Metal Paints

Allison Burns
14 min readApr 12, 2024

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Welcome to our roundup article on Metal Paint! Discover the sleek, durable finish that this versatile type of paint offers for various metal surfaces. Join us as we delve into the world of Metal Paint and provide you with a comprehensive review of the top products, offering you the most innovative and reliable choices for your next project. Get ready to elevate your metallic surfaces to new heights of sophistication and durability.

The Top 10 Best Metal Paints

  1. Do It Best Rust Coat Enamel for Metal Protection — Protect your surfaces with Do It Best’s Rust Coat Enamel, offering a durable, rust-resistant alkyd formula suitable for various materials and providing a glossy finish for both indoor and outdoor use.
  2. Gallon Gloss White Acrylic Paint and Primer for Metal Surfaces — Gallon Gloss White Acrylic’Direct to Metal’ Paint and Primer: A tough waterborne acrylic enamel that battles rust and provides a durable, UV-resistant finish for various surfaces.
  3. Durable Polyurethane Metal Coating (1012Q) — Experience unparalleled protection and endurance with Steel-It Black Polyurethane, the versatile and weldable metal paint designed to withstand harsh conditions and incidental food contact.
  4. Do It Best Hunter Green Rust-Proof Enamel — Protect and enhance surfaces with Do It Best Rust Coat Enamel, featuring a durable gloss finish that resists moisture and corrosion.
  5. Majic Rust Kill Metal Paint, Machine Green — Get ready for a rust-free, fade-resistant, and weatherproof finish with Majic Rust Kill Enamel, Machine Green, perfect for transforming residential metal surfaces with ease!
  6. White Gloss Enamel for Industrial Coatings — TTB Gal White Gloss Enamel — A multipurpose, rust-preventative, VOC-compliant enamel for industrial applications, providing excellent coverage and protection for metal surfaces.
  7. Rust-Oleum Alkyd Enamel Gloss Paint for Improved Durability — Rust-Oleum 255554 Alkyd Enamel Paint: Gloss Black, resistant to weathering, ideal for metal surfaces in commercial environments, offering a long-lasting finish and high durability.
  8. Gloss White Enamel Paint for Interior/Exterior Use — Transform your metal surfaces with this versatile, eco-friendly gloss white enamel paint that boasts excellent anti-rust properties and compatibility with safety white.
  9. Rust-Oleum Indoor/Outdoor Gloss White Rust Prevention Paint — Protect your metal surfaces with Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Gloss White Paint, offering superior rust prevention, excellent coverage, and long-lasting color retention.
  10. High-Gloss Imitation Gold Sign Paint for Professional Use — Ideal for professional sign painters, the 1-Shot 191-L Imitation Gold 8 oz offers exceptional hiding, durability, and fade resistance, creating sharp, clean edge lettering on various surfaces.

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Reviews

Do It Best Rust Coat Enamel for Metal Protection

Do It Best Rust Coat Enamel for Metal Protection | Image

The Do It Best 203372D Rust Coat Enamel is a durable and versatile product, offering a solution for protecting various surfaces from rust, corrosion, and moisture damage. Its alkyd formula makes it suitable for use on a range of surfaces, including metal, wood, concrete, and masonry. The product comes in a variety of colors and sizes, with options for half pint, quart, and gallon containers.

Available in 16 half pint and quart colors and 12 gallon colors, this rust preventive enamel provides a glossy finish that can be used both indoors and outdoors. It boasts impressive surface coverage, with 25 square feet per half pint, 100 square feet per quart, and 400 square feet per gallon.

For the best results, consider using a 10% Naphtha reduction when applying the product via spray. The Do It Best 203372D Rust Coat Enamel also offers a range of additional color options, including flat white and black, as well as satin.

In terms of clean-up, mineral spirits is recommended for efficient removal. The product is proudly made in the United States and is ideal for a wide range of environments and applications.

Gallon Gloss White Acrylic Paint and Primer for Metal Surfaces

Gallon Gloss White Acrylic Paint and Primer for Metal Surfaces | Image

I recently tried out the Gallon Gloss White Acrylic ‘Direct to Metal’ Paint and Primer, and let me tell you, it was quite an experience. First off, the paint is a lovely glossy white color, which I found to be perfect for adding that extra shine to my metallic surfaces.

