Photo: redheifer.co
Painting is necessary for maintaining metal surfaces. There are plenty of painting methods but spray-painting stands out because it is quick and applies an even coat on regular and irregular surfaces.
However, there is a wide variety of spray paints in the market and getting the most ideal choice can be a bit tricky if you do not know what to look for. For that reason, this article covers 10 of the best spray paints for metal that you should consider buying.
In this post:
- 10 Best Spray Paints for Metal – Review
- 1. Krylon K08970000 – Best Overall Spray Paint for Metal
- 2. Rust-Oleum 7251830 – Best Budget Spray Paint for Metal
- 3. Krylon K01303007 – Best Metal Spray Paint for Artwork
- 4. Krylon SW02203 – General Purpose Spray Paint for Metal
- 5. Krylon K05160202 – Metal Spray Paint with Covermax Technology
- 6. Rust-Oleum 249123 – Glossy Spray Paint for Metal
- 7. Rust-Oleum 1937830 – Metal Spray Paint with Metal Flakes
- 8. Rust-Oleum 260728 – Oil-Based Spray Paint for Metal
- 9. Krylon K09104000 – Metal Spray Paint with an Easy Push Spray Tip
- 10. Krylon K08801001 – Paint and Primer Spray for Metal
- How to Buy the Best Spray Paint for Metal
- Conclusion
10 Best Spray Paints for Metal – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Krylon K08970000 (Best Overall) |
| |
 | 2. Rust-Oleum 7251830 (Best Budget) |
| |
 | 3. Krylon K01303007 (Best for Artwork) |
| |
 | 4. Krylon SW02203 (For General Purpose) |
| |
 | 5. Krylon K05160202 (With Covermax Technology) |
| |
 | 6. Rust-Oleum 249123 (Glossy Spray Paint) |
| |
 | 7. Rust-Oleum 1937830 (With Metal Flakes) |
| |
 | 8. Rust-Oleum 260728 (Oil-Based) |
| |
 | 9. Krylon K09104000 (Easy Push Spray Tip) |
| |
 | 10. Krylon K08801001 (Paint & Primer Spray) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Krylon K08970000 (Best Overall)
|
2. Rust-Oleum 7251830 (Best Budget)
|
3. Krylon K01303007 (Best for Artwork)
|
4. Krylon SW02203 (For General Purpose)
|
5. Krylon K05160202 (With Covermax Technology)
|
6. Rust-Oleum 249123 (Glossy Spray Paint)
|
7. Rust-Oleum 1937830 (With Metal Flakes)
|
8. Rust-Oleum 260728 (Oil-Based)
|
9. Krylon K09104000 (Easy Push Spray Tip)
|
10. Krylon K08801001 (Paint & Primer Spray)
|
1. Krylon K08970000 – Best Overall Spray Paint for Metal
Photo: Krylon
- Coverage: 25 sq. ft.
- Volume: 12 oz.
- Dry Time: 25 minutes
- Anti-Rust: Yes
Starting off the list is Krylon’s K08970000, which stands out as the best overall due to its large coverage of 25 sq. ft. This allows you to spray a wider area using the 12-ounce can, which is very economical in the long run.
Additionally, this product offers maximum rust protection to the underlying metal surface. This helps to increase the overall durability of the metal, and the paint sticks with superior adhesion for durable coverage.
The paint is very easy to apply because no sanding is required and the solution is a paint and primer in one hence no priming is required. You also get an easy-push spray tip that reduces hand fatigue by up to 2 times.
Other features include the ability to bond to plastic, laminate, wood, masonry, metal, etc., availability in multiple colors and compatibility with indoor/outdoor use. The only problem is that the paint takes relatively more time (25 minutes) to dry to touch.
Pros:
- Wide 25 sq. ft. coverage
- Superior adhesion with maximum rust coverage
- No sanding or priming is required
- Easy push spray tip
- Bonds to different types of surfaces
Cons:
- Relatively long dry-to-touch time
2. Rust-Oleum 7251830 – Best Budget Spray Paint for Metal
Photo: Rust-Oleum
- Coverage: 15 sq. ft.
