Metal paints protect and decorate gates, railings, garden furniture, guttering, radiators and other metalwork. Many are direct-to-metal or direct-to-rust paints that act as primer and topcoat in one, so they can go straight onto sound rusty steel once it is prepared. This category also covers aerosol versions, radiator paint, stone chip and underbody protection for vehicles.
Finish and surface
- Smooth, satin and gloss: a flat, even finish for railings, gates and furniture.
- Hammered: a textured, beaten-metal look.
- Galvanised steel, aluminium and other non-ferrous metals: not every rust paint grips these. Some ranges need a special metals primer first, while others are made to go straight onto galvanised, aluminium, copper or brass as primer and topcoat in one, so check the tin.
Preparation and application
Remove loose rust and flaking paint with a wire brush or abrasive paper, lightly sand smooth or sound painted metal so the new coat grips, then wash off dirt and grease and let the surface dry. On old paint, try a small test patch first to check for any reaction. Bare or rusty metal usually needs two or more coats; cover edges and corners well, and avoid heavy coats that sag. Paint only within the temperature range given on the tin, on a dry day for outdoor work. Water-based metal paints clean up with soapy water; solvent-based ones need the recommended thinner, which must never go down a drain.
Safety
Metal painted before the 1960s may carry lead paint: do not dry sand or burn it off. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data. For bare metal that needs a separate primer, see primers and undercoats; for other paints, browse paint.
