9 Best Spray Paint For Metals – Top Picks

Painting allows you to express your feelings and emotions in the most creative way. It controls calmness in an open environment where one may freely express their imagination without fear of repercussions. But why is the activity only fascinating on canvas? Even though we can paint anything we want!

Many people hire experts or outsource even for the smallest piece of work when it comes to layering furniture or household stuff, like painting a metal window or fence, which is really not an efficient way of spending your hard-earned money. To be honest, spending most of your weekend painting your patio does not seem very appealing.

However, coating a metal is quite messy and tedious if a suitable procedure is not followed. Fortunately, different brands of spray paints exist to make this otherwise overwhelming task more manageable.

With so many options, you’re probably trying to figure out which spray paint is best for you. In this article, we will review the top 9 spray paints for metals that can be found online so you can discover the one that corresponds to your requirements and become creative.

OUR TOP 3 PICKS OF BEST spray PAINT FOR METAL

HOW DID WE FINALIZE THE PRODUCT?

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of spray paints for metals, but not all of them are built equally. To separate the best from the rest, we developed strict rating criteria, including the significant factors that pinch every DIY consumer.

1. Price 

 We will start with the most obvious one; price is the most crucial factor that affects a consumer’s buying decision. Nobody will spend an exuberant amount of money to repaint their metal doors or windows, so we got rid of the products which did not justify their price and kept the ones that offered the most value for money.

2. Covered Surface Area

There are many products available in the market right now which are excellent at their job but cover a tiny surface area per bottle. The problem is that even if the color and finish are perfect, you will have to buy a large quantity which will significantly increase your price. So we have only selected spray paints for metals that cover more than least ten sq. ft. per bottle.

3. Convenience

Convenience is another essential aspect when it comes to a DIY project. We have deliberately tried to avoid any spray paints which require a lot of care and expertise. So you face the least amount of problems throughout your project and enjoy it all the way to the very end.

BEST SPRAY PAINT FOR METALS

Metals are beautiful and fascinating surfaces due to their unique structure and finishing. But their beauty goes as far as the final coat of paint they got. Their surfaces are also susceptible to weather, corrosion, and other external factors, which is why regularly giving them a fresh coat is necessary.

You can always rely on metal spray paints to keep your metal surfaces fresh and smooth. So without further delay, let’s get into the list of the 9 best spray paints for metals.

1. Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint

Key Features 

• Works on both indoor and outdoor surfaces
• Dries up quickly (usually in 20 minutes)
• Recoat can be applied just 2 hours after the 1^st layer
• Does not require priming

It is a paint primer mix with a wide nozzle. The combination reduces the time by limiting the priming factor, and the wide nozzle covers large areas in a short amount, which significantly reduces your project time.

What needs to be improved?

This bottle is quite expensive compared to the other items on our list, but what it offers and how much it reduces your project duration made it our top-notch choice. 

2. Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover

Key Features 

• Oil-based formula
• Works on both indoor and outdoor surfaces
• Can be applied on masonry and plaster surfaces
• Almost odorless

What do we like best?

The Rust-Oleum 249115-6 is by far the best-budgeted product in the market. It’s universal and can even work on unorthodox surfaces like masonry plaster and glass surfaces which make it one of the best spray paint for metals in the market.

The oil-based formula of this specific product makes it odorless and durable. In the long term, the paint won’t peel or chip thanks to its high resilience, increasing its monetary value.

What needs to be improved?

Compared to its rivals, the Rust-Oleum 249115-6 covers a smaller surface area, but its pocket-friendly price makes up for the reduced coverage.

3. Krylon Color Master Paint + Primer

Key Features 

• Quick drying ability
• Equipped with EZ touch feature
• 360-degree dial spray tip
• Provides a smooth finish

What do we like best?

If you are looking for spray paint that does not take long to dry, look any further than Krylon K05125207! It dries faster than any other metal spray paint on the market and is very efficient on iron surfaces which usually require multiple coats.

Moreover, it includes an EZ touch feature and a 360-degree dial spray tip, making it very dynamic and user-friendly for a DIY user.

What needs to be improved?

The only drawback we encountered is its adhesion which can be a problem on glossy surfaces like glass and shiny metals, but it’s not much of an issue as this product is primarily used on rough iron surfaces.

