Painting a metal surface is more difficult than others. You must clean it properly, wash it with soap and water, and use sandpaper or a wire brush to wipe off fine rust. Only then can you apply paint to it.

Also, various types of metal paints are available in the market, making it difficult to choose one. 

So, if you wonder what paint will work on your metal furniture or art piece, keep reading. This metal paint guide will discuss suitable paints for metal surfaces and more.   

Different types of paints for metal surfaces

You can get different bases of paint like oil, water, or spry in different temperature competence and containers. And here, we will discuss different types of metal paints and their benefits.

Oil-based metal paints

Oil-based metal paints are quite popular among users and are more durable than other bases. So, if you are looking for metal paint for outdoor furniture or other metal surfaces like gates, window frames, grills, fences, etc., in that case, these kinds of metal paints are good for dent covering and effectively withstand rain, sunlight, and heat.

They are also a bit pricy and can cost 20 USD to 50 USD per gallon. But oil-based metal paints are prone to fading, chipping, and cracking.

So, always buy oil-based paints that have a non-fading guarantee. It is best to use a primer before applying the paint to give a more smooth finish and increase the paint's lifespan. 

Oil-based metal paints also carry an unpleasant odor from the solvent used to create the paint. It also consists of alkyds pigments and plant-based resins and is easily flammable.

But they can be excellent for outdoor metal surfaces and prevent dust, stain, and water to keep your furniture safe. They are also easy to clean and give a glossy look to the object.  

Water-based metal paints

Water-based paints are also good for metal surfaces, especially indoor furniture like kitchen racks, bed frames, kitchen backsplash, bookshelves, and other items.

Water paints are acrylic, rubber, water, pigment, and vinyl. They are easy to dry, non-flammable, and smell-free. Water paints can resist chipping, cracking, and fading, like issues common in oil paints.

Water-based paints are also more cost-effective than other paints. You can get water paint for 15 USD to 40 USD per gallon. Water-based paints are also moisture-proof and can be used in moisture-prone environments.

Using primers can help to prevent rust and make them long-lasting. But water paints are less durable, and applying them directly on the surface can easily cause rust. So, always use oil-based primers before you paint your furniture with water-based paints. 

Spray paints for metal

Water and oil-based paints also come in spray cans or aerosol cans for spray application. It can be a great choice for your painting project if you plan to paint an irregular surface.

Large spray paints are cost-effective and good for painting big surfaces like bed frames, shelves, and tables. And spray cans can be useful if you paint smaller surfaces like chair legs, metal boxes, or a stand. 

The spray paints are very effective in painting irregular surfaces and do not leave lining on the surface, like paint brushes and rollers. They also offer more smooth finish and cover the entire surface evenly.

Painting with spray cans allows you to paint faster than with brush or rollers; you can easily paint large surfaces with some paint sprays. Spray paints are also easy to use and take less time to dry. 

How to choose the right metal paint?

Choosing the right metal paint can be tricky as different types offer pros and cons.

So, to choose the right metal paint for your work, you must keep some basic factors in mind.

Resistance

Resistance is a big factor when choosing paint for your metal furniture. You can opt for water paints if you want stain-resistant paint that can withstand temperature, water, or moisture.

But if you want a glossy finish with heat, water, and dent resistance, then oil paints will be ideal. 

Dry time

Dry time is also a crucial factor you should always remember while buying metal paints.

If you want a quick dry paint, you must choose water-based ones and if you want a smooth and glossy finish that can take some time to dry, then choose oil paints or spry oil paints.

Thickness

Thickness is also important in painting. If you are looking for thick paint that can cover dents, use oil paint, and if you want light-looking paint for interiors, you can select water paint.  

Conclusion

Oil, water, and spray paints all can work for metal surfaces. But you must consider a few facts before choosing one for your painting projects.

Always consider your requirements and see which paint can deliver the desired result before you make a decision.