- Volume: 11 oz.
- Dry Time: 20 minutes
- Anti-Rust: Yes
If you are on a tight budget, Rust-Oleum’s 7251830 is an affordable spray paint for metal to consider. Despite this, the paint adheres to different types of surfaces, ranging from concrete, masonry, wood and of course, metal.
Once applied, the paint dries to touch in 20 minutes and even though this is relatively long, it creates excellent abrasion, chipping and fading resistance. The product is actually oil-based, which means it creates a high-quality, weather and corrosion-resistant coat that is very durable.
The paint is ideal for indoor and outdoor use and contains metallic flakes that produce a shiny finish. You also get an any-angle spray and a comfortable tip with a wider finger pad for easy use.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Oil-based; creates a weather-resistant and corrosion-resistant coat
- Ideal for use on different types of surfaces
- Contains metal flakes for shiny finishing
- Comfortable wide finger pad tip
Cons:
- Relatively long drying time
3. Krylon K01303007 – Best Metal Spray Paint for Artwork
Photo: Krylon
- Volume: 11 oz.
- Dry Time: 10-15 minutes
- Anti-Rust: No
With its crystal clear, non-yellowing coat formation, Krylon’s K01303007 is ideal for use in covering artwork. The paint is moisture resistant and smudge-proof, which helps to create the best photo contrast.
Other than that, the product can be used on a wide variety of materials, which include paper, wood, plaster, glass, dried silk flowers, plastic, metal, etc.
You also get a relatively fast dry-to-touch time of 10-15 minutes, a dry-to-handle time for 2 hours and a shiny, glossy finish once dried. The only problem is that this product does not create an anti-rust coat.
Pros:
- Creates a crystal-clear, non-yellowing coat
- Moisture-resistant and smudge-proof
- Fast 10 – 15-minute drying time
- Can adhere to a wide variety of materials
Cons:
- Does not create an anti-rust coat
4. Krylon SW02203 – General Purpose Spray Paint for Metal
Photo: Krylon
- Volume: 12 oz.
- Anti-Rust: No
Apart from metal surfaces, Krylon’s SW02203 can adhere to a wide variety of surfaces that include plastic, paper mache, wood, wicker, plaster, paper, ceramic and glass. This makes it very versatile and ideal for general purpose use.
The package gives you a 12 oz. can and there is a total of 6 different colors to choose from. All these are water-based and create a fast-drying durable matte finish.
However, with a water-based formulation, this paint is only ideal for indoor use. It is also quite expensive.
Pros:
- Adheres to a wide variety of materials
- Available in 6 different colors
- Creates a durable matte finish
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only ideal for indoor use
5. Krylon K05160202 – Metal Spray Paint with Covermax Technology
Photo: Krylon
- Volume: 12 oz.
- Dry Time: 10 minutes
- Anti-Rust: No
Krylon’s K05160202 is quite unique because it contains Covermax technology, which provides a durable, premium finish with brilliant color.
That said, the 12 oz. can is fitted with an EZ touch 360 conical tip that reduces hand fatigue. This makes it more comfortable to work on large spray-painting projects.
The paint is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and once applied, it dries to touch in as little as 10 minutes. This results in a brilliant smooth finish that gives excellent weather resistance.
Other features include a paint-and-primer in one formulation, and the ability to adhere to wood, plastic, metal, and many more surfaces. However, this product is quite costly and does not provide rust resistance.
Pros:
- Covermax technology; creates a premium finish
- EZ touch conical tip for reduced hand fatigue
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
- Paint and primer in one
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- No rust resistance capability
6. Rust-Oleum 249123 – Glossy Spray Paint for Metal
Photo: Rust-Oleum
- Coverage: 12 sq. ft.
- Volume: 12 oz.
- Dry Time: 20 minutes
- Anti-Rust: No
Rust-Oleum’s 249123 is characterized by a glossy-finished end result, which enhances the appearance of the metal surface to look fresh and new. That said, the spray can also be used on plastic, wood, unglazed ceramic and masonry surfaces, and is ideal for indoor/outdoor use.
