Types of metal paint

Metal surfaces are durable, stylish and low maintenance. However, with constant use, metal surfaces lose their shine and colour. Plus, when exposed to the changing weather conditions, metal surfaces start to slowly rust and gain a not-so-good-looking reddish-brown colour.

Whether you have an old white oven that is no longer white and urgently needs a fresh coat of paint or have colourful metal garden furniture that has started to rust, it is time to give it some attention. Even though metal surfaces are low maintenance, this does not mean they are maintenance-free.

To ensure metal surfaces maintain their original shine and colour, these should be wiped clean with a cloth and soapy water. When rust starts to become a problem, other maintenance measures should be taken, from removing rust to re-painting metal surfaces.

Can you paint over rust?

You should not paint over rust. Rust can form on any metal made of iron or iron alloys that is in close contact with water and humidity. Rust can progressively compromise the integrity of metal if not dealt with, so even if you paint over rust, it may continue to spread and weaken the metal surface. Before painting rusty metal surfaces, you should remove the rust and apply an anti-corrosion metal primer.

What paint is better for metal?

There are two main types of metal paints that can be used to paint metal: oil-based metal paints and water-based metal paints.

Oil-based metal paints.

Hammerite Garage Door Paint

This garage door paint has been designed to be used on metal doors. It offers a stunning gloss finish that is resistant to discolouration and flaking. This Hammerite metal paint is available in various colours, from standard garage door colours, such as Hammerite Black Garage Door Paint and Hammerite White Garage Door Paint, to more vivid colours, such as Hammerite Red Garage Door Paint to Hammerite Green Garage Door Paint.

Dulux Trade Metalshield Paint

Dulux Metalshield is specially formulated for metal and it provides a lasting protection against corrosion on non-ferrous and ferrous metal surfaces, such as garage doors, staircases, railings and more. For a gloss finish, apply Dulux Trade Metalshield Gloss Paint, and for a satin finish, apply Dulux Trade Metalshield Satin Paint. These are available in various shades, from black metal paint to silver metal paint.

Water-based metal paints.

Bird Brand Outdoor Paint

This multi-purpose paint by Bird Brand gives a simple satin finish to outdoor surfaces, from fencing, decking and garden buildings. This outdoor paint is suitable for metal, timber, terracotta and plastics. This water-based paint is available in dark shades, such as Bird Brand Slate Grey Outdoor Paint, and in light shades, such as Bird Brand Coastal Blue Outdoor Paint.


Image credit: Bird Brand

Zinsser AllCoat Exterior Paint

Zinsser AllCoat is a range of high-performance paints suitable for various surfaces. Zinsser exterior paints are mould resistant and offer supreme protection to exterior surfaces, including metal surfaces. This water-based metal paint offers a long-lasting finish and excellent colour retention. It is available in various colours, including Zinsser AllCoat Exterior White Satin Paint.


Image credit: Zinsser

Metal spray paints.

In addition to oil-based metal paints and water-based metal paints, there are also metal spray paints. Metal spray paint offers an even coverage and is faster to apply than standard paint with a paintbrush. Spray painting also makes painting awkward surfaces much easier, from barbecues to fences. Hammerite Direct To Rust Black Metal Spray Paint and Hammerite Barbecue Black Paint are some of the metal spray paints available.

Where to buy metal paint near me?

At Kent Blaxill, we supply a large selection of metal paints for interior metal surfaces and exterior metal surfaces. Whether you are searching for metal paint for garden furniture, metal paint for outdoors, metal paint for garage doors or metal paint for rust, search no further than our online shop at Kent Blaxill.


Image credit: Hammerite UK

Is metal paint heat resistant?

Metal paint can be resistant to heat. However, not all metal paints are heat resistant. For surfaces that will be exposed to high heat, such as ovens, stoves, fireplaces and radiators, it is essential to use a heat-resistant paint, such as Hammerite High Heat Paint Matt Black Spray. This durable and heat-resistant spray paint is formulated to withstand temperatures up to 600ºC.

What is hammered metal paint?

Hammered metal paint features a hammered finish. The finish has a textured appearance that looks like hammered metal when dry. Some hammered metal paints available include Hammerite Direct To Rust Silver Metal Paint Hammered Finish and Hammerite Direct To Rust Black Metal Paint Hammered Finish.

Can metal paint be used on wood?

Metal paint will adhere to wood, however, it will not be as durable and long-lasting as wood paint. We recommend using wood paint or wood oil to refresh woodwork.

Related: What Osmo oil to use?

Can metal paint be used on radiators?

Some heat-resistant metal paints can be used on metal radiators. However, it is recommended to use specially formulated radiator paints, such as Blackfriar Quick Drying White Radiator Paint and Hammerite White Radiator Satin Spray Paint. Both these radiator paints can withstand high temperatures.