Tips for Selecting Paint for Metal Surfaces

Nowadays, when shopping for paint for metal you are spoiled with choice thanks to a great variety of metal paint supplied by manufacturers. There is a wide assortment of colors to choose from, and they also come in 10 liter plastic containers, different tin sizes and spray cans. Using paint for metal surfaces is not as difficult as it may seem–the first thing you should consider before painting a metal surface is to use a primer as a base, as most primers have additives that deter rust–which is a bonus. Of course, before applying the primer you should remove any rust. On top of the primer the best paint choices are either oil based paint or latex based.

Latex Paint

Latex paint has been around for a long time. It is a feasible choice because color pigments are dissolved by water and not by spirits or turpentine, which have a very strong smell. To add to the durability and to help it dry faster, manufacturers add acrylics, vinyl or rubber-based compounds to latex paint (generally written on labels). Moreover, apart from being fast drying, latex paint comes with a lot more advantages. It can be cleaned and washed easily, although it is recommended to wait at least 30 days after application of paint. It is also non-flammable, easy to retouch and can be applied on most surfaces, at times even without a primer. Furthermore, you can choose between flat, glossy or stain finish.

However, there are more disadvantages to latex paint. It is not as durable as oil paint and it may actually rust metal if applied directly. Moreover, it doesn’t clean as well as oil paint, and at times it does not adhere well to glossy, smooth surfaces.

Oil Paint

Oil Paints are the best choice and are easily found on the market. They consist of alkyd resins thinned with turpentine. Although it may take some time to dry, this is the best kind of paint you would want to choose because it is durable and resists stains, chips and marks. While it easily covers surface imperfections, it also offers an easy to clean coat. Moreover, it might not need a primer, and ranges between High Gloss to Flat Finish.

Unfortunately, oil paint may fade faster than latex paint. Additionally, it may be a bit more expensive due to its solvents. It is flammable and has a strong smell when first applied.

Type of Finish

After selecting the type of paint, you should choose the type of finish you want. Since different finishes vary in durability and resistance, you should take into consideration how frequently you clean the surface. If the surface does not need washing very often you can use the Flat Finish, but if the surface needs frequent cleaning you should go for a more shiny finish. However, it is generally the Semi-Gloss finish that allows the use of water, soap and sponge. In fact, this has the highest durability when applied in two or more coats.

These are the basics things you should consider before selecting paint for metal. Consider oil paint as the best option and make sure to go for a semi-gloss finish if the surface you are painting needs washing often.