To start with, ‘what are the best spray paints for metal’? Tricky as the question may sound, it’s not out of place. The market has a lot of products that will lay claim to being the best. Never mind, we’ve mitigated the risk of you spending your hard-earned money on poor spray paints.
Here is a list of our 10 best spray paint for metal surfaces:
- Best OVERALL: Krylon K02719007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint
- Best Value: Rust-Oleum 249115-6 PK Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover
- Best for Outdoor Use: Krylon K05539007 COLORmaxx Spray Paint and Primer
- Best for Indoor Use: Krylon K02732007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint
- Best Heat Resistance: Krylon K01709077 High Heat Spray Paint
- Best Rust Resistance: Rust-Oleum 7215830-3PK Stops Rust Hammered Spray Paint
- Best UV-Resistant: Krylon K01309 UV-Resistant Matte Spray Paint
- Best Fast-Drying: Rust-Oleum 249127 Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover
- Best Matte Finish: Montana Cans Montana Effect 400 ml Marble Color
- Best Spray Paint for Rusted Metal: Rust-Oleum 248903A3 Automotive High Heat Spray Paint
Let’s read on!
Table of Contents
10 Best Spray Paint for Metal Reviews
Best OVERALL: Krylon K02719007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint
The Krylon K02719007 ticks all the boxes, making it the best overall. This multicolor, multipurpose, and multi-surface formula works for indoor and outdoor projects, offering rust and corrosion protection. It’ll give your metal furniture a refreshing look with its gloss finish and vibrant purple color.
The product dries to touch in 20 minutes and will require little or no surface prep. With this solution, you won’t have to sand or prime the metal surface because it comes with a self-priming substance.
What’s more, with a 12 oz. can of spray paint of this product, you can cover up to 25 square feet. This ensures that your project completes in good time.
| Paint type | Spray |
| Drying time | Dries fast (20 minutes) |
| Application | Interior and exterior |
| Color/Material | Purple/Solvent-based |
| Finish type | Gloss |
Pros
- Hides dirt and imperfections
- Great for multiple surfaces and purposes
- Gloss finish
- Doesn’t need priming or sanding
Cons
- Runny and watery
- Pricier than value
Best Value: Rust-Oleum 249115-6 PK Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover
Looking for RustOleum oil-based spray paint that works on various surfaces and for different purposes? The 249115-6 is the right pick. This formula will give an amazing gloss finish to your interior and exterior surfaces.
If you choose to apply this paint on wood, metal, masonry, plaster, plastic, or unglazed ceramic, you’ll be spot on. Oil-based, yet the 249115-6 is extremely low on odor. It will resist all forms of flaking, cracking, or chipping.
When it comes to coverage, 12 square feet isn’t a poor outing per can of this solution. It will dry out completely in 20 minutes. The good thing is that the paint provides amazing hide to dirt regardless of UV exposure.
| Paint type | Oil |
| Drying time | Dries fast (20 minutes) |
| Application | Interior and exterior: wood, metal, plastic, unglazed ceramic, etc. |
| Color/Material | Gloss Dark Gray/Oil-based |
| Finish type | Gloss |
Pros
- Works for indoor and outdoor projects
- Durable and long-lasting
- Low odor
- Provides rust protection
Cons
- Prone to chemical reaction
- Average coverage
Best for Outdoor Use: Krylon K05539007 COLORmaxx Spray Paint and Primer
For the best spray paint formula for outdoor use, the Krylon K05539007 should be your number choice. It has quality resistance to chipping and crumbling. Regardless of the shenanigans of harsh weather, rust, corrosion, moisture, chemical change, this product won’t budge.
As a Krylon product, this guy has a self-priming capacity that makes you’re a lot easier. You won’t have to buy any extra can of primer. Yet, it adheres and bonds well to the surface. This accounts for its excellent durability in and out of season.
It’s good for household, DIY, and craft projects. Crafters with fabric, paper, paper mache, hard surfaces, or craft foam will find this formula their right pick.
| Paint type | Spray |
| Drying time | Dries fast (30 minutes) |
| Application | Outdoor: paper mache, paper, fabric, craft foam, etc. |
| Color/Material | Smoke Gray/Solvent-based |
| Finish type | Gloss |
Pros
- Best for outdoor projects
- Qualityadhesion
- Highly durable
- May not require surface prep
Cons
- Longer drying time
- Not suitable for interior
Best for Indoor Use: Krylon K02732007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint
With the Krylon K02732007, you can paint any interior surface and project. It produces to run or drips and won’t splatter, thanks to its quality formulation. The solution works well for your PVC, tile, metal, metal, plastic, furniture, and wood.
