Did you know that you can use spray paint for metal and other DIY projects? Spray paint is the best way to give new life to old metal furniture. Here, we’ll reveal a few secrets that will help you make metal surfaces and old furniture look new.

Some spray paints protect against rust, corrosion, peeling, and more. For interior and exterior projects, you’ll find spray paint brands that offer different finishes. There’s even waterproof spray paint designed for exterior surfaces like cars and outdoor patio furniture.

How To Prep A DIY Spray Paint Job

Before you begin painting metal surfaces, there are a few steps you need to take. You can’t just spray a surface with spray paint without preparing it.

Remove Old Paint

First, remove the paint from the metallic surface. Check your local hardware store for the best paint scrapers. You could even use a wire brush.

If you do the surface prep, you may not get the desired result. So, it’s important the old paint is removed before you do prep work for the new color.

Prepare The Surface

You can’t start painting a metal surface without taking a few precautions. Not only will it look awful, but you’ll have to deal with flaking paint due due to dust and debris. So, you’ll want to sand and remove loose paint or rust spots.

When painting shiny objects, use a metal brush and sandpaper to scour and make the surface dull until it looks like it’s somewhat scratched, like a coin.

Clean Surface

Make sure that the surface is clean and free from any dirt or debris. You can do this by sanding down the surface with sandpaper. Once the surface is clean, apply a primer. This will help the metal spray paint to adhere better to the surface.

Finish

You are now done prep work to get your metal ready for a fresh new color of paint. You’ll want to make sure you have everything required for safety and you’re good to get started.

Best Spray Paints For Metallic Surfaces

Here are the best spray paint brands for painting metal surfaces.

Black Spray Paint Krylon Fusion

If you need an all-in-one spray paint, the Krylon K02754007 is the paint for you. It is matte black in color, so whichever you need black, this will look beautiful. As a paint and primer brand, there’s no need to mix anything.

You can use this spray paint for indoor and outdoor projects, and can spray from any angle. Krylon guarantees no peeling and rust protection. Known for its durability, you won’t have to worry about applying another coat of paint a year later.

The spray paint brand has a quick drying time of 20 minutes. If matte isn’t your forte, there are also the options of gloss, hammered, satin, flat and textured for you to choose.

Pros:

All in oneNo peelingCan be used indoors or outdoors

Cons:

Quality issues reported by users

Krylon Premium Metallic Spray Paint

If you’re wanting that extra touch to your metal furniture or anything else, you’ll be happy with the Krylon Premium spray paint. While this one is chrome, there are different colors that you can choose to achieve a metallic shine.

The finish is in chrome and it can be sprayed on wood, plastic, metal, ceramic, and more. It dries as fast as ten minutes but has a two hour cure time. This spray paint covers between 15 to 20 feet. If you need a chrome finish, make this your first choice.

Pros:

Metallic look10-minute dry timeDifferent color choices to choose from

Cons:

Paint peels easily

Krylon ColorMaster Paint

We haveanother Krylon spray paint if you are interested in making either your furniture or whichever looks metallic. It is an enamel/brushed finish, and the color is brushed nickel. There are other color options for you to choose from if you don’t like this color. You can use this on wood, plastic, metal, paper, ceramic, and more.

This paint spray has a EZ touch conical tip for easy spraying, so your fingers don’t hurt trying to spray it. Another good thing, like most of the other brands, this is alsos a combination of paint and primer. With a drying time of ten minutes or less, one can covers a surface area between 15 and 20 feet.

Pros:

Dries in 10 minutesBrushed lookDifferent colors choices to choose from

Cons:

Paint peels easily

Rust-Oleum Universal Enamel Spray Paint

Finally, we have the Rust-Oleum enamel/oil spray paint that may be worth having as part of your paint tools. The paint is available in a variety of colors. It can work on any surface such as metal, wood, plastic, and more.

In the same formula, there’s also an adhesive with rust protection which is good if you worry about needing to touch up often. The finish would be like satin, so keep that in mind. It dries in 30 minutes and can cover up to 15 feet per can. To use this spray paint, shake the can for a few seconds until you hear the battle rattle. Once you hear the sound, undo the red safety clip from the trigger.

Pros:

Rust & corrosion preventionChoice of different colorsSatin finish

Cons:

Spray tip can leak or malfunction which can cause issues in using it

Rust-Oleum PK Painter’s Touch

The unique thing about this brand is that it has primer mixed already by Rust-Oleum. The Rust-Oleum 249122-6 spray paint comes in a six pack, so you get your value for money. You’ll get the color black, and the finish type is gloss.

As a versatile spray paint, you can use it on metal, plastic, vinyl, drywall, wood, masonry, and more. It’s an oil-based formula and it can be used indoors. With a drying time of 20 minutes, each can covers up to 12 feet of space.