The product comes in a 12 oz., which gives up to 12 sq. ft. of coverage and dries to touch in 20 minutes. It is oil-based and creates a chip-resistant coat that has a low odor.
You get an any-angle spray that is very convenient for applying on the bottom facing surfaces while a comfort spray tip reduces fatigue on your finger when in use.
There are multiple color options available, but the only problem is that they don’t provide anti-rust protection.
Pros:
- Renews the surface by creating a glossy finish
- Ideal for different types of surfaces
- Produces a chip-resistant, low odor coat
- Convenient any-angle spray
- Comfort spray tip
Cons:
- No anti-rust protection
7. Rust-Oleum 1937830 – Metal Spray Paint with Metal Flakes
Photo: Rust-Oleum
- Coverage: 12 sq. ft.
- Volume: 11 oz.
- Dry Time: 15 minutes
- Anti-Rust: No
This spray paint contains actual metal flakes in its composition, which creates an ultra-bright, shiny finish that is ideal for decorating scrapbook projects, candle holders, picture frames and many other similar items.
That said, the product is ideal for indoor use only and can be applied on plaster, wood, unglazed ceramic and, of course, metal. It is packaged in an 11 oz. can, which provides up to 12 sq. ft. of coverage with a dry-to-touch time of 15 minutes.
The product is available in 4 different colors and regardless of the one you buy; it is not recommended using with clear coats as these may dull the finish.
Pros:
- Contains metal flakes; creates a bright, shiny finish
- Applicable on different types of surfaces
- Available in 4 color options
Cons:
- Ideal for indoor use only
8. Rust-Oleum 260728 – Oil-Based Spray Paint for Metal
Photo: Rust-Oleum
- Coverage: 15 sq. ft.
- Volume: 11 oz.
- Dry Time: 30 minutes
- Anti-Rust: Yes
With its oil-based formulation, Rust-Oleum’s 260728 provides excellent adhesion that prevents chipping, fading and rust formation. This ensures it creates a durable coat that lasts when applied to wood, fiberglass, concrete, plastic, vinyl, metal and other types of surfaces.
The product is available in a wide variety of colors and all are ideal for indoor/outdoor use. That said, these are also weather and UV resistant, which means the metal surface gets superior protection for enhanced durability.
Other features include a comfort-grip spray tip that eliminates finger fatigue when using for long periods of time and an any-angle spray that allows you to spray even in upside-down positions. The only problem is that the paint takes a lot of time to dry (30 minutes).
Pros:
- Oil-based formulation; prevents chipping, fading and rust formation
- Available in a wide variety of colors
- Weather and UV resistant
- Comfortable spray tip
- Any-angle spray
Cons:
- Long drying time
9. Krylon K09104000 – Metal Spray Paint with an Easy Push Spray Tip
Photo: Krylon
- Volume: 12 oz.
- Dry Time: 10 minutes
- Anti-Rust: Yes
Krylon’s K09104000 comes in a 12 oz. can which is fitted with a conical easy push spray tip for comfortable use when spraying for long periods of time.
The product is actually a paint-and-primer in one and once applied, it dries to touch in as little as 10 minutes. After drying, it creates a glossy rust protective coat with durable adhesion for long-lasting use. There are other finish options though such as satin, metallic, flat, matte, etc.
Other features include compatibility with other types of surfaces such as wood and plastic, multiple color options, and is ideal for indoor and outdoor use. However, for perfect adhesion, surface sanding is required, which can be a tedious task.
Pros:
- Comfortable easy push spray tip
- Paint and primer in one with anti-rust protection
- Short 10-minute drying time
- Suitable for indoor/outdoor use
Cons:
- Requires a sanded surface before application
10. Krylon K08801001 – Paint and Primer Spray for Metal
Photo: Krylon
- Volume: 12 oz.
- Anti-Rust: Yes
Just like the K09104000, this product is a paint and primer in one, which means you get the advantage of not requiring a separate primer to prepare the surface.
