How to Spray Paint Metal

Featuring Tips From The Craftsmans Blog

How to Spray Paint Metal

Featuring Tips From The Craftsmans Blog

First, you need to know the material you’re working with. Metal comes in many forms, including aluminum, steel, galvanized steel, copper, brass iron and more. While each surface requires slightly different prep work, how you prepare metal for spray painting is even more dependent on the condition of your item.

Once prepped, wipe the entire surface down with a damp cloth or trisodium phosphate, a great cleaner and degreaser. When your cloth comes away clean, you’re ready to paint.

Types of Surfaces

Painted Surfaces

Previously painted surfaces, especially those with chipping or peeling paint, can compromise your entire project if not prepped properly. The entire surface should be scraped clean with a wire brush then sanded until smooth.

Shiny Surfaces

Slick, shiny surfaces are difficult for paint to adhere to. Use steel wool or a wire brush to rough up the surface. This will help the paint adhere and result in a longer-lasting finish.

Rusty Surfaces

Rust is a common occurrence on metal. Before painting, it’s important to remove any existing rust with sandpaper or a wire brush. This will ensure no previous rust on your project’s surface will continue to grow after painting.

Types of Metals

Ferrous Metal

Wrought iron, steel and cast-iron surfaces because they are more susceptible to rust. “Anything with iron content is considered a ferrous metal. The quickest way to test is if the metal responds to a magnet.” For maximum rust protection, you can use Rust Tough Primer as a base coat.

Nonferrous Metals

Metals that are nonferrous (those not containing iron), don’t require priming if you sand away their shiny surfaces during prep. This includes materials like copper, bronze, brass, aluminum, tin and precious metals like silver, platinum and gold, among others.

Galvanized Metals

Galvanized metals are unique since they tend to have zinc coatings for added protection. If a galvanized metal shows signs of rust, it can be primed with Rust Tough Primer as a base coat before spray painting for optimal future rust prevention.

Wind speeds, temperatures and humidity levels are all important to consider when spray painting outdoors. However, there is one additional rule when spray painting metal: don’t paint in direct sunlight.

Our best advice? Find a shaded, well-ventilated area, or wait to work until things cool down. Always check the can label for optimal spray-painting temperatures.

Start by holding your Krylon spray paint the recommended distance away from the surface of your project to minimize drips and areas of excess paint. These instructions will be outlined on the can.

Next, apply several light coats, waiting 1 minute between each, until you’re satisfied with the appearance. Always start and finish your spray pattern off the object and release the spray tip at the end of each pass. This ensures even coverage across the entire surface.

Use a smooth, even sweeping motion and overlap your spray pattern by about one-third with each pass. Repeat these steps until you’ve achieved your desired look, doing the same with areas separated with painters’ tape to complete your design.