It gives a smooth, even matte finish to your project after completion. Plus, it dries out completely after 20 minutes, making it one of the quickest-drying guys on our list. That’s not all. The Krylon K02732007 will restore, refresh, and rebrand your old projects. It will hide all dirt that light or sun will expose if you use other paints.
This product is not all interior; you can also apply it for outdoor projects, although in limited use.
| Paint type | Spray |
| Drying time | Dries fast (20 minutes) |
| Application | Indoor: Tile, PVC, etc. |
| Color/Material | Black /Solvent-based |
| Finish type | Matte |
Pros
- Covers 25 sq ft per 12 oz. can
- Quality adhesion and durable
- Budget-friendly
- Excellent indoor use
Cons
- Not perfect for outdoor application
- Not cost friendly
Best Heat Resistance: Krylon K01709077 High Heat Spray Paint
The K01709077 is another product from the Krylon brand. This time, we’re looking at a product that protects your painted item against peeling and cracking associated with the summer’s extreme heat.
If it is continuous temperature, this kit can hold out against it up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. At the intermittent interval, it can withstand 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. It doesn’t end there. It will dry without leaving any tack on it in 15 minutes or less. This makes this product one of the fastest drying options on our list.
Its ceramic finish produces no soft and smooth touch plus the product doesn’t crack or chip regardless of the heat level. It is highly durable and can last longer than many of its competitors.
| Paint type | Spray |
| Drying time | Dries tack-free (15 minutes) |
| Application | Outdoor: |
| Color/Material | Flat Black/Solvent-based |
| Finish type | Ceramic |
Pros
- Heat-resistant
- Fast-drying
- Good coverage 912 sq ft)
Cons
- Not good for cooking surface
- Requires serious surface prep
Best Rust Resistance: Rust-Oleum 7215830-3PK Stops Rust Hammered Spray Paint
From the word go, the Rust-Oleum 7215830A makes its name among the best spray paints for metal surfaces. Its greatest strength is the rust resistance and powers it offers your painted item. It shields your metal project from flaking, rusting, or cracking, thanks to its capacity to withstand weathering, moisture, and corrosion.
Its protection-offering powers for interior and exterior projects make it suitable for use on various surfaces such as masonry, metal, wood, concrete, and more. Plus, it is highly durable and comes as a protective coating with huge rust prevention.
This formula dries to touch slowly in 2 to 4 hours but covers a wide area of up to 15 square feet per can. It confers a hammered metal finish on your metal item to hide surface dirt and reduce imperfections.
| Paint type | Spray |
| Drying time | Dries slowly (2-4 hours) |
| Application | Outdoor and interior: metal, masonry, |
| Color/Material | Black/Oil-based |
| Finish type | Hammered |
Pros
- Perfect for outdoor use
- Rust protection
- Minimize surface imperfections
- Great coverage
Cons
- Dries slowly
Best UV-Resistant: Krylon K01309 UV-Resistant Matte Spray Paint
Not all paints can withstand the kind of Ultraviolet rays that the sun emits. But when you have one, you should be hop on it. It can only come from Krylon and this time the K01309 UR-resistant guy makes its mark.
It gives a matte finish to you, meaning that you shouldn’t expect any shine from your project. It is a highly forgiving spray paint that will hide all imperfections and reduce the amount of dirt that will be visible on your project.
Another interesting fact about the paint is its non-yellowing property. This means that the color of the paint will remain intact regardless of the impact of the UV light rays. Plus, the product offers a permanent coating to your metal surface.
| Paint type | Spray |
| Drying time | Dries fast (15 minutes) |
| Application | . |
| Color/Material | Matte/Acrylic-based |
| Finish type | Matte |
Pros
- Resistant to UV
- Offers permanent coating
- Non-yellowing property
- Highly forgiving
Cons
- Not as durable
- Highly pricey
Best Fast-Drying: Rust-Oleum 249127 Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover
If your search is for spray paint that will dry in the shortest possible time, then the Rust-Oleum 249127 should be your pick. Although it is not the quickest-drying spray paint on this list, the product’s 20 minutes drying time is the fastest among oil-based formulas. Plus, it doesn’t leave behind any tack or dirt after drying.
Added to this is the oil-based paint is its low-odor property. The odor doesn’t linger after you’ve completed your project. The paint is ideal for a wide range of outdoor and indoor surfaces. You can use it on masonry, metal, ceramic, plaster, plastic, and more.