That said, the product offers strong adhesion and can be used in different types of surfaces, ranging from wood, laminates, wicker, plastic, concrete, metal, etc.
Once applied, the paint provides superior protection on metal because it prevents rust formation. It also creates a shiny black glossy finish and you have multiple color options to choose from in gloss, satin or flat finishes. However, there is no matte option.
Other features include a drip-free and comfortable EZ touch tip for easy use, indoor and outdoor use rating, and no sanding is required before application.
Pros:
- Paint and primer in one
- Creates a shiny glossy finish with anti-rust protection
- Drip-free and comfortable EZ touch tip
Cons:
- No matte-finish option
How to Buy the Best Spray Paint for Metal
Photo: rustoleum.com
1. Indoor or Outdoor Use
With these spray paints, the first thing to consider before buying one is the compatible usage area, which can be only indoors or indoors/outdoors.
Indoor paints are usually not as durable because they lack properties such as UV protection or water resistance. Therefore, paints like Krylon’s SW02203 are only recommended for use on interior projects such as decorative painting on picture frames and the like.
On the other hand, spray paints rated for indoor/outdoor use such as Krylon’s K08970000 are more durable and more versatile because they can be used on any interior or exterior metal surface. These are recommended.
2. Anti-Rust
Another important factor to check is if the spray paint is designed to offer rust protection or not. Ideally, the ones offering rust protection, such as Rust-Oleum’s 7251830 are better because metallic surfaces are prone to corrosion and rusting when exposed to the elements.
Therefore, for the best protection and especially for outdoor use, ensure the spray paint you buy creates an anti-rust coat. Additional properties such as chip resistance are also recommended.
3. Color
Apart from the protective aspect, the other most important factor of paint is color. While all the above spray paints are available in multiple color options, it is important to check for the specific color that you want in the collection.
Some even have metal flakes that give a distinct shiny finish. If you want such, check out Rust-Oleum’s 1937830.
4. Finish
While considering the color, you should also check the available finish options. These include gloss, satin, matte, flat, semi-gloss and metallic.
This factor mainly determines the resulting texture of the dried finish and some of these spray paints are available in few options or just one. If you want to check out different spray paint textures, Krylon K09104000 offers a wide variety to choose from.
5. Volume
Even though volume plays a huge role as a determining factor, the above products range from 11 – 12 oz. in size, which is not a big difference.
That said, the property to check here is coverage. Although almost the same size, some spray paints allow you to paint a wider area as compared to others.
For instance, Krylon’s K08970000 covers up to 25 sq. ft. while Rust-Oleum’s 249123 covers only 12 sq. ft. per can, despite both having the same volume of 12 oz. This makes the former more economical to buy.
6. Ease of Use
Ease of use is determined by a number of things. First, there are those spray paints that don’t require a sanded surface before application, which simplifies their use. The same Krylon’s K08801001 above is one such product.
Second, there are some paints that double up as primers, which means you don’t need a separate product to prepare the surface. The same Krylon product above and Krylon’s K08970000 are perfect examples of this and are highly recommended.
For convenience when spraying on the underside of surfaces, look for an any-angle spray such as the one in Rust-Oleum’s 260728.
Lastly, a comfortable spray tip is recommended for easy use because it reduces finger fatigue when spraying for long periods of time. For this, check out Krylon’s K09104000.
7. Durability
A metal spray paint is only as good as the durability of its finish. Ideally, the product should be chip, fade, UV, and rust-resistant for long-lasting use. One such paint to check out is Rust-Oleum’s 260728.
Conclusion
In conclusion, all the above products are highly recommended for the job but Krylon’s K08970000 does stand out as the overall best spray paint for metal because it gives wide coverage, is a 2-in-1 primer and paint solution, is easy to use and is ideal for indoor/outdoor use.
If you want a product to simply cover up your artwork, Krylon’s K01303007 is the best option because it gives a crystal clear, smudge-proof and moisture-resistant finish that does not yellow over time.
Lastly, if you are looking for a bright, shiny finish, Rust-Oleum’s 1937830 is your best bet due to its metal flake composition.