Pros:

Gloss finish20-minute dry timeCan be used indoors

Cons:

Peels easily

Spray Paint Safety Tips

While it may be convenient to just pick up the can and start spraying, you’ll need to take some safety steps. Getting paint on your skin, eyes or anywhere can be very bad and you’ll need medical attention if precautions are not taken. Here are some safety tips that you should be aware of:

Ventilated Area

Even though some spray paints claim they can be used indoors, you should still be in a ventilated area. Wear a face mask to make sure you don’t inhale the fumes. We recommend that you spray paint outside, if you can, to eliminate the chance of inhaling paint fumes

Gloves

Paint has chemicals in them that will cause some sort of damage to the skin. It can burn the skin if it’s left on you or cause a severe allergic reaction if you’re allergic to the spray paint. So, you’ll want to wear gloves to make sure you are protected from the paint.

Masks

You’ll want to wear a mask while spray painting because it’ll protect you from inhaling the fumes. It’ll also make sure you don’t get paint in your mouth by accident. You can wear a breathable disposable mask or those N95 face masks.

Safety Glasses

There is always an off chance that paint can get in your eyes. So, it’s probably a good idea that you wear safety glasses to protect you from that and fumes.

Here are some extra safety tips that you should keep in mind:

Never paint near anything with heat or fire. This is common sense. Spray paint cans are highly combustible, and most paints are made out of oils, which would ignite a fire.Keep the spray paint can away from heat sources. Store it in a dry, dark, and cool place.There’s absolutely no reason why you should be painting wires or anything electrical related. Unless you are using a HIGH HEAT paint to paint something like a lightbulb, just stay away from electrical things while painting.Keep the spray paint WHOLE. There’s no reason to puncture it or cut it.Keep out of reach of children and pets.

DIY Spray Paint Projects

Here are a few DIY spray paint projects that you can do at home.

Spray Paint Metal Chairs

This is actually one of the most common DIY projects that people use spray paint on. You can choose from a variety of spray paint colors. It’s fairly easy to paint a metal chair. All you need to do is prep and clean the metal chair then spray paint it outside on a tarp.

Related: The Best Paint Sprayer For any Type of Home Projects

Backyard Chairs

Similar to the first project idea we posted, this one requires you to sand these chairs down and prime them. While you absolutely don’t have to, it’ll look a lot better when the extra things are done.

Outdoor Furniture

Spray painting both tables, chairs, and outdoor futons is a fun DIY project. You’ll have to do the usual prep of getting the surface ready and then clean. Then you can choose whichever color you want to spray paint the furniture with and away you go.

You should use waterproofspray paint to make sure the furniture doesn’t rust as it will be kept outside.

Metal Furniture

Side tables, coffee tables, and stands are sometimes metal. Sometimes they’ll need to be retouched or you’ll want to paint them a new color. You can do the standard prepping, cleaning, and then take them outside to paint them. With so many spray paint options, you won’t have problems finding one for indoor metal furniture.

Patio Furniture

Similar to the outdoor furniture, you can spray paint these to whatever you want. Choose the color you want and then you’ll need to prep. Then you can paint. You’ll want to wait a few hours to make sure it’s safe to sit or use before using.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

Is There Spray Paint That Looks Like Chrome?

Krylon chrome spray paint is a great option for DIYers looking for a nice chrome finish. The premium metallic paint offers a sleek, metallic look that can be applied to different projects and surfaces. It’s arguably the best choice when you need to achieve a chrome finish.

Does Fabric Spray Paint Wash Off?

Fabric spray paints are made to be permanent. However, if the paint is still wet, you can wash it off with soap and water. If the paint has dried, you’ll need to have your garment dry cleaned. Don’t worry, depending on the fabric, the solvents used in dry cleaning can remove the paint.

Does Vinegar Remove Spray Paint?

Yes, vinegar dissolves both water-based paint and oil-based paint from wooden and metal surfaces. It’s a natural paint remover, making it one of the best ways to remove paint.

What Is The Best High Heat Spray Paint?

Rust-Oleum spray paint for high heat surfaces withstands temperatures up to 1,200°F. The paint is ideal for barbeque grills, wood stoves, radiators, fire pits. It wan withstand extremely hot surfaces.

What Kind Of Spray Paint Will Stick To Plastic?

Paints designed to adhere to plastics are recommended. Krylon Fusion for plastic and other products are available. Remember, it is necessary use paint primer for you start using regular spray paint.

Spray Paint For Metal Conclusion

As you’ve learned here, you can use spray paint for metal surfaces and other DIY projects. You need to understand how spray paint works before you use it. When painting metal, there are safety precautions you should follow. For example, you don’t want to paint extremely hot surfaces. And when painting indoors, make sure the area is well ventilated.

Another general rule is apply one coat at a time. Wait for the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat. For large projects, make sure you have enough paint. And although indoor use is possible, there are safety issues you need to follow.

Remember, when choosing paint, you want something specifically designed for metal surfaces. At the end of the day, spray paint is the perfect product if you want long lasting results.