The spray paint also lasts long, resists flaking and fading, covers 12 square feet per can, hides surface imperfections, and gives a flat finish. The comfy nozzle tip makes application a walk in the park.
| Paint type | Spray |
| Drying time | Dries fast (20 minutes) |
| Application | Outdoor: unglazed ceramic, metal, plastic, plaster, and more |
| Color/Material | Flat Black/Oil-based |
| Finish type | Flat |
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Fastest oil-based formula
- Low-odor
- Long-lasting and durable
Cons
- Can chip easily
- Needs sanding
Best Matte Finish: Montana Cans Montana Effect 400 ml Marble Color
The Montana Cans is the first from Montana and the second acrylic-based spray paint on our list. This product features on our list for its amazing matte finish that it gives to your metal surface.
While it boasts a fast drying time, this product works on many surfaces, including metal and porcelain. You can also apply it to wood stone, glass and wood.
This black color syncs with an acrylic solution to offer your metal surface a non-reflective look. It comes with a black safety ring beneath the valve ring. Make sure you take the ring before pressing the nozzle button.
There is a fiber or filament-like coat this spray paint emits. With this, you may not be able to get your surface completely covered.
| Paint type | Spray |
| Drying time | Dries superfast (10 minutes) |
| Application | Indoor/Outdoor: stone, metal, porcelain, glass, wood |
| Color/Material | Black/Acrylic-based |
| Finish type | Matte |
Pros
- Matte finish
- Works on a wide range of surfaces
- Quality protection
Cons
- Long and slow curing time
- Not a durable option
- Poor coverage
Best Spray Paint for Rusted Metal: Rust-Oleum 248903A3 Automotive High Heat Spray Paint
If you prefer to paint rusted metal, the best spray paint to choose is the Rust-Oleum 248903A3. It is great to restore all rusted metal parts on your vehicle. It will give a new non-reflective matte appearance.
Even though this enamel paint will slowly dry to touch in 30 minutes, you cannot doubt the paint’s heat resistance and rust protection power. Your metal won’t see corrosion again with the Rust-Oleum 248903A3.
It is the right guy for surfaces that are subject to intermittent temperatures of up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. It offers excellent durability, making your rusted metal project resist rust, high salinity, gas, dust, grime, and other chemicals. As a tough, this guy will cover up to 10 square feet per can. You’ll also love the smooth, flat protective finish it’ll bring to your car.
| Paint type | Enamel |
| Drying time | Dries fast (30 minutes) |
| Application | Outdoor: metal, rusted metal, furniture, wood, unglazed ceramic, etc. |
| Color/Material | Flat Black/Enamel |
| Finish type | Matte |
Pros
- Highly tough and durable
- Rust, grease, and salt protection
- Resistant to intermittently high heat
- Perfect for exterior application
Cons
- Slow drying time
- Runny and leaking
Best Spray Paint Brands for Metal
Here are three common brands of spray paint used on metal surfaces:
Rust-Oleum
Rust-Oleum has a long history dating back to 1992, beginning with Robert Ferguson’s exploration and the later acquisition by RPM International Inc.
Rust-Oleum produces spray paints that work excellently on a wide range of surfaces, including plastic, metal, fabric, and more. The coating is highly durable, versatile, easy to use, and decorative. The RustOleum formulas provide amazing rust and corrosion protection to your projects. However, RustOleum formulas can take a longer time to dry.
Krylon
Although the Krylon brand started in 1947 as brush-on clear protective paint, the company has produced a vast number of spray paints. The Krylon spray paint brand dries out faster than most other brands.
Krylon paint formulas come with a wide range of highly attractive colors. Hence, if you’re in search of spray paint with color consistency and vibrancy, choose Krylon. What about multiple finishes and purposes? Krylon is perfect for many surfaces.
Dupli-Color
Launched in 1938, Dupli-Color has standout properties. Like its counterparts, the brand has a wide range of products that fit different surfaces and purposes. Specifically, Dupli-Color spray paints are good for people who seek to restore the painting of their automobile.
It can withstand heat, debris, and extreme weather conditions. It works as a protective coating, making it strong to resist corrosion, rust, and salinity. The icing on the cake for this brand is its glossy finish.
Rust-Oleum vs. Krylon vs. Dupli-Color: Which Brand of Spray Paint is Best?
Rust-Oleum, Krylon, and Dupli-Color are three of the best spray paint brands in the industry. Rust-Oleum spray paint can be coated on any kind of surface. It is suitable for metal, plastic, ceramic, wood, vinyl, fabric, and more. It’s the best in terms of tough and durable coatings. This makes it the most suitable for outdoor projects and projects that require great protection against rust, weathering, and corrosion. Overall, Rust-Oleum is the best of the three.