What really stood out to me though, was the paint’s ability to fight rust on metal. It was like the paint had some sort of built-in rust-resistant superpower, leaving my metal surfaces looking as good as new. Not only that, but it also provided a smooth, durable finish on wood, drywall, and masonry substrates.

However, I did find that the paint was a bit of a challenge to clean up. It required soap and water to get it off my tools and brushes, which wasn’t ideal. But overall, I was quite satisfied with this product’s performance and durability. It’s definitely a game-changer for those looking to make their metal surfaces and other substrates stand out.

Durable Polyurethane Metal Coating (1012Q)

Durable Polyurethane Metal Coating (1012Q) | Image

The Steel-It Black Polyurethane is a top-notch choice for protecting metal surfaces. This coat features a distinctive blend of 316L stainless steel flakes that offers exceptional resilience against corrosion, abrasion, and harsh chemicals.

It even manages to withstand washdowns without flaking or chipping, making it an invaluable asset in various industrial settings. Plus, it’s weldable, UV-resistant, and meets USDA standards for incidental food contact. It’s the ultimate pick for your metal painting needs.

Do It Best Hunter Green Rust-Proof Enamel

Do It Best Hunter Green Rust-Proof Enamel | Image

The Do It Best Rust Coat Enamel in Hunter Green is a versatile rust-preventive solution. This alkyd formula not only resists moisture and corrosion but is also safe to use on various surfaces like metal, wood, concrete, and masonry.

With a durable gloss finish perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, you can enjoy a seamless coating experience. The surface coverage information suggests that you can cover up to 25 square feet per 1/2 pint, 100 square feet per quart, and 400 square feet per gallon.

If you’re planning to spray, you can add Naphtha (10% Naphtha 12 oz. per gallon) to reduce the thickness. Available in a wide range of sizes and colors, including flat white and black, and satin finish, this product offers a reliable rust-resistant solution for your home and workplace needs.

Majic Rust Kill Metal Paint, Machine Green

Majic Rust Kill Metal Paint, Machine Green | Image

Recently, I tried Majic Rust Kill Enamel in a bright, machine green color for my home’s outdoor metal surfaces. The product’s rust-inhibiting pigment quickly dried to a long-lasting, weatherproof finish that left my surfaces looking fresh and vibrant. As someone who values outdoor decor, I loved how it was both fade-resistant and non-yellowing.

Despite its excellent features, I did notice that the drying time was a bit longer than I expected, taking about 6–8 hours for a touch-dry finish and 24 hours for a full recoat. Additionally, I found that the Majic Rust Kill Enamel had a relatively heavy texture, which required me to apply it carefully to ensure a smooth finish.

Overall, my experience with the Majic Rust Kill Enamel was quite positive. The vibrant color, long-lasting finish, and rust protection made it a worthwhile investment for my outdoor decor.

White Gloss Enamel for Industrial Coatings

White Gloss Enamel for Industrial Coatings | Image

TTB Gal White Gloss Enamel is a versatile paint that has been a game-changer in my life lately. With its ability to prevent rust and serve as both paint and primer in one application, this enamel has been a handy addition to my toolbox.

As someone who frequently works on industrial equipment and machinery, the fact that this enamel is a direct-to-metal option is incredibly convenient. It simplifies the process of applying paint, and I’ve noticed a noticeable decrease in the amount of time spent on preparing and priming surfaces before applications.

One of the standout features of this enamel is its white gloss finish. It truly makes a difference aesthetically, giving a sharp and clean look to any object it’s applied to. Additionally, its industrial X-O Rust formula ensures a high level of durability, meaning I don’t have to worry about the paint chipping or fading away too quickly.

However, there are a few downsides to using this enamel. Firstly, it is classified as a hazardous material, which means it needs to be handled with care and caution. Secondly, since it’s marketed as an industrial product, it can be a bit more pricey than some of the other paint options available.

In conclusion, TTB Gal White Gloss Enamel is a high-quality product that’s perfect for those with industrial needs. While it has a few drawbacks, like the hazardous materials label and its higher price, the pros far outweigh the cons. The quick and easy application process, along with the superior quality of the finish, make this enamel an essential addition to any painting arsenal.