4. Krylon Fusion All-in-One – Versatile

Key Features 

• Provides a satin finish to the surface
• Works on metals, plastics, and even PVC tiles
• Covers the metal with a subtle sheen layer
• Dries up quickly

What do we like best?

The Krylon fusion 2753 spray paint can turn the metal surface white, which may seem strange but is really very attractive. It can provide a satin finish which covers the metal with a sheen layer. Windows and doors benefit from this sheen layer since the paint
is applied more evenly, and they integrate into their lighter surroundings better.

Another selling point of this product is its versatility. It works on unorthodox surfaces like wood and PVC, without prior sanding or priming.

What needs to be improved?

The adhesive properties of the product can be substantially impaired in hot temperatures. To deal with this problem, avoid painting directly under the sun. 

5. Rust-Oleum Hammered Finish- Rust Resistant

Key Features 

• Maximum corrosion resistance
• Hammered metal finish
• Oil-based formula provides protection
• Resistance to abrasion

6. Krylon High Heat Spray Paint- Heat Resistant

Key Features 

• High heat resisitant
• Fairly priced 
• User friendly 
• Covers large surface area

What do we like best?

If you are a restaurant owner wanting to repaint your kitchen grill or a regular consumer who wants to give his BBQ grill a fresh coat, the Krylon K0150500 is one of the best spray paint for metals you can currently buy. It is highly heat resistant, and its formula is specifically manufactured to coat surfaces that regularly face high heat. 

Another upside of using this solution is that it covers a large surface area, and as we know, iron grills require multiple coats, so it can also save you much time. Finally, the product is very reasonably priced, so even if you have to buy multiple sprays, it will not mess up your budget too much.

What needs to be improved?

Its restricted color range might be an issue for some creative minds. But the limited color palette is not a big deal for professionals who just want to paint their grill either black or brown.

7. Krylon ColorMaxx Spray Paint – Gloss Smoke Grey -Outdoor Specialist

Key Features 

• Paint and primer mix
• Dries up fairly quickly
• Rust, corrosion and moisture resistant 
• Covers large surface 

What do we like best?

Outdoor metal surfaces are particularly bothersome when selecting paint for them. The reason is metal’s vulnerability to harsh weather and moisture. To save you from the hassle, we found a product that single-handedly tackles all metallic concerns. 

The Krylon K05539007 is a paint and primer mix product that is both corrosion and moisture-resistant and also offers resistance to UV rays to some extent. The product also covers a large surface area and dries up quickly, which makes it perfect for other DIY projects, including craftsmanship.

What needs to be improved?

The product is not suitable to work on interior projects due to its high level of toxicity. Still, it can be considered a significant flaw as its primary role is to work on exterior surfaces.

8. Rust-Oleum Universal All-Surface Spray Paint – Fade Resistant

Key Features 

• Universal product
• Strong oil-based formula
• Corrosion and rust free 
• Quick drying formula   

What do we like best?

Longevity is a big concern for many people when it comes to finding the best spray paint for metals. Many products (even higher-end ones) provide an excellent finish, but it fades away with time. If you want to avoid this problem, the Rust-Oleum 249131 11 is the perfect spray paint for you!

The paint has a powerful oil-based formula that provides it with long-term durability. It is also corrosion and rust resistant which makes it ideal for outdoor use as well. Unlike other oil-based paints, this one does not require much time to dry (usually up to 30 min).

What needs to be improved?

The nozzle is not very user-friendly and can cause blistering if used for longer durations. The best way to avoid this problem is by using the spray in consecutive small durations.

9. Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Spray Paint – Vintage Look

Key Features 

• Creates a vintage look
• Ideal for interior surfaces
• Strong adhesion 
• Dries up quickly   

What do we like best?

If you are not very fond of bright/vivid colors and are looking for a metal spray paint that gives your interior a more vintage look, Rust-Oleum 302591A3 is the perfect product for you. This paint provides your surface with an elegant matte look that stays on long after a glossy one loses its shine.

The product’s active ingredients are oil-based, giving it extra adhesion on various surfaces, including glass, wood, plastic, and even fiberglass. The paint comes in a variety of colors and dries up quickly, so you can change the color of your interior to your liking whenever
you want.

What needs to be improved?

