By Manasa Reddigari | Updated May 6, 2022 3:44 PM

Q: My metal patio chairs are starting to look a bit scuffed and rusty. Can I get good results painting them with some leftover exterior paint I have from a project? If not, what’s the best paint for metal?

A: Due to its slick, smooth surface, metal can be challenging to paint—and that can you’ve got sitting around in the garage probably won’t cut it. To prep metal for paint adhesion, you must first clean it with soap and water, remove light rust with a wire brush, sand it with fine-grain sandpaper, and then (in most cases) prime. Following these measures, you’ll only have success with dedicated metal paints or multi-surface paints labeled for use on metal. Complicating matters, metal-friendly paints are sold in different bases (oil and water), containers (regular and spray cans), and specialized formulas to fend off rust or handle extreme heat. So keep reading to identify the best paint for metal surfaces, and get great results on your next project.

Opt for oil-based paint if painting outdoor metal surfaces such as fences, patio furniture, or backyard grills, as well as heavily used indoor items like kitchen cabinets and window frames. Generally pricier than water-based paint ($20 to $50 per gallon), it’s formulated with pigments, alkyds (synthetic resins) or plant-based oil, and solvent (that emit smelly fumes during application) to cure to a rigid coat that repels water and stains and resists dents and scuffs. Oil paint is, however, vulnerable to cracking or chipping, and it also tends to fade over time, so consider a product with built-in fade protection, such as Rust-Oleum Hammered Metal Finish ($12.98 per quart on Amazon).

You’ll achieve a more uniform finish if you first apply an oil-based primer (e.g., Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer, $8.98 per quart on Amazon). However, you can apply oil paint directly to metal because it contains no water, and therefore there’s so no risk of rust. Skipping primer may save you time on the paint job, but you’ll still wait a bit longer for oil-based paint to dry to the touch (usually six to eight hours).

If painting light to moderately used indoor metal surfaces—think wall sconces, bed frames, or guest room night tables—go with water-based acrylic paint, a cheaper ($15 to $40 per gallon), faster-drying option than oil paint. Acrylic paint, made of pigments, acrylic resins, and water, emits fewer fumes and dries to the touch in under an hour into a flexible coat resistant to cracking, chipping, and fading. However, it will be more vulnerable to dents, stains, and scuffs. A typical acrylic paint (BEHR PRO e600 Acrylic Paint, $23.98 per gallon at The Home Depot) also has less organic material than oil paint so it’s less likely to form mildew and mold, making it a better option for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and baths. Keep in mind that exposing water-based paint directly to metal can rust it, so apply an oil-based primer before application.

Oil- and water-based metal paints come in large cans, for use with brushes or rollers, or aerosol cans, for spray application. Large cans may be the most cost-effective option when painting large, linear metal objects such as fences and backsplashes, but spray paints (e.g., Rust-oleum Hammered Metal Finish Spray, $8.74 for 12 oz. on Amazon) are more convenient when painting smaller surfaces with irregular contours, such as curved patio chair legs, light fixtures, or bed frame poles. Spray paint can cover these metal surfaces more smoothly and with fewer applications than a brush, and you’ll also avoid pesky brush marks.

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Rust can form on any metal made of iron or iron alloys such as steel with prolonged exposure to air and moisture. If you plan to paint metal outdoor furniture or décor, or interior features like backsplashes that regularly come into contact with water or humidity, look for paint designed to resist rust (e.g., Rust-oleum Stops Rust Spray Paint, $13.19 for 12 oz. on Amazon) to preserve the look and integrity of the metal.

Painting a radiator, outdoor grill, fire pit surround, or other heat-generating appliance? Regular oil- or water-based paint can blister and peel when exposed to the high temperature generated by these appliances during operation. To preserve your paint job, choose a high-heat metal paint formulated with heat-resistant resins to withstand high temperatures, such as Rust-Oleum High Heat Spray Paint ($6.98 for 12 oz. on Amazon).

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