12 Best Spray Paints For Metal Of 2024 [Buyer’s Guide]

However, such metal objects need appropriate protection to keep them in the right shape for years. And that’s why you need good-quality spray paint for all metal objects at home. It will provide resistance against rust, weather, moisture, and heat and will make your furniture look as good as new. 

But choosing a suitable product is difficult, given the availability of so many options out there. Hence, we’ve tried to make the task easier for you by putting forward this carefully-curated list of the 13 best options to consider. Each option has its pros and cons mentioned, which will help you to make a wise decision. 

So, without further ado, let’s dive in. 

Best Spray Paints For Metal 

From rust-resistant formulations to a wide range of vibrant colors, these paints are sure to breathe new life into your metal creations. So, without further ado, here's the list of the 12 best spray paints for metal that will make your projects shine.

1. Rust-Oleum 249124 - Best for Quick Drying

Enhance the appeal of your metal furniture with this superior-quality spray paint from Rust-Oleum. It uses advanced technology to provide the ultimate protective coat over all your furniture pieces to make them last for years to come. Note that this paint comes in a spray bottle weighing 12 oz.

Why Did We Like It?

To begin with, we found the dual-cover technology used in this painting to be its most significant feature. This technology enhances both the speed and quality of any painting project and adds color to the home décor and furniture. It can even be used for art and craft projects on metal objects.

Additionally, this spray paint comes with a glossy finish that lends metal surfaces a new and fresh look. It also has a durable formulation that keeps it intact for a long time, while providing excellent hiding power to it. What’s more, each can have a coverage of 12 sq. ft. and gets dried in just 20 minutes. 

Furthermore, the paint is oil-based and produces a mild odor that would never seem disturbing to you. Lastly, you can spray paint at any angle using this product, so painting the corners or other hard-to-reach parts becomes very easy.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The only issue we faced while using this product was that the nozzle of the can was clogged when we tried to spray too much paint at once. So, you should paint the surface bit-by-bit and not use excess paint at once. Also, spraying a greater amount of paint on one spot may create a pool of paint, which can make the bottom layer bubble.

2. Krylon K05545007 - Best for DIY Projects

Next, we’ve selected this COLORmaxx spray paint from Krylon, which gives a stunning look to your décor and furniture. Designed with premium quality components, this product is an ideal companion for people who are into DIY interior decoration projects. Note that it comes in a can of 12 oz. and has dimensions of 2.61 x 2.61 x 7.96 inches.

Why Did We Like It?

We found that this paint dried up in 10 minutes or less and was also perfectly rust-resistant. Thus, even one coat on your metal furniture will keep them protected for several years. As a result, you can also use it for your outdoor projects, and be rest assured that the finish and color will stay intact. 

Further, the push button system of the spray makes it very easy to operate and hence lets you spray conveniently in all directions. As such, you get the job done faster and get greater coverage with this product. 

Moreover, each can of 12 oz can cover an area of as much as 25 sq ft. and offers a sleek and modern finish to all your projects. Lastly, coming in white color, this product can be used for a variety of metal structures.

What Could’ve Been Better?

This product works quite well on most occasions. However, when you are painting smaller objects, it may be difficult to coat them evenly with this paint. That's because the sprayer has a bigger nozzle that may spray more paint on the other portions.

3. Rust-Oleum 7798830 - Best for Durability

Rust-Oleum is a trusted name in the world of paints and primers, thanks to its range of high-quality products. And this spray paint from the brand is no different since it provides the quality and long-lasting protection you desire. Note that this product comes in a can of 12 oz and is available in a variety of colors.

Why Did We Like It?

First of all, this product is one of the most durable options that you’ll ever find out there. Thanks to its oil-based formulation, a durable, rust-proof, and protective coating is provided on the surface. Plus, you can use it for both outdoor and indoor objects. 

What’s more, the product prevents abrasion, chipping, or fading of your furniture or home décor. Rather, it comes with a semi-gloss finish that lends a slight shine to the surface.