When you are trying to cover a dark-colored surface with a lighter color, it will take multiple coats (usually three or more) to change the tone of your metal surface completely.

How to Prepare for A DIY Paint Job?

To be sure, painting is a simple chore, particularly with the specific list we’ve supplied. There are a few things we need to cover, though, before we get started on the actual job.

Perform these steps to have the best painting experience, along with a smooth finish.

1. Remove Old Paint

If the paint is too old, it may have started chipping due to rust and corrosion. In that case, you can scrap the stain with a scraper or use a metal spray paint remover to do the job for you in much less time.

If the paint is not flaking and you want to give the color a fresher look, you can simply coat over the previous layer without having to remove any of it. You can always count on Krylon Fusion All-In-One spray paint for the job.

2. Clean the Surface

Once you have removed the previous paint, the metal surface will be rough and rusty. Spray painting over it will not do any good. So first, you must thoroughly clean the surface with sanding paper and wet clothes. It will provide a smooth layer for the paint to spread evenly on the surface of the metal.

3. Apply Primer

Applying primer is crucial when it comes to using spray paint for metals. A primer acts as a middleman between the metal and the paint. It evens out the metal surface and increases the life of the paint by many folds.

During manufacturing, some metal spray paints are already induced with primer, so you don’t need to use a separate primer before coating with those specific products.

4. Finish

Finally, apply the paint on your metal surface, wait for it to dry, and spray consecutive coats if necessary. Once you finish the project, your metal doors and furniture will be as good as new.

FACTORS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER WHILE LOOKING FOR A SPRAY PAINT REMOVER FOR METALS

All the products we have mentioned have their own strengths and weaknesses. Knowing which product will suit you the best requires an extent of knowledge that only comes from experience.

But if you are a newbie, don’t get disappointed. Our buying guide will help you determine the spray paint for metal that is in accordance with the demands of your project.

Finish of the Paint

A common misconception about metal spray paints is that the shinier they are, the better they will look, which is not valid. The main reason for painting a surface is to give it your desired color.

Of course, many prefer matte or satin finish over glossy ones to give their metal a vintage appearance instead of a shiny one. Metal spray paints come in different finishes, even in the same colors. Hence, you must analyze your requirements first before purchasing the product.

Adhesion

Metal surfaces may be shiny or rusty, but in any case, it’s crucial to have spray paint that adheres well to metal. In the case of a shiny surface, if the adhesion is not strong enough, the paint will simply run off.

On the other hand, weak adhesive paint on a rusted metal surface can lead to flaking and chipping just a few months after the coat. That is why you should always go for adhesive solid paints whenever you paint a metal surface.

Protection

Metals are vulnerable surfaces that cannot stand unprotected in harsh weather. They are susceptible to deterioration from exposure to humidity and sunlight.

Most products in our list offer a specialized form of protection from the above-mentioned hazards, with much providing universal protection in every season. So it’s up to you to decide which issue gives you the most problem and then choose the best spray paint for metals according to your own needs.

Drying Time

Drying time can single-handedly limit your project duration to an hour or extend it to the whole weekend. All paints have different drying periods depending upon the type of formula they have.

If you are looking just simply to recoat over a fine old metal surface, you should go for the shorter drying period paints to save time.

But if you are painting on a rusted surface for the first time, we advise using the strong oil-based formula. The drying period will be extended, but the results will be much better.

Durability 

Metal spray paints tend to flake, chip, and fade with time. A coat’s lifetime is directly related to its paint’s durability. The more durable ones tend to last longer and take years to fade.

Durable products are more costly than their less stable counterparts. But their long-lasting effect saves you from repainting the surface every few months, significantly lowering your long-term cost.

LAST WORDS

Painting is an enjoyable hobby in its own right, which is why we researched and identified the nine finest spray paints for metals. These items are easy to work with and will provide a great deal of enjoyment to your endeavor.

We have also provided you with the necessary steps for preparation so you don’t run into a beginner’s issue. Our buying guide is also quite extensive and will help you pinpoint which product will suit your specific project the most.

But remember, our provided list is by no means exhaustive. There are hundreds of products out there. If you want us to tell you about a particular product, mention it to us in the comments section below and we will be happy to review it for you. 

So what are you waiting for now? Grab that bottle and start painting!