Rust-Oleum Alkyd Enamel Gloss Paint for Improved Durability

Rust-Oleum Alkyd Enamel Gloss Paint for Improved Durability | Image

Introducing Rust-Oleum Alkyd Enamel Paint, a versatile and durable choice for your industrial painting needs. Ideal for indoor and outdoor metal surfaces in mild to moderate commercial environments, this paint is praised for its excellent resistance to general weathering, salt air, mild chemical fumes, and light abrasion.

Offering a smooth and easy-to-use application experience, the Enamel Paint can be applied using a brush, roll, or spray. Available in a 1-gallon container, it covers a range of 265 to 440 square feet, with a dry time of 8 to 12 hours and a recoat time of 24 hours. Its modified alkyd resin type ensures optimal performance for metal surfaces, even in colder temperatures ranging from 0 to 38 degrees Celsius.

Boasting a gloss black finish, Rust-Oleum Alkyd Enamel Paint is a top choice among users for its durability and high-quality performance. With 4 stars and 4 reviews from satisfied customers, the paint has proven its worth on both industrial and commercial metal applications. From pool frames and patios to floors handling heavy foot and forklift traffic, this product consistently delivers a bright, clean surface ready to withstand the daily wear and tear.

Gloss White Enamel Paint for Interior/Exterior Use

Gloss White Enamel Paint for Interior/Exterior Use | Image

The gloss white enamel paint I tried recently has become my go-to for both indoor and outdoor touch-ups. This versatile paint provided a vibrant finish and impressive coverage in just one coat. Plus, it’s water-based, making cleanup a breeze.

However, I did find it a bit difficult to evenly apply in some areas and noticed slight dripping during the process. Overall, I’d recommend this paint for its affordability, but be prepared to spend some extra time dabbing and drying for a flawless finish.

Rust-Oleum Indoor/Outdoor Gloss White Rust Prevention Paint

Rust-Oleum Indoor/Outdoor Gloss White Rust Prevention Paint | Image

As someone who loves DIY projects, I was excited to try out the Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Indoor and Outdoor Gloss White paint. I had heard great things about it, and wanted to see if it could really prevent rust on my outdoor metal furniture.

First impressions were great. The paint had a rich, glossy white finish that looked sleek and professional. I applied it to my metal table set, and the coverage was impressive — I didn’t have to worry about going over the same area multiple times. The paint dried quickly, which was a nice bonus, and it had a pleasant, familiar scent.

While I was pleased with the paint’s performance, there were a few things I noticed that could be improved. First, the paint took quite a long time to fully cure, which meant I had to wait longer than expected before using my furniture again. Additionally, I found that the paint did not have the best chip resistance — after a few weeks, I noticed some minor chips in the paint.

Overall, the Rust-Oleum Stops Rust paint is a good choice for preventing rust on metal surfaces. With its sleek finish and impressive coverage, it’s a solid option for those looking to protect their outdoor furniture. However, buyers should be aware of the longer cure time and potential for chipping.

High-Gloss Imitation Gold Sign Paint for Professional Use

High-Gloss Imitation Gold Sign Paint for Professional Use | Image

I’ve been using this 1-Shot 191-L Imitation Gold for a while now, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. As a sign painter, I need a paint that’s easy to work with and provides great results. This enamel does just that. The high gloss finish gives an eye-catching shine, and its durability is outstanding. Whether I’m working on a storefront or a vehicle, this paint has got me covered.

However, there’s a note of caution. As professional paints, these are not intended for use by children. And many colors contain lead, so make sure to handle them with care. Overall, this gold imitation enamel is a top choice for anyone looking to make their signage stand out. But remember, it’s a tool meant for the pros, so handle it with the respect it deserves.

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to metal paints, there are several key features and considerations to take into account to ensure you choose the right product for your needs. This guide will provide an overview of general features, considerations, and advice to help you make an informed decision.

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Types of Metal Paints

When shopping for metal paint, you’ll find two main types: rust-inhibiting primers and topcoats. Rust-inhibiting primers are designed specifically to protect metal surfaces from rust and corrosion. They usually contain anti-corrosive additives and are formulated to adhere well to metal surfaces. Topcoats, on the other hand, are designed to provide a colorful finish and are often more durable than primers.