Additionally, you can spray-paint at any angle with this product including upside-down. Finally, it features a wide finger pad on the handle to reduce fatigue while spraying. Thus, you would never have any discomfort even after a long spray session.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The only drawback of this product is that it takes as long as 2 hours to dry up completely. And in the case of bigger surfaces, the time may increase to 4 hours. So, you will have to be more patient to be able to use the newly painted object. 

4. Rust-Oleum 249131 Universal - Best for Metallic Finish

Enjoy a top-notch painting experience each time with this Rust-Oleum paint which comes with a cutting-edge formulation. It gives a luxurious look to any furniture piece, home décor, or hardware. So, this product won’t fail to satisfy you even a bit. Note that it is available in a can of 11 oz and has dimensions of 2.6 x 2.6 x 9 inches.

Why Did We Like It?

The advanced oil-based formula of this product makes it highly durable and also gives it adequate rust and chipping protection. In addition to this, the paint is UV and fade-resistant, which enhances its longevity further. 

What’s more, its formula dries up in just 30 minutes to make the furniture or décor suitable for use. And each can of spray paint can cover an area of as much as 15 sq ft. Plus, the surfaces are provided with a shimmering and rich metallic look that sets them apart from other objects. 

Also, the product consists of a trigger that makes the job quite comfortable, eliminating any finger fatigue. Lastly, the 360° spraying power makes it easy to paint the hard-to-reach parts of any surface. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

Sometimes the nozzle of the can may clog in the middle of a continuous painting session, which makes it difficult to spray the paint evenly. To deal with this problem, you have to shake the can at times to remove the clog. Thus, you need to ensure that too much pressure is never applied while using this product. 

5. Krylon K02732007 Fusion - Best for Coverage

This is yet another amazing spray paint from Krylon that gives new life to old metal objects that have lost their shine. It is also suitable for all kinds of DIY projects and is one of the most high-performing products of the brand. Note that this paint comes in a can of 12 ounces and has dimensions of 261 x 2.61 x 7.96 inches.

Why Did We Like It?

The most significant feature of this product is the superior-grade protective property. Being both a primer and a paint, it offers the best protection from priming, sanding, and rust. Also, it easily bonds to any difficult metal surface such as that of old objects and wrought iron furniture. 

Further, there are different shades of black and many metallic colors available for this product. The black shades include satin, matte, hammered, textured, and flat. Each of these colors provides a soft, classic look to your DIY projects, tools, or crafts. Plus, each can of 12 oz provides a coverage of 25 sq ft which is much greater compared to other average products. 

Additionally, this painted surface becomes dry to the touch within 20 minutes, and the object can be handled in 1 hour. Furthermore, you can use this paint for a variety of indoor and outdoor projects.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Although this product works quite efficiently to deliver the desired results, sometimes the wrong color may be delivered to you. For one of our orders, we received a rose gold color instead of the metallic gold color that we wanted. So, do check the product carefully to ascertain whether you’ve got the desired color or not. 

6. Dupli-Color EMC204007

This best-seller product from Dupli-Color dresses up your metal and chrome surfaces in the best way possible. It comes with a range of amazing features that work to provide a high-quality coating to your furniture and home décor. Note that it can be used for both exterior and interior accessories and comes in a can of 15 oz.

Why Did We Like It?

Firstly, this spray paint is designed to work on bare metal surfaces to provide a shining metallic finish that you will love. Plus, the paint is very glossy, which adds to the elegance of the objects. 

Further, it is much more long-lasting than average products and prevents any damage due to heat, oil, or gas. Notably, it is resistant to temperatures as high as 500°F, which makes it suitable for painting heated metal parts too.