Krylon comes as the fastest drying brand among the three. It is also a highly durable option, although not as durable and long-lasting as Rust-Oleum. Krylon spray paint products are known for being perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. They can withstand a lot of moisture as well.
Dupli-Color is no pushover when it comes to picking some of the best spray paint brands in the industry. The company has been around for decades and its products are sought-after for their durability. They can hold out against heat and will protect your painted metal items. Like its counterparts, Dupli-Color doesn’t flake or chip.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Metal Spray Paint
What should you look for when buying spray paint for metal?
Let’s find out!
Surface Material
The first factor to consider when choosing the best metal spray paint is the surface material. What will work for a metal surface, for example, will not be what wood furniture might need. Similarly, a fabric or vinyl material again will require spray paint quite different from what you will use to paint plastic or ceramic. If a metal material will need rust-preventive enamel spray paint, water-based acrylic may be what the fabric wants. The old saying still holds true there are ‘different strokes for different folks.’
Type of Paint
With the market so saturated, you may become confused as to which spray paint type to go for. But the careful painter and curious shopper will ensure that he buys the right spray paint type. You’ll find lacquer, epoxy, enamel, oil-based, water-based, acrylic, frosted, high-heat, chalkboard, and rust-preventive spray paint types. The idea is that enamel spray paint is the best. The kind of spray paint type you use will determine your spray paint’s adhesion, durability, longevity, and performance on the project.
Color Variety
Color variety is an important factor to consider when searching for spray paint for metal surfaces. Why doesn’t it matter? Naturally, some spray paint colors cover better than others. The best thing to do is to go for spray paint with a wide range of colors. This way, your work becomes flexible and more adaptable to what and how you want it to look. There are special colors that give quality shine on your metal surface. When you choose a different color, you can have a beautiful and elegant project.
Finish
Well, the spray paint finish can sometimes be a matter of personal needs and preference. Some painters love a gloss, semi-gloss, or high-gloss finish. Others prefer a matte, satin, or flat finish. But everyone loves a smooth and even finish. Yet, the metal surface needs spray paint that will bring out the incredible appearance that metal elements generally possess. If you’re considering going for the best spray paint for the metal surface, go for the formula that will confer an amazing look on your rusted metal.
Coverage
Nothing makes painting metal a lot easier than spray paint with good coverage. Imagine in a single sweeping motion, you can cover up to 15 square feet! It can be absolutely relieving, isn’t it? This way, you can mitigate the risk of finger fatigue or spray painter’s cramp that’s often associated with spray painting. Make sure the paint you’re buying can cover a wide area per can. You don’t have to use up to three cans before you complete a small surface area.
Durability
Needless to say, that durability is a feature all spray paints should come with. Non-durable spray paint is not suitable for any metal project. Painted metal items are generally exposed to harsh weather and environmental conditions. They also face extreme temperature, heat and moisture. The capacity to withstand these hazards comes from the quality of paint that’s put on it. So, in your search for spray paint for metal, don’t forget to consider durability as an important factor.
Adhesion
An important aspect of spray painting metal is bonding and adhesion. You need quality spray paint to bond to the surface. So, in your efforts to survey the market, be on the lookout for spray paint that will adhere well to the surface. Some spray paints will not even require sanding or priming before they bond to the surface. You may not be able to afford the self-priming spray paint. Yet, there are several spray paint options with amazing adhesion properties out there that you can choose from.
Rust Prevention
By its chemical makeup, metal is susceptible to rust and corrosion. Metal contains iron which undergoes a chemical change called rusting. This oxidation reaction causes your metal to form brown color. However, a top-quality spray paint around the metal item can prevent it from rusting or corroding when exposed to moisture or oxygen. Most hard-wearing enamel spray paints can ensure your metal project doesn’t rust. Go for the best anti-rust spray paint for all your metal projects.
UV-protection
UV protection is an essential factor to take into account before settling for any spray paint for metal. A good spray paint type or brand shouldn’t crash when exposed to an extreme ultraviolet ray. Metal spray paints should be formulated with quality support that protects them from cracking, chipping or flaking when they’re subjected to the UV light rays. If your spray paint boasts a permanent protective coating and strong UV resistance, you can rest assured of it’ll be highly durable and long-lasting.
High-Temperature Range
What would you consider in spray paint for metal surfaces that cannot withstand extreme temperature? So the next you want to make an order, check first if the spray paint won’t crack, crash, or crumble when faced with extreme heat. Most RustOleum spray paints for metal can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You may fight a great portion of sp[ray paints standing out against 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The spray paint you’re buying must feature incredible SFI compounds.