Coverage and Durability

The coverage and durability of a metal paint can vary greatly. To ensure you’re getting the best product for your needs, consider how much coverage you need and how long you want your paint to last. In general, a higher-quality metal paint will offer better coverage and durability. However, this may also come with a higher price tag.

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Application Techniques

When applying metal paint, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This includes properly preparing the metal surface, using the correct application tools, and allowing adequate time for the paint to dry and cure. Proper application techniques will help ensure the longevity and appearance of your metal paint finish.

Environmental Impact

If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your metal paint, consider choosing a water-based or low-VOC (volatile organic compound) option. These types of paints typically have lower emissions and are more environmentally friendly than traditional oil-based paints. Additionally, recycling and proper disposal of paint cans and materials is crucial for reducing waste and environmental impact.

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FAQ

What are the benefits of using metal paint?

Metal paint offers several benefits, such as enhanced durability, resistance to rust and corrosion, and a long-lasting finish that requires less maintenance. It can revive the appearance of old metal surfaces, making them look new again, and can also provide a protective barrier against harsh weather conditions.

Additionally, metal paint comes in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing you to customize the look of your metal surfaces according to your preferences and style. This makes it a versatile option for both interior and exterior applications, as well as for various types of metal surfaces, such as metal roofs, gutters, and furniture.

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What types of metals can metal paint be used on?

Metal paint can be used on a wide range of metal surfaces, including aluminum, stainless steel, copper, brass, and zinc. It can also be applied to galvanized steel, wrought iron, and cast iron. The choice of paint type and application methods may vary depending on the specific metal surface and the desired result.

It is essential to prepare the metal surface properly before applying the paint, as this will ensure better adhesion and a more durable finish. Proper preparation typically involves cleaning, sanding, and priming the surface to remove any dirt, oil, or rust, and to create a stable foundation for the paint to adhere to.

How long does it take for metal paint to dry?

The drying time for metal paint can vary depending on factors such as the paint type, the weather conditions, and the application method. Generally, metal paints can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to fully dry and cure. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for specific drying times and environmental conditions.

During the drying process, it is essential to avoid touching, handling, or exposing the painted surface to moisture or dampness, as this can interfere with the curing process and compromise the finish. Once the paint is fully dry and cured, it will be ready for use and will provide the desired protection and decoration for your metal surfaces.

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Can metal paint be used for rust protection?

Yes, metal paint can be used for rust protection. Many metal paint formulations contain corrosion inhibitors and rust-resistant agents that provide a barrier against rust and corrosion. Applying metal paint to a rusted surface can help to prevent further rusting and provide a more durable and attractive finish.

In addition to using metal paint for rust protection, it is also important to address the root cause of rust by repairing any damage or holes in the metal surface, and ensuring proper drainage and ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. Consistent maintenance and inspections can also help to extend the lifespan of your metal surfaces and maintain their performance and appearance.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when applying metal paint?

Some common mistakes to avoid when applying metal paint include not preparing the surface properly, applying too much paint, and not allowing the paint to dry and cure properly. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for surface preparation, application methods, and drying times to achieve the best results and a long-lasting finish.

Additionally, avoiding direct sunlight and extreme temperatures during the application and drying process can help to prevent paint failure and maintain the integrity of the finish. Proper ventilation and ensuring that the painted surface is not exposed to moisture or dampness are also crucial for maintaining a high-quality finish and preventing any issues with the paint.

What are some popular brands for metal paint?

There are several popular brands for metal paint, including Rust-Oleum, Krylon, Valspar, and Dupli-Color. These brands offer a wide range of metal paint products, such as primers, undercoats, topcoats, and speciality finishes, to suit various metal surfaces and applications. It is essential to choose a high-quality paint that is suitable for your specific needs and metal surface to ensure the best results and performance.

When selecting a paint, consider factors such as the paint’s coverage, drying time, durability, and ease of application. Additionally, reading reviews and seeking recommendations from paint professionals or other users can help you to make an informed decision and find a paint that meets your requirements.

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