801007 'Dual' Superbond Paint and Primer
Spray painting itself is a very speedy process – but that way more than we can say for sanding or priming. So when it comes to making spray painting even more convenient and time-efficient, this product does it by combining primer with its paint, making sure you can skip one step entirely.
In addition to not requiring to prime, the formula is also a non-drop no-run formula which makes spraying mess-free. One downside of this paint is that it takes longer to dry than most of the competing products. However, not having to sand or prime makes this a more time effective solution either way.
Once the paint sets, you are looking at years of chipping and peeling free coverage. This remains true for both indoor and outdoor usage. The product is known to provide superior protection on metal surfaces. Additionally, the coverage remains durable on not just metal but wood, plastic, masonry, ceramic and so on.
Moreover, the spray paint is available for purchase in several colors and finishes. The finishes are gloss, satin and flat and you will most likely find an option that suits your preference. It is also widely available in five different shades to help bring your items back to life.
One 12 ounce container is able to cover 12 to 15 square feet of area. This makes it ample for furniture projects or several DIY projects. If you’re looking for the beauty of spray painting at half the elbow grease, this product surely is your guy!
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7. Rustoleum 249132 Universal Metallic 11 oz Spray Paint
If you’re looking for the best gold spray paint for metal, we’ve got a product that we think might strike your fancy. Available in several colors, this product offers an aged copper option which is one of the most striking gold spray paints on the market.
This premium spray paint is suitable for use with all surfaces. It provides the ultimate coverage on wood, plastic(FYI, here's the best paints for plastic review), concrete, masonry, wicker and of course, metals. This product is also a primer and paint in one, which is a great bonus point for those looking to skip priming and get straight to painting!
Additionally, the trigger on this can is ergonomically designed. It features a two-finger wide trigger grip which provides superior comfort during use and prevents finger fatigue. Moreover, the grip boasts a drip guard which prevents paint from dripping and creating a mess.
With an any-angle spray, you can reach all the areas on your project that are hard to reach such as between chair legs, metal table legs and crevices. The can even works upside down, making sure you do not leave a single portion of your item untouched!
Furthermore, this beautiful formula delivers a smooth, fashionable and rich finish with every layer. Made to be used with both indoor and outdoor items, the oil based formula will prevent your items from element damage, wear and tear at all times, for years to come.
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8. Krylon K08976000 SUPERMAXX Spray Paint
The next product on our list is equally popular among graffiti artists, hobbyist and professional users alike – and once you see the performance, you will have no doubts as to why. This formula has superior adhesion and bonds really well with hard surfaces such as walls, plastic, laminates, steel, metal and such.
Additionally, being a two in one formula, this product eliminates the need to sand and prime your object prior to painting it. Once you have sprayed on the paint according to your preference in coverage, it will take up to 25 minutes to dry to the touch. After two hours, you can handle the items without ruining the paint.
The can features a comfortable and wide push tip which, designed keeping ergonomics in mind, prevents finger fatigue even after long hours of work. Once sprayed on, the smooth and full coverage lasts for several years.
Besides, it also prevents rust and corrosion from affecting the surface, making it the perfect choice for metal and steel.
Users have attested to this budget friendly spray paint being commercial grade. Thus, if you are a professional user, you can count on this product to deliver results that you will be proud to pass on to customers. However, the paint is not compatible with high temperature, which you may want to keep in mind.
As a bonus, this product is also available in other colors and finishes. To enjoy damage proof paint for several years to come, this is one of the tried and true products. Protect your items by choosing a paint that does the job for you!
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9. Rust-Oleum 7578838 - 6 PK Professional High Performance Enamel Spray Paint
This recommendation is geared more towards professional users than hobbyists – however, both parties can enjoy the performance of this commercial grade spray paint equally! The paint is truly made to last on all sorts of surfaces and the rust protection feature makes metal one of the best surfaces to use it on.
Moreover, it has an oil-based formula which, by now, you may have gathered that we highly recommend. Oil-based formulas deliver a smooth finish which solvent based formulas are less likely to be able to match up to. Thus, we are sure you will love the finish of this product!
In addition to being able to rule out rust and corrosion, the paint also makes your item weather-proof. This makes it one of the best spray paint for metal outdoor furniture. If you are a professional, you can use this on outdoor furniture without worrying about it backfiring on you and your clients.
The can on this product boasts a high output tip which is a great bonus. This feature gets the job done much faster by spraying evenly in several directions, resulting in a smooth finish, fast. It can also be sprayed at all angles, making it easier to cover every corner and crevice.
This particular product comes in several colors and finishes, leaving plenty of options for you to choose from. Spruce up everything starting from DIY to commercial projects with this tried and tested spray paint.
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10. Rust-Oleum 248903 Automotive 12-Ounce High Heat 2000 Degree Spray Paint
Failed to find a paint that sticks to your car parts, gadgets or appliance components for as long as you would want it to? Fret not, because we have for you a spray paint that resists up to 2000 degree Fahrenheit. Yes! You’re reading this right!