What’s more, this product consists of a spray nozzle with an EZ touch fan which allows you to spray-paint conveniently and ensures maximum comfort. Lastly, the object becomes dry to the touch within 30 minutes and can be handled in 1 hour after it’s painted.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The capacity of one can of this spray paint is not enough when you need to apply more than two coats on an object. For instance, if you have to apply 2 light coats and 1 medium coat, you might run out of paint. Purchasing 2 cans at once would be the best to deal with this problem. 

7. Rust-Oleum 248903

The next spray paint we have for you is this superb Rust-Oleum product that makes your furniture look extra sleek. It also keeps all metal surfaces perfectly protected for years to come. Note that this product comes in a 12-ounce can and is available in a flat black color.

Why Did We Like It?

We really liked the rust-preventive formula of this product which ensured that our furniture remained intact for a long time. It also prevents other environmental elements like humidity and salinity from affecting the object. Plus, it provides resistance to grease, oil, and gas. 

Another great benefit of this spray paint is its extraordinary heat resistance. You can also apply it to automotive metal parts that are exposed to temperatures of up to 2000°F, such as manifold headers. 

In addition to this, it comes with 360° spray technology that lets you spray paint in any direction, including upside-down. Also, the product has a high-quality spray tip that makes the job very easy and comfortable. And you can get the task completed in as little as 30 minutes in the case of medium-sized objects.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The only disappointing aspect of this product is that it provides less coverage than other products. One can of the product covers 10 sq ft of area, which implies you may require another can of paint for larger surfaces. 

8. Seymour 620-1415

This aerosol spray from Seymour is another great choice if you’re searching for good-quality spray paints. It uses an industrial-grade formulation and is perfectly lead-free, which makes it completely safe for use. Note that this product comes in a can of 1.3 lbs and has dimensions of 2.5 x 2.5 x 9 inches.

Why Did We Like It?

First of all, this product provided coverage that was 3-4 times that of standard spray paints. Thus, you no longer need to worry whether the capacity of one will be enough for larger surfaces. 

Plus, its MRO High Solid material provides ultimate protection from rust, abrasion, and high humidity. As for heat resistance, it can be applied on automotive metal parts with temperatures of up to 300°F. And the paint also contains water-borne resins instead of traditional polymers, making it safer for use and more durable. 

Furthermore, this product is authorized by the USDA as fit for use on a variety of surfaces, including metals. Finally, it offers great hiding power just with a single coat, which means you never require too much paint for a single project.

What Could’ve Been Better?

We found it difficult to control the amount of spray coming out of its nozzle. Also, the paint sometimes clogged in the nozzle, which further disrupted the flow. This is a disappointment, considering the good quality of the paint and the price of the product.

9. VHT SP652 Satin Black

This all-weather paint from VHT is formulated to provide flawless performance and great durability. Coming in a can of 15.5 oz, this product is suitable for both interior and exterior furniture and décor. So, move on and have a look at all its wonderful features.

Why Did We Like It?

We liked the porcelain-like finish on this product, which made it resistant to chemicals, salt, and rust. As a result, you get just the long-lasting performance that you desire. Plus, it is resistant to high temperatures of up to 250°F, which makes it suitable for coating automotive parts. 

Further, you don’t need to apply a primer if you choose to go for this product, which makes the coating hassle-free. What’s more, it becomes dry to the touch in just 30 mins and can be handled after being kept overnight. And you also don’t need any curing, which eases the process further.

Lastly, this spray paint comes with detailed instructions printed on the can. Thus, you will have no difficulty understanding each step and complete the process quite smoothly. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

The only problem we faced with this product was lesser coverage. When it comes to coating large metal surfaces, it takes at least 7 coats of paint, which implies that the whole product is used up at once. So, buying two cans of this product will be more profitable. 

10. Design Master 746

If you are looking to apply golden color on your metal home décor or furniture, this spray paint from Design Master will be an ideal choice. It keeps your metal objects protected and gives them an attractive look that you’ll love. Note that this paint comes in a can weighing 12 oz and measuring 2.75 x 2.75 x 7.88 inches.

Why Did We Like It?

