Painting Guide

How to Paint Metal in 6 Easy Steps

Painting metal requires the right preparation, primer, paint, and tools. When done properly, paint can improve the appearance of metal surfaces while helping protect them from rust, corrosion, wear, and weather exposure.

The most important first step is identifying the type of metal you are painting. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals require different preparation and product choices.

Before You Start

Metal surfaces often have contaminants such as oil, rust, corrosion, loose paint, or residue. These must be removed before priming and painting so the coating can bond properly.

Always review the product label and Safety Data Sheet before starting. Follow all safety, ventilation, application, dry time, and cure time instructions.

Metal Painting Supply Checklist

  • Clean cloth
  • Detergent or solvent such as denatured alcohol
  • Water for rinsing, if needed
  • Wire brush for rust and corrosion removal
  • Damp cloth for dust removal
  • Metal primer suited to the metal type
  • Metal paint suited to the metal type
  • Synthetic bristle brush for waterborne metal paint
  • Natural China bristle brush for alkyd metal paint
  • Proper personal protective equipment

Recommended Metal Primers and Paints

For Non-Ferrous Metal

Consider HP1100 primer. For finish paint, consider HP3410 or HP3420.

For Ferrous Metal

Consider HP1320, HP1420, or HP1750 primer. For finish paint, consider HP2200, HP2400, HP3310, or HP3320.

For Rusting Steel or White-Rusted Galvanized Steel

Consider HP1550 primer before applying the correct finish paint.

For Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal

HP3000 and HP3300 can be used on both ferrous and non-ferrous metal surfaces.

1

Identify the Metal Surface

Before choosing primer or paint, identify whether the metal is ferrous or non-ferrous.

  • Ferrous metals contain iron and are usually magnetic.
  • Examples of ferrous metals include steel, cast iron, and wrought iron.
  • Ferrous metals are more susceptible to rust.
  • Non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and zinc.
  • Non-ferrous metals are often lightweight and malleable.
  • Galvanized metal is steel coated with zinc and should be treated as non-ferrous when painting.
2

Prepare the Metal

Proper preparation helps ensure adhesion and long-lasting protection.

  • Remove oil with a clean cloth and detergent or solvent such as denatured alcohol.
  • If the cleaner leaves residue, rinse with water.
  • Remove rust and corrosion with a wire brush.
  • Remove dust with a damp cloth after wire brushing.
  • If the metal was previously painted, remove loose, peeling, or scaling paint.
  • Allow the surface to dry before priming.

Tip: Paint adhesion depends heavily on surface preparation. Do not paint over oil, rust, loose paint, or corrosion dust.

3

Use a Metal Primer

Metal primer helps improve adhesion and can help inhibit rust on susceptible surfaces.

  • Use HP1100 for non-ferrous metal.
  • Use HP1320, HP1420, or HP1750 for ferrous metal.
  • Use HP1550 for rusting steel or white-rusted galvanized steel.
  • Apply primer evenly using the method recommended on the label.
  • Let primer dry according to the label or Technical Data Sheet before painting.
4

Choose the Best Paint for Metal

Choose metal paint based on the surface type and project requirements.

  • For non-ferrous metal, consider HP3410 or HP3420.
  • For ferrous metal, consider HP2200, HP2400, HP3310, or HP3320.
  • For both ferrous and non-ferrous metal, HP3000 or HP3300 may be suitable.
  • Confirm compatibility between the primer and topcoat.
  • Ask Colour Land for help choosing the right system for the surface.
5

Paint the Metal

Use the right brush type for the coating you choose.

  • For waterborne metal paint, use synthetic bristles such as nylon or polyester.
  • For alkyd metal paint, use a natural bristle such as China bristle.
  • Apply the paint evenly and avoid heavy buildup.
  • Follow the label for recommended application thickness and conditions.
  • If spraying is being considered, ask Colour Land for product and application advice before starting.
6

Let the Paint Dry

Metal coatings need proper dry and cure time before the surface is returned to use.

  • Check the can label or Technical Data Sheet for dry time.
  • Allow proper recoat time before applying another coat.
  • Allow proper cure time before heavy handling, cleaning, or returning the item to service.
  • Dry time can vary depending on product, temperature, humidity, and airflow.

Quick Metal Painting Checklist

  • Identify whether the metal is ferrous or non-ferrous.
  • Treat galvanized metal as non-ferrous when painting.
  • Remove oil, dirt, residue, rust, corrosion, and loose paint.
  • Use a wire brush where rust or corrosion is present.
  • Wipe dust with a damp cloth and allow the surface to dry.
  • Choose a metal primer for the surface type.
  • Choose a compatible metal topcoat.
  • Use synthetic bristles for waterborne coatings.
  • Use natural China bristle for alkyd coatings.
  • Follow dry time, recoat time, and cure time instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of paint do you use on metal?

It depends on the metal. HP3410 or HP3420 can be considered for non-ferrous metal, while HP2200, HP2400, HP3310, or HP3320 can be considered for ferrous metal. HP3000 and HP3300 can be used on both.

Can you paint directly onto metal?

You can paint metal, but using a metal primer first is recommended for better adhesion and rust inhibition.

Do you need to sand metal before painting?

Metal does not always need sanding, but it does need preparation. Remove oil, rust, corrosion, loose paint, and dust before priming or painting.

What primer should you use on metal?

Use a primer designed for the metal type. HP1100 is for non-ferrous metal, HP1320, HP1420, or HP1750 are for ferrous metal, and HP1550 is for rusting steel or white-rusted galvanized steel.

What is the best method to paint metal?

Prepare the surface carefully, prime with a suitable metal primer, then apply a compatible metal paint using the correct brush type for the coating.

Need Help Choosing Metal Paint?

Visit Colour Land and we can help you identify the surface, choose the right Benjamin Moore metal primer and paint, and select the proper brush, prep products, and application method for your project.