How to paint metal

Have you been staring at your radiators and thinking that they need a new coat of paint? Have you looked at your garage door and can’t stand the look of the old and not-so-white colour of the door? Maybe your metal garden furniture has become rusty and uninviting, it’s time for a paint refresh. Painting metal surfaces can prove to be challenging but don’t let that get you down.

I’ve partnered up with Kent Blaxill, metal paint suppliers and specialists in all kinds of paint and wallpaper, to share some tips and tricks on how to paint metal. Sometimes misspelt Kent Blaxhill or Kent and Blaxill, Kent Blaxill has been in the industry since 1838.

Wood Create shared that Kent Blaxill started as “a small shop on the Colchester High Street in 1838 and has evolved into a leading kitchen and bathroom specialist with a variety of branches across the East of England and the Midlands.” It’s great to see local, family-run businesses thrive!

What type of paint to use?
For metal surfaces, it is essential to use metal paint. This might seem like common sense but according to Mummy Vs Work, “You’d be surprised how many people have asked “Can floor paint be used on walls?” or “Can floor paint be used on tiles?”. Different paint types are designed for specific surfaces. So, don’t try to cut corners and use floor paint on your walls or vice-versa.”

The colour of the metal paint is up to you. You can go for black metal paint, green metal paint, white metal paint or even metal spray paint. There are thousands of different options and colours of paint for metal to choose from. The team at Kent Blaxill recommends Hammerite metal paint, such as Hammerite direct to rust metal paint, which performs as a primer, undercoat and topcoat all in one. This paint can be applied directly onto rusty metal and will offer up to 8 years of rust protection.

Preparation is key
If you are not using a “direct to rust” paint, you will have to prepare the surface you will be painting. This article on The Spruce recommends removing “old paint, rust, debris, grease, dirt using a wire brush or wire-brush tool” if the metal surface has been painted before. If the metal surface is smooth “you'll still need to scuff up the surface of the metal so the primer can stick to the surface.”

Don’t forget to prime
After preparing the surface, it’s time to prime the metal. Purchase a metal primer and follow the instructions on the label for the right application as well as check the drying and cure times.

Time to apply paint
You can choose to use spray paint or brush paint – it’s up to you once again. Both are great options with their advantages and disadvantages. Whilst some spray paints are faster to apply, brush paints might give a more long-lasting coat (it will all depend on the paint, make sure to read some reviews and talk to professionals to have a better idea!).

Once you’ve painted your radiator, garden furniture, garage door or even fireplace, it’s time to let the paint cure. Have a look at the label of the paint and see how long that specific paint will take to cure.

*Collaborative post