To begin with, this product is a pigmented and semi-transparent spray paint that is never too glazy and thick. Yet, it gives a beautiful golden color to your furniture and décor and comes with a satin finish. 

Also, this paint dries within just 5 minutes and becomes suitable for handling in a few hours. As for its coverage, you can apply a single coat on an area of about 15 sq ft. with a can full of paint. 

You can even use this product to coat fruit or flower baskets since it is safe for fresh fruits and flowers. Besides, it can be used on a variety of surfaces including pottery, glass, ceramics, and chipboards. 

Furthermore, objects that have lost their shine over time can be rejuvenated with this spray paint. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

This spray paint produces a strong perfume-like smell which may seem disturbing sometimes, more so when a double or a triple coat is applied. That said, this smell generally fades away within a few months and the paint stays intact for years.

11. Martha Stewart 42933

Next up, we have chosen this Martha Stewart to spray paint which can be used to add brilliant and permanent color to all metal objects. This product consists of both a primer and a paint and is extremely useful for DIY and craft projects. So, read on to find out more about this amazing product.

Why Did We Like It?

We found the unique formula of this spray paint to be quite long-lasting as well since even a single coat rendered a flawless service for years. This formula is suitable for applying permanent coats on both outdoor and indoor metal surfaces. 

What’s more, this product comes in as many as 64 colors, so you get a wide range of options to choose from. And each color gives your furniture and décor an elegant look that enhances the appeal of any room. 

Additionally, these spray paints come in 8 finishes that include matte, neon, primer, satin, gloss, pearl, glitter, and metallic. Finally, the products have donuts around the nozzles which match the finish and color. 

This way, it becomes easier to select the color that you want and even when the cap is open, you can know the color you are working with.

What Could’ve Been Better?

We noticed that the paint took much longer to dry up than other products. And for larger furniture, it might take several hours to dry up completely, so you need to be a bit more patient in order to handle it. That said, we had no complaints regarding the efficiency and durability of this product. 

12. Pintyplus Aqua Spray Paint

We’ve also selected this Aqua Spray Paint from Pintyplus which can be a perfect gift for enthusiasts of art and craft. It consists of many high-quality components that work to offer an efficient and eco-friendly coat over any metal surface. Note that this product comes in a set of 8 cans of different colors, each weighing 4.25 oz.

Why Did We Like It?

We loved the fact that these spray paints didn’t produce any strong odor, as in other products coming in a set of different colors. Plus, the combination of colors in the set would appeal to any DIY enthusiasts as it lets them create a unique palette as per their preferences! 

Further, the colors are sprayed through the nozzle at a low pressure to add just the amount of color that is needed. Thus it prevents any overspray or dripping of the paint on any particular potion and gives you a uniformly painted surface. 

Moreover, the paints dry up quickly, so you can handle furniture or décor within 30 minutes. Additionally, these paints are suitable for a variety of metals and can be used for craft projects of different kinds.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The capacity of each of these cans is much smaller than that of most spray paints. As such, covering larger metal surfaces with 1 can not be possible if you want to use one color. This is a disadvantage, considering the price of the set, which is higher than many single spray paint products. 

Best Spray Paints for Metal Comparison Table

Buying Guide For The Best Spray Paints for Metal

Buying the right spray paint won’t be difficult if you keep things organized. First of all, considering some key features characteristic to spray paints is essential. Also, you must keep in mind your needs and preferences while choosing a product.

 Only then will you be able to zero in on the product that would give you the best results. So, let’s look at some important points that should be taken into account when it comes to choosing spray paints.

1. Drying Time

This is one of the most essential factors to consider while selecting spray paints. Note that the time taken for the spray paint to dry is different for different products. 

Some good-quality products might take longer to dry up, while some become dry to the touch within as little as 20 minutes. In the latter case, it is easier to move the item being painted, but it may not always imply that the object is completely dry. 

Also, the humidity and temperature of the surroundings might affect the drying time to some extent. Generally, the ideal practice is to leave the spray-painted item for at least one day before using it. 

