Can I Use Acrylic Paint On Metal?

Acrylic paint is very versatile. It can be used on a number of surfaces. Some surfaces require special preparing to make the acrylic paint stick to it. So the answer to the question, can I use acrylic paint on metal, is yes, if you properly prepare the surface first. There are many different fun projects you can do with acrylic paint on metal. Things like garden ornaments, patio furniture, Christmas ornaments, doors, garage doors, railings, fences, file cabinets, trash barrels, screen doors, wall decor, bed posts, stools, chairs, tables, shelves, door knockers, bureau handles, cabinets, desks, sheds and much more!

Gather Your Materials First

Drop Cloth - depending on what you are painting you might need a drop cloth.

Masking Tape or Painters Tape - again depending on what you're painting you may need some tape to protect the surfaces around the object.

Gloves

Wire Brush

Fine Grade 150-grit Sandpaper

Soap and Water

A Few Clean Rags

Primer - I suggest Rust-Oleum Universal Bonding Primer

A Bowl Of Water

Paint Brushes - see my page on "Best Brushes" for ideas.

Paint Palette for smaller colorful projects - see my page on "How To Make A Wet Palette."

Outdoor Acrylic Paint or Exterior Acrylic Paint

Preparing The Metal Is The Most Important Part

It is very important to properly prepare the metal surface before you paint it. If there are any fixtures like door knobs or hinges that you will not be painting either remove them or cover them with masking tape or painters tape. Also tape around the edges of anywhere that you want to protect from the paint. Wearing gloves, remove the old paint and rust, if any, wiping the dust away as you work. Use a wire brush and fine grade sandpaper, then wipe the surface again and discard the rag. Wash the surface to make sure it is clean with soap and water. Then sand it again to make it as smooth as possible. Wipe it down with a clean damp rag. Let it dry.

You will need to apply primer. You will want to choose a primer that is compatible with acrylic paint. The primer needs to be specifically for metal. I recommend Rust-Oleum Universal Bonding Primer for this.

Apply 2 coats, making sure each is dry in between. Check the information on the label for the drying time. Make sure it is completely dry before applying the paint.

Use an Outdoor Acrylic Paint or Exterior Acrylic Paint. Apply 2 coats of paint. Again, making sure the paint is completely dry before doing the second coat. Allow 48 hours for drying when you're done before using the project.

There's no need to seal it after if you use the outdoor or exterior paint. If your project won't be outdoors and doesn't need to be waterproof then you can use regular acrylic paint. If you want to further protect it you can use an acrylic spray sealant.

Have fun and enjoy your project!


If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below in the comments section. 

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