Drying Time
As you’ll come to know, most of the best spray paints for metal dry pretty quickly on the surface. Practically, on average, spray paints often take a maximum of 20 minutes to dry on a metal surface. Hence, you must look for paint that won’t take a long time before it dries out completely. By this, you won’t have to wait unnecessarily before you complete and start using your project. Purchase the superfast drying formulas.
Indoor or Outdoor Use
All spray paints some with direction for use. Some are good for outdoor and others for indoor use. Usually, spray painting metal is an outdoor project. Consequently, when you’re deciding on what spray paint for a metal surface to buy, you should go for spray paint that is designed for outdoor application. In other words, spray paint that can stand out from weathering, corrosion, and rust. Painted metal projects face the shenanigans of moisture and the elements a lot of times.
Easy to Clean
Easy cleanup is an important factor to consider when choosing spray paint for metal surfaces. You don’t want to use spray paint that won’t remove when it stains your surface or comes in contact with your skin. An oil-based spray paint should get off any affected area with coconut oil, olive oil, or canola oil. Warm water with dish soap should clean up water-based spray paint. If the paint you’re buying cannot remove easily, then you may want to think otherwise.
Return Policy
You’ll not always receive what’s indicated in the package you order online. Read the brand’s return policy to avoid losing your money with a substandard spray paint product delivered to you. You must consider the return policy before making orders. If you won’t get a refund or product replacement, don’t take any orders. Ideally, if the brand or seller cannot refund your money, they should be ready to replace the poor formula supplied to you.
How to Paint Metal with Spray Paint?
Step by step to spray paint on metal:
- Prep the workspace: use a well-ventilated space or room
- Use the VST method: sand, vac, and tack. 180 fine-grit sandpaper will help sand the surface well. Use a shop vacuum to get rid of the residual sanding dust. With a tack cloth, you can tack and clean up the surface properly for priming.
- Prime the surface: Make sure you go with a primer of the same quality, type, or brand as the spray paint. If you go for a self-engraving primer, you’ll be proper. It works excellently on metal surfaces and won’t need more than a coat of primer. Or else, a water-based priming agent will need more than one coat
- Allow the coat to dry: Give the coat some minutes, or hours to completely dry out, depending on whether it’s oil-based or water-based.
- Spray paint the surface: Spray paint the metal surface. Keep the nozzle at least 8 inches away from the item you’re spraying.
FAQs
Yes, you can spray paint stay on metal. But you have to choose the right product and spray paint type. Top-quality spray paint on metal produces quality results and offers a smooth, even finish. It also dries quickly.
Enamel oil-based spray paint is the best kind of spray paint type you should apply to your metal item. As an oil-based formula, enamel spray paint is perfect for outdoor projects like metal. They are durable, clean up easily, and will resist moisture and elements.
The ideal thing to do is to spray paint metal. The edge spray painting has over brush or roller painting is that it gives a smoother and more even finish. The coats of paint will also enjoy a quick-drying time with spray paint.
On average, spray paint should dry within 8-10 minutes on a metal surface. However, you must spray in a well-ventilated space and under low humidity and heat. The type of spray paint you’re using also counts. Typically, water-based spray paint dries faster than its oil-based or solvent-based counterpart.
Hard-wearing enamel spray paint works best on a metal surface. The spray paint type is typically oil-based and can bond with the surface well. In addition, enamel spray paint is formulated to withstand heavy use and regular touches and cleaning. It’s also rust and corrosion-resistant.
The best way to paint metal with spray paint is to prepare the surface well. Start by sanding the surface, wipe off residual sanding dust, and then prime the metal. It’s time to apply up to two coats of enamel spray paint. Allow the coats to dry and spray the metal surface.
Yes, you need to prime the surface of your metal project to achieve a desirable and desired result. First off, priming the surface helps the coat to adhere to the surface properly.
Final Words: What Is The Strongest Spray Paint for Metal?
‘What is the strongest spray paint for metal?’ The next someone asks you this question, what will be your response? Overall, Krylon K02719007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint will be your best bet.
You’ve seen that the best spray paint to use on a metal surface is hard-wearing enamel spray paint – Rust-Oleum 248903A3 Automotive High Heat Spray Paint. A lot of the top brands out there manufacture different kinds of enamel formulas. You’ll have to look for the hard-wearing spray paint type that can withstand rust, corrosion, weathering, and moisture.
Finally, don’t forget to follow the preparation procedures to spray paint your metal project. You need color vibrancy and consistency, as well as durability. Hope you find this article interesting.