2. Capacity

The capacity of the spray paint is also a very crucial factor and should never be taken lightly. For determining the capacity needed, you should consider the size of the surface(s) that you will have to paint. 

Accordingly, you have to choose a smaller or a larger spray paint can. Remember that a smaller can last for a long if you need to paint larger surfaces frequently. For such purposes, a capacity of 15 or 17 oz will be ideal. 

3. Outdoor and Indoor Use

Not all spray paints are suitable for both outdoor and indoor metal objects, so considering your needs is important in this case as well. Generally, indoor paints are less durable than those suitable for outdoor purposes, since they are less resistant to sunlight and water. 

This implies that metal could rust and may also be affected by changing weather conditions. Note leaving metal objects outdoors for a long time may cause weaker spray paints to fade due to the action of UV radiation. As such, you will need to repaint such objects frequently, which will increase the expenditure on paints. 

In comparison, spray paints that are suitable for outdoor purposes also are designed to tolerate different weather conditions. So, the vibrant and bright colors of your metal furniture will stay intact even if they are left outdoors on hot summer days. 

While going through the details of each product you consider, make sure to check whether it is rust-resistant. This feature generally provides protection from both UV radiation and moisture and thus keeps your metal items in the right condition.

Spray Paints for Metal FAQ's

How do I prepare metal surfaces for spray painting?

To achieve the best results with spray painting metal, proper surface preparation is essential. Start by cleaning the metal surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, or rust. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to smooth out any rough areas and create a clean, even surface. Next, apply a metal primer to enhance adhesion and prevent rust. Finally, ensure the surface is dry and free of dust before applying the spray paint.

Can I use regular spray paint on metal?

While regular spray paint can be used on metal, it’s generally recommended to choose a spray paint specifically formulated for metal surfaces. Metal spray paints often contain rust inhibitors and adhesion promoters that help the paint adhere better and provide superior protection against rust and corrosion. Using a spray paint designed for metal will ensure better adhesion, durability, and a professional finish.

How many coats of spray paint should I apply to metal?

The number of coats of spray paint needed for metal surfaces can vary depending on the desired finish and the specific product you’re using. In general, applying two to three thin coats of spray paint is recommended. Start with a light coat, allow it to dry, and then apply subsequent coats for better coverage and a smoother finish. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by the spray paint manufacturer for optimal results.

Can I use spray paint on outdoor metal surfaces?

Yes, spray paint can be used on outdoor metal surfaces. However, it’s crucial to choose a spray paint specifically formulated for outdoor use and metal surfaces. Outdoor spray paints often contain additional UV inhibitors and weather-resistant properties to withstand the elements and prevent fading, peeling, or rusting. Additionally, proper surface preparation and application techniques are important for long-lasting results on outdoor metal surfaces.

How can I prevent spray paint from chipping on metal?

To prevent spray paint from chipping on metal, it’s important to ensure proper surface preparation, including cleaning and priming the metal surface. Additionally, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying thin, even coats of paint, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. Applying a clear protective topcoat specifically designed for spray paint can also help enhance durability and reduce the chances of chipping or peeling. Finally, avoid excessive handling or placing objects on freshly painted metal surfaces until the paint has fully cured.

Conclusion

So, here was our guide on the best spray paints for metal. We hope you’ll find it easier to make an ideal choice now. 

But before proceeding further, we have a pro tip for you to use spray paints efficiently. Do remember to shake the can for 45 to 60 seconds before you begin work. This will help you get smoother coverage without any clumping or spitting. 

Now, we would like to highlight our favorites from the list. In case you are looking to paint smaller metal surfaces, the Rust-Oleum 249131 Universal Spray Paint will be an ideal product to go for.

However, the Krylon K02732007 Fusion Spray Paint will be highly suitable for larger surfaces and a cost-effective choice. 

With that, we’ll take your leave for today. Till we meet again, take care!

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