How to Paint Metal in 6 Easy Steps
The best way to paint metal requires proper prep, paint, and equipment.
Painting metal requires a specific set of tools and coatings to ensure flawless results.
Knowing what paint to use on metal and understanding how to paint metal are essential for protecting and enhancing these special surfaces. The process begins with proper surface preparation and selecting the right paint for the job.
While painting metal may seem challenging, with the right guidance, the task can be fairly simple and straightforward. In many cases, paint not only improves the appearance of a metal surface but also helps extend its lifespan, making the effort well worth it.
How to Paint Metal Surfaces
Step 1: Identify the Metal Surface to Paint
To choose the best paint for metal surfaces, including fences, it is important to first identify the type of metal you are painting: Is it ferrous or non-ferrous? Ferrous metals include steel, cast iron, and wrought iron. As the name suggests, ferrous metals contain iron (the chemical symbol for iron is Fe for the Latin ferrum). Ferrous metals are magnetic and susceptible to rust. Non-ferrous metals—such as aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and zinc—are usually lightweight and malleable (think ladders and gutters).
Note: Galvanized metal is steel with a thin coat of zinc to prevent rust. When painting, treat galvanized metal as non-ferrous. See our guide to painting galvanized metal for more information.
Step 2: Prepare the Metal
Preparation is key to ensuring paint adhesion and long-lasting protection for metal surfaces. Like any surface, metal may contain contaminants such as existing paint, rust, or oil. These impurities can inhibit paint adhesion, so they must be removed.
Oil is a common contaminant found on most metal surfaces. To remove it, use a cloth and a detergent or solvent like denatured alcohol to clean the metal before priming and painting. Wipe the surface thoroughly. If the cleaner leaves a residue, rinse with water. Rust and corrosion are common in ferrous metals but can also be found in other metals. Remove rust with a wire brush, then remove the dust with a damp cloth. If the metal has been painted previously, remove loose or scaling paint.
Before starting your project, be sure to consult the safety data sheets for the Benjamin Moore products you are using to ensure proper precautions are followed.
Step 3: Use a Metal Primer
Prime your metal surface to ensure rust inhibition and effective adhesion of your top coat. Consider using HP1100 for non-ferrous metal and HP1320, HP1420, or HP1750 for ferrous metal. For rusting steel or “white rusted” galvanized steel, use HP1550.
Applying the primer and top coat should be similar to how you apply paint to trim.
Step 4: Choose the Best Paint for Metal
Choose the best paint for metal the same way you chose a primer. When selecting the best type of paint for metal, consider HP3410 or HP3420 for non-ferrous metal and HP2200, HP2400, HP3310, or HP3320 for ferrous metal.
Products like HP3000 and HP3300 can be applied to ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Step 5: Paint the Metal
When painting metal with a waterborne formula, use brushes with synthetic bristles like nylon or polyester. For alkyd formulas, use a natural material like China bristle. Ask the experts at your locally owned Benjamin Moore store for advice on spraying.
Step 6: Let the Paint Dry
Be sure to consult the label on the can or the Technical Data Sheet for the proper drying time. Also allow for proper cure time before returning any freshly painted surface or object to use. If you have any questions, our Customer Support team is available toll-free, or you can ask us a question online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What kind of paint do you use on metal?
A. When selecting the best type of paint for metal, consider HP3410 or HP3420 for non-ferrous metal and HP2200, HP2400, HP3310, or HP3320 for ferrous metal.
Products like HP3000 and HP3300 can be applied to both ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Q. Can you paint directly onto metal?
A. Yes, you can paint directly onto metal, but we recommend starting with a metal primer to ensure rust inhibition and effective adhesion of the top coat.
When painting metal with a waterborne formula, use brushes with synthetic bristles like nylon or polyester. For alkyd formulas, use a natural material like China bristle. You can also choose to spray-paint metal.
Q. Do I need to sand metal before painting?
A. Metal does not necessarily need to be sanded, but it does need to be prepared.
Like any surface, metal often contains contaminants, including existing paint, rust, and oil. These impurities can inhibit adhesion, so they must be removed before paint is applied. Oil can be removed with a cloth and a detergent or solvent like denatured alcohol. Rust and corrosion can be removed with a wire brush and a damp cloth. If the metal has been painted previously, remove loose or scaling paint.
Q. What is the best primer for metal before painting?
A. Choose a primer that’s designed specifically for metal.
Consider using HP1100 for non-ferrous metal and HP1320, HP1420, or HP1750 for ferrous metal. For rusting steel or “white rusted” galvanized steel, use HP1550.
Priming metal surfaces before painting makes application easier and helps inhibit rust.
Q. What is the best method to paint metal?
A. When painting metal with a waterborne formula, it’s best to use brushes with synthetic bristles like nylon or polyester. When painting metal with an alkyd formula, natural materials such as China bristle may be better suited for the job.
Priming metal before painting is recommended to ensure rust inhibition and effective adhesion of the top coat.
High Performance Maintenance Coatings
Benjamin Moore High Performance is a line of maintenance coatings that offers a comprehensive set of solutions to help protect different substrates.