This spray paint is an automotive heat spray which is perfectly suited to paint items that have to function in high heat or friction. Some perfect examples are components in a car engine, the body of a car and so on. With this product, you will see results that exceed your expectations by several folds.
More so, the product is essentially a flat, protective enamel formula that bonds really well with bare metals. This means that for maximum results, you will have to sand and prime (with high heat primers) the surface prior to using the spray paint. However, that’s barely any work for paint that resists 10 times the boiling temperature of water.
Needless to say, the paint is totally resistant to humidity, grease, oil and other element hazards. The paint dries to touch in 30 minutes but takes much longer to dry enough for handling. Once it does, it becomes indestructible.
The comfort tip makes spraying the paint much easier and does not cause finger fatigue even after hours of use. Additionally, the tip sprays evenly in all directions, resulting in a quick and even coating. This product is truly one of the best in the market!
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11. Rust-Oleum Automotive 260771 11-Ounce 2000 Degrees High Heat Spray
Last, but nowhere near the least, on our shining list is yet another high temperature automotive spray – this time in a clear, colorless, glossy finish. As with the previous product, this product also resists up to 2000 degree Fahrenheit.
The can comes with a comfort spray tip which prevents pain and fatigue in your fingers after hours of use. Additionally, the nozzle delivers a smooth and even application, making painting very fast.
You will get the best results from this particular product if you sand the surface and use a high heat primer prior to spray painting. The paint takes a while to dry well enough for handling. Once it does, you will have coverage that resists rust, corrosions, the elements, grease, oil, solvents – the list just keeps going on!
Furthemore, the glossy finish of the product does not deteriorate under any condition. It bonds exceptionally well to metal surfaces and withstands the heat. This product is a perfect choice for items such as engine components or home appliance parts which may get very hot due to heat and friction.
If you are looking for a complete no-nonsense, this is it. The clear protective layer is not here to just make your objects look better, rather it protects it against everything that could possibly ruin!
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Things to Consider Before Buying
What could be so complicated about picking a spray paint and just spraying it on, right? Not really, but we’re here to walk you through the steps of picking the perfect spray paint for your needs!
Surface Compatibility
The spray paints we’ve reviewed all work spectacularly with metal – however, other products from the very same brands may not. Looking into the compatibility of the paint on which the surface or material you wish to paint is a very important step.
This determines whether the paint will stick to the surface, whether it will cause more harm to the original surface than good and so on. So, before picking up a paint ensure it works with your desired material, be it metal, plastic, wood, paper or something else.
Temperature Resistance
As metals are good conductors of heat, you have to ensure the spray paint you are choosing is built to resist such heat!
Indoor and Outdoor Usage
Not all spray paints are built to survive the elements. If you are using such a product, you would be best off keeping your creations indoors. For outdoor items, specifically look for outdoor friendly paints.
Priming and Sanding
Priming and sanding are two steps that some people do not mind while others, understandably, loathe. If you relate to the latter, look into 2 in 1 or primer + paint products so you can eliminate the two tedious steps (and save some time in the process)!
Oil vs. Solvent
Formulas are mainly either oil-based or solvent-based. Oil based formulas are very popular for the even and smooth finish they provide which is not to say solvent based paints do not perform well. End of the day, it boils down to your preference!
- Grip and Comfort
If you’re getting started on a project, we assume you will be pressing down pretty hard on the spray tip for a while. Thus, if comfort is of importance to you, look for wide spray tips or, even better, trigger grips. These two types prevent your fingers from becoming fatigued.
- Drying Time
Lastly, drying time! For automotive parts, furniture or other big projects, leaving the paint to dry for hours is worth it. For quick and fun DIY projects however, that may not always be the case. Thus, look into fast drying paints that let you handle and use your items as soon as possible!
Also Read: Best Dust Extractors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answered below are some questions we often come across.
1. Is spray paint safe for the skin?
As much as we would like to say yes, most spray paints are toxic and unsafe for the skin. Keep spray paints away from children or those with preexisting skin conditions.
2. Do I need to wear protective gear to use spray paint?
Goggles and masks are a must when using spray paint as they prevent the fumed from entering your body.
3. Is sanding and priming a mandatory step?
Sanding ensures that you have gotten all the old paint off the surface and fixed kinks, if any. Priming makes sure the product you spray adheres well. These two are somewhat indispensable steps however, they can surely be ignored if you are using 2 in 1 sprays!
4. How long does spray paint take to dry?
On metal and steel, it generally takes up to 30 minutes to dry to the touch and up to 4 hours to dry well enough for handling.
5. Why does my paint always apply unevenly?
Before applying, shake the bottle really well – you should hear a ball rattling. This ensures the paint is in good consistency and ready to be applied. If it is still uneven, you may want to sand and prime the surface you are painting.
Final Words
Spray painting can bring forth a world of fun. For hobbyists and professionals alike, spray paints are a miracle product that makes work fast and fun. So go ahead and purchase the best spray paint for metal – we’re just as excited for you to create something as you are!
In addition, for those who are interested to learn about ceiling paints, we covered this article for them.
